2020 Has Gone to the Dogs
2020 Has Gone to the Dogs
The Maricopa County shelter encouraged fostering when Arizonans first started sheltering-in-place. A lot of those fosters turned into adoption. Other good news, the shelter is getting less abandoned and surrendered dogs since more owners are working from home. Many of the behavioral issues blamed for surrendering have lessened because dogs are getting the attention they crave.
BLOOMINGTON, Ill.,
01
December
2020
|
10:54 AM
America/Chicago

2020 Has Gone to the Dogs

America’s pets had quite the comeback in 2020

After this year, we can all use a silver lining. Odds are you, or someone you know, have adopted a new pet this year.

2020 has been a record high for adoptions. It’s also been a record low for surrendered and abandoned dogs. All in all, a bang up year for man’s best friend.

Demand was so high for dog and cat companionship, many shelters at one point had waiting lists! But it wasn't alwasy so.

To Me, You Are Perfect

A white and tan pit bull, Dash was one of the longest residents of the Maricopa County Shelter in Arizona. Older pit bulls are often shelter veterans, as many adopters are looking for small dogs and puppies.

Molly Romine, a State Farm® HR employee and shelter volunteer, knew Dash would be a great addition to someone’s home. Molly and other volunteers organized the 12 Dogs of Christmas adoption push which included Dash in Dec. 2018.

The shelter’s 12 longest-term residents were all pit bulls ranging in age from two to 10. The team spruced up their kennels with eye-catching decor, gave the pups holiday make-overs, and shared social media posts to gain attention. The shelter also offered stockings full of donated leashes, collars, and free training sessions.

“I worked a couple of hours a night to get these dogs a home for the holidays,” shared Molly. “It was a lot of hard work but it was worth it to see Dash and all the other dogs adopted just before New Year’s Eve!”

 

2020 Has Gone to the Dogs
In 2018, Molly worked overtime to promote these pups during the holidays. This picture was inspired by “Love Actually,” the popular 2003 ensemble holiday movie by Richard Curtis.
2020 Has Gone to the Dogs
One of the dogs was brought back to the shelter but Molly and the other volunteers were able to “regift” the pup to another family!

Helping local shelters during Covid

Volunteering has been difficult during Covid due to social distancing and other safety measures. But there are other ways to give back. Owner surrendered and abandoned pet numbers are starting to creep back up. There are plenty of pets available for adoption at your local shelter.

“If you’re not sure adoption is for you, consider fostering! It’s a short term commitment with long term impacts,” Molly recommended. “If you foster a pet, you are giving that animal a much needed respite from the stressful shelter environment. You can also provide the shelter with helpful intel. Maybe the dog is great with kids but scared of car rides. This can really help match the pup with the right family.”

Is your home feeling a bit empty due to covid? Reach out to your local shelter to see if you can fill it with dogs or cats for a long “howliday” weekend of fostering and cuddles.

Summary

Dec. 1 is Giving Tuesday! As you plan how you will give back to your community remember you can take advantage of the State Farm Matching Gift and Good Neighbor Grant® Programs. And don’t forget whatever you do, record your Act of Good!

100 for Good is a community betterment challenge that encourages employees and agents to perform and record 100 Acts of Good by our 100th anniversary in 2022. For more 100 for Good associate stories, join and check out the 100 for Good Yammer page.

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