Samantha Snyder’s Post

🐶🏠 Boosting Shelter Dog Adoptions 🏠🐶 Virginia Tech and Arizona State University researchers have made a heartwarming discovery: brief fostering stints can significantly boost adoption rates for shelter dogs. 📈🐾 On November 15, 2023, insights from a pivotal study emerged, showing that shelter dogs who enjoy even the briefest outing or a short fostering stay are more likely to be adopted. This isn't just a slight uptick—it's a game-changing increase, making a dog five to over fourteen times more likely to find a forever home. 🏡❤️ The research, funded by a $1.7 million grant from Maddie's Fund and detailed in the Journal Animals, highlights how these short-term experiences reduce stress for the dogs and increase their appeal to prospective guardians. It's a win-win: dogs get a break from the stress of shelter life, and the community gets a chance to fall in love with them. It turns out that a simple walk or a cozy sleepover could be the bridge to a loving, permanent home. 🐕🍁 The study's takeaway is clear: short-term fostering doesn't just make a difference—it makes the difference. So, let's roll out the welcome mat for these pups in need. By opening our hearts and homes, even temporarily, we can pave the way for many happy endings—or rather, new beginnings. 🌟🐾 https://lnkd.in/ehjn5-Np Let's spread the word and encourage more community involvement. Together, we can help countless shelter dogs find the loving homes they deserve. 💖 #FosterImpact #VirginiaDogTrainer #DogTrainer #JoyfulDog #TimetoTrain #FearFreepets #Pets #Animals  #Dog #Dogs #PetsofInstagram  #PetLovers #PetLover #Pet  #LoveYourPet #Family #DogSafety #RescuedandLoved #LoudounLovesAnimals #LoudonAnimals

National Rescue Dog Day🐶🏡 You can make a positive difference in the lives of rescue dogs every day! POST A PHOTO: Share a photo of your rescue dog on social media by using #nationalrescuedogday. Explain what makes your rescue dog special to inspire others to adopt! GIVE LOVE: Shower your rescue dog with love in the form of a leisurely walk, a delicious treat, a new toy, or just some extra cuddle time. ADOPT: Adopt a dog from a local shelter or a pure breed rescue group to save a life. FOSTER: Provide a temporary home for a rescue dog. Many dogs abandoned to shelters benefit from socialization, or would just thrive better away from the shelter environment. Others may need some medical care or rehabilitation in a home setting before an adoption can take place. This is also a great way to see if you’re ready to adopt and make the life-long commitment. HELP A SHELTER: Check your local shelter website to donate and to view their wish list of much needed items such as blankets, toys, treats, and leashes. You can also host a bake sale, car wash, or other event and donate the proceeds back to the shelter. VOLUNTEER: Help out at your local shelter. Taking dogs for walks, grooming, and giving them plenty of affection improves their socialization. SPAY/NEUTER: Be responsible for your pets. Overpopulation is the number one reason shelters exist. EDUCATE: Teach young children the importance of kindness, unconditional love, and responsible care of all animals. Visit https://lnkd.in/eqVHUYu #relaxmydog #musicforpets #rescuedogday #dog

🐾 🐕 We're halfway through our series on this topic that is so important to all of us, Puppy Mill Action Week. 🐕 🐾 Here at GRIN, we see all types of dogs, but our team knows a mill dog when we see them. It's not uncommon for us to take in mill dogs. These pups often require a lot of time, patience, and understanding as they adjust to a normal life. Aside from the physical characteristics of being dirty or malnourished, mill dogs are often timid and self-conscious, requiring time to warm up to new environments. Most mill dogs spend their time in small, cramped spaces with limited mobility and no positive human interaction. Once rescued, our fosters work with them to build their confidence as they are exposed to new environments, including new sounds such as the TV or a car horn, new obstacles such as a set of stairs or a door threshold, and most importantly new people who they have learned in their previous lives to be scared of and now they can trust. The severity varies based on how long the dog has been a part of the mill life and the specific circumstances - was the dog a rescued puppy or a mama who has spent the last six years of her life having litters? When working with a mill dog, we find it imperative that they: ☑ Have the opportunity to decompress. Most mill mamas are shut down and afraid to venture from the area they feel is safe.  ☑ Are carefully transported due to escape risk. Keys to this are: 1️⃣ using two leashes to make an escape impossible, 2️⃣ leaving car windows up when the dog is first picked up (and possibly future trips to the vet) and not making any stops, 3️⃣ upon arrival at the foster home, have the dog exit the car in a garage with all the doors are closed, if possible. ☑ Have a collar and proper identification on at all times in case they get away from home.  ☑ Are slowly introduced to all things new, encouraging growth and exploration on their own time and when they are comfortable. Stay tuned for tomorrow's update, where we'll introduce you to some of our mill dogs who are making remarkable strides in their foster homes. These dogs, who were once timid and self-conscious, are now actively seeking their forever homes. It's a testament to the transformative power of love and care. #grinrescue #puppymillactionweek #awareness #rescue #adoptdontshop

