Friday, March 29, 2024
animal rescueanimal welfareblack catscatsdogpets

Black Friday, Shop and Donate for Animals

black cat in weeds
Black kitty on his own in the wilderness.

I saw the kitty above when I was on one of my local trails this past weekend.  Judging by where I was when I saw him and the state of his fur I would guess this kitty did not have a home to he thankful for this Thanksgiving. As he moved away and crossed the trail I could see a kink in his tail and ripples through his fur, signs of scars and a life lived outdoors.

I had nothing to  catch him with, I was on my bicycle and rain was threatening, and I decided against any type of pursuit. “You can’t save them all,” I have always had to tell myself.

But I should save the ones I can save, and while I may not have been able to catch this kitty that day or return with a trap and food later, I can always support someone who can or the network of organizations that help all animals.

Therefore, on Black Friday, keep kitties like this guy in mind as you plan your activities.

You can support a local TNR effort with a donation or even volunteer efforts at a clinic. If you know someone who manages a colony, take advantage of Black Friday sales to buy cat food and give it to them, or donate to a ChipIn or other donation method to help them care for the cats they manage.

Likewise, buy a case or two of canned cat or dog food to donate to your local shelter and deliver it on Black Friday—or any Friday!

Visit a shelter and adopt if you can, become a foster family or just pet the cats and walk a dog or two and make a donation.

Many shelters have wish lists published on their websites including things they need or would like to have but can’t quite afford or which will offset operating costs, and on these lists you’ll find the usual stuff such as food and litter, but also items that might surprise you such as office furniture, cleaning supplies, even a car. Check the lists and see if there is anything you can supply.

These are just a few things you can do today to turn the consumer power of Black Friday to the good of animals. Make sure the animals or the people who help them are on your list.

I wrote this last year after a Thanksgiving walk on the trail, but it’s just as true this year.


All images used on this site are copyrighted to Bernadette E. Kazmarski unless otherwise noted and may not be used without my written permission. Please ask if you are interested in using one in a print or internet publication. If you are interested in purchasing a print of this image or a product including this image, check my Etsy shop or Fine Art America profile to see if I have it available already. If you don’t find it there, visit Ordering Custom Artwork for more information on a custom greeting card, print or other item.

Bernadette

From health and welfare to rescue and adoption stories, advocacy and art, factual articles and fictional stories, "The Creative Cat" offers both visual and verbal education and entertainment about cats for people who love cats, pets and animals of all species.

2 thoughts on “Black Friday, Shop and Donate for Animals

    • Layla, I have always checked myself for whether or not I was hoarding or helping, sometimes it’s hard to tell, but it’s always worked out okay.

      Reply

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