Sometimes it seems like volunteering or making a difference requires a huge commitment of time and effort. But it doesn’t have to; there are plenty of ways to really help make a difference by making only a tiny investment in only 10 minutes a day. After all, little things add up quickly!
10 minutes in person:
- If you see a loose animal outside somewhere, don’t just leave it to die! If you can approach it gently and safely, do so (especially if it’s a household pet like a cat or dog). If you can see a tag, the animal is most likely from your area and is far more likely to be tame and safe to approach. Either contact the owner or, if the animal is tag-less, contact animal control or your local humane society. If you call it in, be sure to give as much information as possible regarding location and appearance of the animal. If you are ever unsure about your safety when approaching an animal, don’t. Contact animal control.
- Take a neighbor’s dog out for a short walk. Many of us have neighbors with limited time or mobility, whether it’s someone with a chronic illness, someone in a wheelchair, or simply a single parent. By having a standing arrangement to take their dog out for a walk (or just to use the bathroom), you will make a tremendous difference in the life of that dog as well as their owner.
- Play with your own pet! Hopefully as a responsible pet owner, you make sure your furry friend is well fed, watered, and exercised. But don’t overlook playtime; mental exercise is critical in the long-term health of your pet. Moreover, your animal loves you and wants to bond with you on an ongoing basis. Don’t disappoint.
10 minutes online:
- Share pictures of lost or found pets using social media. There are plenty of Facebook and Twitter feeds that show the pictures of animals that have been lost or found in your area. By following those feeds and sharing pictures, pets have a better chance of being reunited with their families.
- Sign petitions regarding animal mistreatment. A number of websites use the internet to petition the government, companies, and even non-profit organizations to change standing policies or errors in judgment that result in animal abuse or questionable ethics. While some laugh at the idea of petitions being useful, progressive technology has helped this tool become much more serious and effective. Moreover, you are raising your own awareness (and the awareness of others when you post a status regarding the petition) of issues animals are facing.
- ‘Like’ and comment on pages and status updates on social media that are animal related. The more ‘likes’ a non-profit organization like the Fix-It Foundation receives, the more powerful its online presence becomes and consequently the more other people can be educated and become involved as well.
The proverb that “It takes a whole village to raise a child” is true for animals as well. Whether its making your own pooch happy at home or helping raise awareness for millions of people, you can make a real impact. You have 1,440 minutes in each day; using 10 of those minutes to make a difference is a small sacrifice that makes a big impact.