🐶🏠 Boosting Shelter Dog Adoptions 🏠🐶 Virginia Tech and Arizona State University researchers have made a heartwarming discovery: brief fostering stints can significantly boost adoption rates for shelter dogs. 📈🐾 On November 15, 2023, insights from a pivotal study emerged, showing that shelter dogs who enjoy even the briefest outing or a short fostering stay are more likely to be adopted. This isn't just a slight uptick—it's a game-changing increase, making a dog five to over fourteen times more likely to find a forever home. 🏡❤️ The research, funded by a $1.7 million grant from Maddie's Fund and detailed in the Journal Animals, highlights how these short-term experiences reduce stress for the dogs and increase their appeal to prospective guardians. It's a win-win: dogs get a break from the stress of shelter life, and the community gets a chance to fall in love with them. It turns out that a simple walk or a cozy sleepover could be the bridge to a loving, permanent home. 🐕🍁 The study's takeaway is clear: short-term fostering doesn't just make a difference—it makes the difference. So, let's roll out the welcome mat for these pups in need. By opening our hearts and homes, even temporarily, we can pave the way for many happy endings—or rather, new beginnings. 🌟🐾 https://lnkd.in/e2CXCGZt Let's spread the word and encourage more community involvement. Together, we can help countless shelter dogs find the loving homes they deserve. 💖 #FosterImpact #VirginiaDogTrainer #DogTrainer #JoyfulDog #TimetoTrain #FearFreepets #Pets #Animals  #Dog #Dogs #PetsofInstagram  #PetLovers #PetLover #Pet  #LoveYourPet #Family #DogSafety #RescuedandLoved #LoudounLovesAnimals #LoudonAnimals

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October is National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month! This month, consider opening your heart and home to a furry friend in need. Shelters are full of amazing dogs, cats, and other animals waiting for their forever families. Here's why adopting from a shelter is a great choice: - Save a life: You'll give a loving home to an animal who might otherwise be euthanized. - Unique personalities: Shelters have pets of all breeds, ages, and personalities! You're sure to find your perfect match. - Affordability: Adoption fees are typically much lower or waived than the cost of purchasing a pet. - Loyalty and love: Shelter pets shower their adopters with endless love and gratitude. Ready to find your perfect match? Use our adoption finder tool to search shelters near you! https://lnkd.in/gkTiuT-u #AdoptDontShop #NationalAdoptAShelterDogMonth 

It’s National Foster a Pet Month Fostering provides temporary housing for pets in need. • Shelters can be overwhelming for pets, with constant noise and unfamiliar surroundings. A foster home provides a calm and quiet environment, allowing the animal to relax and feel safe. • In a shelter setting, it can be difficult to assess an animal's true personality. Fostering allows the pet to interact with a family, showcase their temperament, and become more comfortable around people. This makes them more appealing to potential adopters. • Many shelter animals lack social skills due to limited interaction. Fostering exposes them to love, care, and positive human connection. This socialization process makes them better behaved and more adaptable, increasing their chances of finding a forever home. #NationalFosterAPetMonth #DogFoster #FosterDog #DogFostering

As many of you know my hubby and I are HUGE animal lovers and advocates. Tonight we're short term fostering this little one :) I'll let you know Monday how our full time fur baby took with sharing 😜❤ 🐾 Have you ever considered adding a furry friend to your life? Let me introduce you to the wonderful world of dog fostering! 🐾 Perks: Cozy cuddles on the couch, tail-wagging greetings at the door, and endless adventures in the great outdoors—all with a temporary canine companion by your side. I know what you're thinking: "But won't I get too attached?" Trust me, a little puppy love never hurt anybody! While it's true that fostering may tug at your heartstrings, the joy of seeing your foster pup blossom and find their forever home makes it all worthwhile. Fostering is about making a real difference in the lives of dogs who need it most. From shy seniors to bouncing bundles of energy, there's a foster pup out there for everyone. And by opening your home to these lovable furballs, you're giving them a chance to shine in a safe and loving environment. But let's not forget the perks of being a foster parent! Not only do you get to experience all the joys of dog ownership without the long-term commitment, but you also become part of a paw-some community of fellow animal lovers. From sharing funny stories to swapping training tips, the camaraderie among foster families is paws-itively heartwarming. So, if you've got a little extra love to spare and a whole lot of room in your heart (and maybe on your couch), why not consider fostering a dog? Trust me, the tail wags, kisses, and endless snuggles are totally worth it. Who knows? You might just find your perfect match in the process. 🐶💕

How do we get every shelter to adopt this? Have you ever heard of "Shelter Skip Day"? It's a brilliant program that allows volunteers to spend a day with an adorable dog, giving them a break from the shelter and a taste of freedom and fun. I read recently that the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area is having some heartwarming results from its implementation of the program. Here’s how it works: anyone who loves dogs can sign one out for a day of adventure. Whether you're looking to adopt or just want some furry companionship for a few hours, the shelter provides all the supplies and a list of dog-friendly spots to visit—hiking trails, dog-friendly coffee shops, parks, and more. Why is this so amazing? Let me count the ways: For the Dogs: It’s a breath of fresh air, literally! A day out helps them de-stress, stay healthy, and get noticed by potential adopters who might not have seen them in their kennels. For the People: It's a puppy-love fest. You enjoy a rewarding day filled with doggy cuddles and wagging tails. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to give back to the community. Programs like these are changing the game for shelters and the animals they care for. If you’re near a shelter, I urge you to ask them about starting a Shelter Skip Day program. It’s an enriching experience for dogs, humans, and our bond. Not to mention: spreading joy and increasing adoption rates? Win-win-WIN. Does your local shelter help you play hooky with a purpose? Share your Shelter Skip Day stories in the comments below. 🐾 👉 Click and FOLLOW my LinkedIn hashtag #dogsimeet for more Dog Tales and brand marketing tips and advice. #animalwelfare #kindness #love