Obviously, dogs are earth angels who make our lives brighter and even sometimes give us a reason to wake up (and immediately take them outside…) each day. And even though we work tirelessly to provide our best friends with the lives they deserve, there are so many pups who need our help. But don’t terrier self up about it! You still have plenty of time make a huge impact on Chicago dogs in need. Here are five amazing ways to make every lil’ buddy feel like somepawdy this holiday season.
1. Host a Fleece Blankie-Making Party
The good boys and girls at Chicago Animal Care and Control deserve all the snuggles, but city shelters aren’t exactly known as the cuddliest places in the world. Looks like it’s time to save the day with the power of crafting (and partying). Grab some friends, order some pizzas, pop some bottles, and get tying! With a little time and lots of love, you can make them as comfy as possible while they wait for their forever.
2. Play Santa Paws for a Rescue
Organize a supply drive at work or school, then make it rain prezzies! After all, your favorite rescue’s Amazon Wishlist is just a quick hop, skip, and Google search away. Rally up your people and get orderin’. With a little teamwork, we think your office or class could clear Heartland Animal Shelter’s list. Or Safe Humane’s. Or Chicago Canine Rescue’s.
3. Have a Whole Bunch of Howliday Sleepovers With a Shelter Dog
Even with tons of frenly volunteers giving out pets like Oprah, the shelter floor is no place for a pup at Christmas. Make spirits a little brighter at your house by opening up your couch to a foster! Giving a good boy or girl a place to crash will not only save a life, but improve yours, too. Check out our tips for acing your foster application, and for the love of dog, don’t be a grinch to rescue staff and vols while they work overtime navigating heckin’ COVID, ok? In fact, bring ‘em some coffee and donuts or something.
4. Give the Gift that Keeps Giving
That’s right: become a member! You can become a monthly donor for Live Like Roo (an organization that assists families and their dogs through a cancer diagnosis by providing financial and emotional support), C.R.I.S.P. (Chicago’s very own shelter diversion program working round the clock to keep pets with their families and divert pups from the city shelter whenever possible), or One Tail at a Time (an all-breed dog rescue that is rolling out a ton of innovative programs). Your small monthly recurring donation sustains your favorite orgs so they can keep helping dogs in need all year long.
5. Shop for a Cause: Our 2020 Rescue Gift Guide
Gift giving during a pandemic hits different. Why not double your warm fuzzies and make sure your gift benefits Chicago dogs while you’re at it? Here are some of our favorite holiday gifts available at an org near you:
This coloring book from Live Like Roo.
This essential backpack from Fetching Tails Foundation.
A custom ornament from Second City Canine Rescue.
This Chicago skyline shirt from Chicago Canine Rescue.
A holiday giving donation card from One Tail at a Time.
This cookbook from The Anti-Cruelty Society.
What’s your favorite way to help Chicago dogs at the holidays? Woof at us in the comments and share with a rescue dog lover!
Featured photo: Mark Zamora
Sidewalk Dog’s mission is to help dog parents spend more time with their puppers by discovering and sharing activities they can do and places they can go—together! Sniff out our award-winning newsletter and Instagram, and join our Dog-Friendly Chicago Facebook Group.