The NAPRP Blog

Dec 23

Written by: NAPRP Admin
12/23/2011 7:01 AM

In my last blog post, I asked, "How can we reach the 'unconverted' and combat the stigma that surrounds homeless pets?" I got some wonderful suggestions.

Whitney said, "I hear over and over it's easier to adopt a child than a dog...complaining about the applications and house checks--most people don't understand why we have to do it."

She also pointed out that creative t-shirts can be eye-catching. She said, "Richmond Animal Control here has a really great t-shirt...GOT MUTT--with wonderful colors and a great picture...really eye catching!"

Lory sent a long email with a number of ideas, including:

• Find rescue dogs that excel in something (obedience, rally, therapy dog work, etc.) and showcase their accomplishments to demonstrate how with time and training, these dogs can be as exceptional as any other dog.
• Educate people about the need to partner with their (rescue) pets in training and interacting and building that canine-human bond
• Make it sexy, impressive, enticing and rewarding to humans to have the privilege of being a part of rescue and a rescue dog's life through traditional media, social media, books, community programs, and education and demonstrations in schools. Also therapy dogs' working in rehab, medical, and senior centers can go a long way to popularize rescue dogs.

Sheila shared these thoughts:

• Groups in an area can get together to place orders for t-shirts and other materials with cool, humorous messages like, "I didn't save my dog. My dog saved me."
• Get kids involved by bringing animals and speakers into schools.
• Ask kids to make videos about their adopted animals and put them on YouTube.

I really appreciate the feedback and ideas you shared. One theme that was repeated is that the animals themselves are the best advertisement we have. I wholeheartedly agree!

That's why all of my pet related books and even my holiday cards showcase my adopted animals. In fact, here's this year's card featuring Fiona (who you might recognize as the cover model on Publicity to the Rescue).

(click for a larger version)

I got Fiona from a Samoyed rescue and we sometimes visit nursing homes. (Everybody loves the Fuzzy Fi!) As Lory pointed out, when we're visiting, I always tell people that Fiona is a rescue and that rescues are wonderful dogs. With her happy, smiling personality, Fiona is a fantastic example.

I hope you all have a happy and joyous holiday season.  As Fiona will attest, it's the time of year to eat, drink and be hairy ;-)

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