Need some opinions

[GoldenRetrLuver]

Hi everyone. I've recently decided I don't *need* anything for Christmas, (I know it's a couple months away, but I need some opinions. ) and decided to donate the money my parents were going to spend on me for gifts, to a local animal shelter or rescue (my parents are fine with this BTW). My question is, which would be better, a rescue or animal shelter?? I've thought of donating it to a Golden Retriever Rescue, which I highly admire, but I'm just not sure.

Any advice? Opinions?

Thanks!

[Foam]

First of all- This is VERY generous of you, Julie. I admire you for this. Great job!
Do you mind if I copy you and do that same?

I think a shelter would be better because the dogs in rescue get fostered, played with, cared for and everything as to when the animals at the shelter get no attention whatsovever. Only at feeding time, and if someone wants to play. Rescue dogs will get all the attention in the world at Christmas, but the shelter animals will be treated no diffrently. Maybe a treat or two, but do some comparing.
I think a shelter would be best, but go where your heart leads you. I know how much you love Goldens, and I know you'd like to donate there, so do whatever you feel is right. I'm just offering my opinion.

Again, I admire you. You are so very kind.
**hugs**

[GoldenRetrLuver]

Thanks Cayter!
Sure! I don't mind at all!! I was also thinking of creating a gift basket for the dogs and cats at the shelters. With toys, treats, blankets, anything to make them more comfortable.

Thank you so much for your reply!

[Foam]

Oh you angelic little thing!
I would have never thought of anything like that! You are such a kind hearted girl, you frikkin angel, you!
Maybe you could split the money! Half for the goodies for the shelter animals, and half to your rescue pals!
**more hugs**
You are TOO sweet, Julie!!!!!

[Kfamr]

Shelter dogs don't get played with??

They get played with, talked to, patted, walks, treats and everything at out shelter? Warm blankets in the winter, cool fans in the summer.

Either will be fine, Julie. Both in each situation need love and attention just as much as the other.

[Foam]

At our shelter they dont... Not unless somebody hoping to adopt or just for fun takes them out for a bit.

[carole]

What a wonderful generous idea girls, you will have the personal satisfaction of knowing some beautiful animal will be brought comfort, because of your kindness. YOU GO GIRLS. brilliant idea, may many others follow you

[CathyBogart]

I just wanted to say that that is a wonderful idea! Around Christmas time I always buy blankets and toys and bring them to our local HS, and I'm thinking this year I'm going to take an idea from you and make a gift basket for the doggies of the woman who fostered both Star and Wilbur.

[GoldenRetrLuver]

Hehe, I'm soo glad people are going to use my ideas!
Thanks for the advice guys!

[binka_nugget]

You already know my opinion on this.

I just had to comment, over here shelter dogs get quite a bit of attention. Lots of people go down to the shelters to walk them (me being one of them). They allow us to do anything that involves interacting with the dog (provided it's safe). I love going down to the shelter..it's so much fun! Lol

[GoldenRetrLuver]

Originally posted by Kfamr
Shelter dogs don't get played with??

They get played with, talked to, patted, walks, treats and everything at out shelter? Warm blankets in the winter, cool fans in the summer.

I would love for our shelters to be like yours. The poor things get hardly any attention. The numerous times I've been to animal shelters over here, I haven't seen ONE person take out a dog to pet it, bathe it, walk it, what have you. It's very sad.

[Kfamr]

Hehe, We always bring extra towels, pillows, sheets, blankets & what not to our shelter when it gets chilly out.

[wolfsoul]

Great idea! My mom would never go for it. She'd say I would be wasting my money.

I can understand what you say about he dogs not well taken care of. You should see my shelter, it's terrible! All the animals are sick and it smells discusting! I understand that alot of animals in one place could make a bit of a stench, but not one THAT bad! They aren't allowed to be played with. They are allowed to be walked though. They get baths, but the youth CORP group who bathe them don't really put any effort into it. The dogs come out dirty AND wet. It's so sad. But I have to feel the worst for the small animals. They aren't allowed out of the cages and they bite you. And they have porphyrin ALL over them

Bless you for helping them. I hope that it helps put the animals in better conditions.

[Foam]

My shelter is like your's Julie. It's heartbreaking..
Every time I go down there, I donate brushes, soap, towels, food and empty water bottles.
I also bring two boxes of treats, and give treats to every dog in the shelter.
I love to go and take the dogs out to play, romp and run. It makes them so happy and more trusting!

[GoldenRetrLuver]

I know, it's just..heart breaking. We're going down there this weekened, for my birthday. Hopefully bring some treats, and donate a few things. Who knows? Maybe bring home a rescue doggie! *yeah, keep thinking that Julie..* I'll let you guys know how it goes.

Thanks again for all the replies!