We are always grateful for our volunteers and supporters. Right now, some of you are asking for opportunities to help without having to visit the sanctuary. There are lots of ways, including fostering or becoming a Forever Hero monthly donor, but below we focus on some things you can do to help spread the word — about us and senior dogs.
As you know, senior dogs need our help. They are the least likely to be rescued or adopted from shelters and are most at risk of being euthanized.
We’re asking you to help educate others that senior dogs are worth adopting and that FLPS is dedicated to helping senior dogs here in the Valley. We know that each of you getting the word out and sharing your stories is one of the best ways to change perceptions.
You may already do the items on this list. If so, thanks! And remember, the following are suggestions — of course do what feels comfortable to you. Thank you!
This serves as a way to spark interest when you are out and about. Many of us get asked about FLPS when wearing our swag. Admittedly, we are all currently home more, but we still see cashiers, neighbors, and people at the park. And don’t forget our gear is visible in Zoom.
Lots of friends or relatives may know you help dogs, but do they really know why it’s so important to help senior dogs? When natural to do so, talk-up FLPS and senior dogs. Everyone loves a good underdog story.
Whenever anyone mentions plans of getting a new dog, whether on social media or in-person, tell them why senior dogs are great and need our help. You can also mention the downside of getting a puppy, including the significant financial and time commitments.
When out walking our dogs, we often get asked, “What kind of dog is he?” or hear, “Your dog is so cute.” Consider making it a goal to work FLPS into your reply.
Instead of just saying, “Thanks” or “I think he is a mix of poodle and lab,” consider a more deliberate response like, “Thanks! He’s a rescue from Forever Loved. They only rescue senior dogs. We think he’s a mix of a poodle and lab.”
If yours isn’t from Forever Loved, perhaps you might respond, “Thanks, I think he’s a mix of a poodle and a lab. Our next rescue will be from Forever Loved in Scottsdale. They only take in senior dogs.”
Vets, groomers, and dog sitters are in constant contact with lots of dog lovers and are a trusted source of information for many. We would love for them to know and recommend FLPS to clients.
This is so important. The more you like and share our content on Facebook and Instagram, the more eyeballs see it and hopefully share it.
Another option is doing a Facebook fundraiser. This is an easy way to spread the word about us to your friends and family and can raise some much-needed funds. Several of you have done this, and we are so grateful!
Occasionally on Nextdoor and other social media platforms, users will ask for:
Mentioning Forever Loved would be great, and even better if you can add your own knowledge or experience.
One way we can reduce the number of senior dogs needing help is by encouraging current dog owners to plan for the future. This is a somewhat delicate, but very important, subject.
Suggest any dog owner you know come up with a plan in case they become incapacitated or pass away before their dog does. Encourage them to consider other scenarios like moving, a new baby and divorce, too.
And don’t forget your own dog — make sure you have a plan too. The ASPCA has a very helpful pet-planning guide and FLPS offers the Legacy Care Program.
If you encounter someone wanting to adopt a dog but who balks at the potential cost and/or lifetime commitment, tell them about fostering. FLPS pays for most costs associated with caring for the dog. Most dogs are adopted within a few months, and a foster can stop at any time.
We hope you’ll consider helping to spread the word in whatever way works for you. If you need a refresher, you can read more on why:
Thank you and keep fighting the good fight!
