Christmas is a time of love, family, and last but not least, generosity and good deeds. However, not everyone can be in the warmth of a home on Christmas, and this is also true for our four-legged companions. How can we help them during this time and perhaps also give ourselves something to do?
If you're tired of sitting on the couch in front of the TV all day and snacking on cookies, it's time to start a new tradition. If you’re not interested in feeding ducks or taking a walk through the city or the forest, you may be thrilled to visit a shelter.
Many shelters open their doors on Christmas and welcome every visitor. In some places you can leave the dogs gifts under the tree, in other places this day is for meeting, a tour of the place or walking the dogs. There may also be an accompanying program in the form of lectures or demonstrations of training.
If you support a shelter all year round, their Christmas event has certainly not slipped your attention. If you don't but you want to do a good deed on Christmas, or you're just bored at home, try to look for organizations near you and find out when you can come, what you can bring the dogs or what they need most. I personally like visiting private shelters that have to raise funding to look after the dogs themselves. Every extra gram of kibble is more than needed here.
If you do go to a shelter and decide to bring the dogs some food, it's better to buy a small amount of high-quality food. Low-quality market food is unsatisfactory for abandoned dogs, as these dogs often come from bad conditions that also affected their digestion. Poor quality food would just cause digestive problems, and sometimes it is absolutely indigestible or even health threatening, apart from the fact that they don't get the nutrients they need from it.
In some places they only use one type of food that the dogs are accustomed, so they won't be able to use different kinds. I even know a shelter where they feed the dogs a BARF diet. Here they will appreciate a mixture of herbs, fruit and vegetables.
In addition to kibble and canned food, old blankets and large pieces of fabric such as bed sheets and linen, cleaning supplies including rubber gloves and solid garbage bags, disinfectants, collars, leashes and bowls are always useful in a shelter. However, it's always best to find out what they need beforehand.
If you can't find a shelter in your area, or if you don't have the time to visit one personally, a financial donation will also help. In some places you can even buy a gift certificate stating exactly what or for which specific dog the money will be used. You can then give someone a good deed for Christmas.
In terms of winter mushing events, 2022 is going to be very busy! If you are as mad about this sport as we are, get your diaries ready so you don't miss out on any of the upcoming events. What can you look forward to in the world of mushing?
Dog is a man's best friend. And it's not only regular people who need a best friend but also celebrities. One of the most "famous" dogs of today is Mr. Amazing - Paris Hilton's Pomeranian. What are the dogs of other celebrities like? Johnny Depp's dog...
Every human-pet household has at least one Christmas photo. It used to sit in a frame on a shelf but in the past years more and more end up on social media. Many people take it even further and set up their pet friend's own profile. In the Czech...
Cats are the guardians of our fireplace so let's reward them at Christmas with our undivided attention and love but also with a present. The first choice might be something tasty. This will definitely not offend any cat companion. Then there are...
Christmas is a time for families to gather and spend time together, which will be enjoyed by both the two-legged and four-legged members. Because it wouldn't be the same without presents, we bring you a few original tips. Dogs will definitely...
If you've already bought Christmas presents for your loved ones, it's time to prepare a surprise for your pet rodents. Here are a few tips to make their eyes sparkle with joy. Treats are an old classic that will please pet rodents of all kinds. Other...
Dogs and other pets can be beneficial for their owners in terms of physical but also mental health. There is truth in saying that a dog is a man's best friend, stands by his owner even at the most difficult times and his presence can even help deal...
This world-famous dogsled race called Šediváček's Long is celebrating a quarter of a century's history. The stage race called the "sleddog trace" is held every year in Deštné in Orlické Mountains. Mushers from all over the world will be competing for...
Christmas is round the corner, together with the traditional cold winter and snow. A big change for our pets. Even cats that spend most of their time outside are going to feel it. How to prepare them for this challenging season?
Have you ever thought how great it would be if we could communicate with animals directly? Your dog or cat could let you know what exactly they need, what they are lacking or in certain situations, they could even help you. This is something that...
Getting your pet from a breeding mill is no longer just a matter of dogs. Nowadays, you are "guaranteed" to be able to purchase cheaply and quickly also cats, various species of rodents or even hedgehogs. What is more, breeding mill owners are...
Your favourite and most important family member is soon to have a rival. How will he react? Will he like the baby? Will he try to bite? What if he cannot cope with it mentally? Or you?
