As everyone knows, on Valentines Day people traditionally express their love and affection for one another by sending Valentine's Day cards, flowers, or candy.

This year, why not start a new tradition by reaching out and sharing your love with animals in need?

There are many ways you can help homeless dogs, cats, and other companion animals. Most shelters and animal rescue groups on Long Island are struggling to keep their operations going. Shelters are filled to over -flowing, as more and more pets are displaced because of their owners are experiencing financial difficulties.

Charitable donations are down, right when they are needed the most!
If you can’t donate money are just a few ideas for sharing your love with animals this Valentines day:

Volunteer your time. There are many organizations helping animals in a variety of ways right in our area, and so many ways to help -consider volunteering on a regular or as needed basis. Check out www.volunteermatch.org where prospective volunteers can be matched with charities, or do a web search.

Adopt a pet If you have room in your heart (and home) for an animal, please visit Town of Islip Animal Shelter or one of the many other public and private animal shelters on Long Island. Petfinder.com can help you start your search for a companion animal online.

Donate new or gently used pet items to a local animal shelter or rescue group. Supplies shelters often need include:
Crates
Baby gates
Towels, blankets and bedding
Toys
Pet Food & treats
Food Dishes
Leashes and Collars
Grooming items

Use the internet to Help
Here are 3 sites that help animals every time you visit them
www.freekibble.com (feed both cats and dogs every time you click)
www.theanimalrescuesite.com
www.triviaforcharity.com(choose homeless pets as a charity)

Want to help but don’t know where to start? Email me at shihtzu58@optonline.net. I’ll be happy to give you a list of local animal groups and organizations and can help you find the right one to work with.

Happy Valentines Day!!!!!

About the Author
Pamela Fitzpatrick lives in Sayville with her family (which of course includes pets).  She has a Masters degree in Animal Behavior, and is the Event Coordinator for Have-a-Heart-Adopt-a Pet, a local organization which promotes animal adoptions.  Pam is also the owner of Sayville Petsitters/YourDogWalkers, providing petsitting and dog walking services to Sayville and surrounding towns. 

Suggestions and ideas for column topics are welcome, email shihtzu58@optonline.net