Originally posted by K9soul
I think this is a VERY legitimate issue. I used to donate to various organizations, but after looking into it more and after some discussions my husband and I had about it, I now buy specific items and donate them to the local shelter instead, usually food, crates, blankets, and so on. I feel much more certain that my money is actually going to help the animals this way. You just know that all those free gifts and mail flyers take money to produce, and I simply don't trust that my donations are not going to pay for that stuff instead of where I want it to go. I do sometimes make cash donations to the local shelter too (where I adopted Tasha from), but I still feel more confident that my money is going to help animals than if I sent a check off to the ASPCA.
I agree with K9SOUL, if you donate "stuff" to a local shelter, you know that you really are helping.