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Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 6,407
Registered: ‎07-07-2010

Shelter Dogs with Toys Get Adopted Faster

If you can, please donate toys to your local shelter.  I feel fortunate that Delaware is a no-kill state, but donating toys to any shelter, especially a kill shelter (how is this shelter?), is so important.  I have already started my stash for donation.  Also, if you can, please ask your state and local officials to consider no-kill.

The next time that I hear salt and ice together, it better be in a margarita!
Honored Contributor
Posts: 72,893
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Shelter Dogs with Toys Get Adopted Faster

I've heard resell shops like Goodwill are a good place to buy stuffed toys for pets.  Even a nasty looking pitbull looks cute and appealing with a teddy bear in its mouth.  It's all about marketing. 

New Mexico☀️Land Of Enchantment
Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 6,425
Registered: ‎03-16-2010

Re: Shelter Dogs with Toys Get Adopted Faster

There needs to be a marketing campaign to deter people from buying pure breed dogs and NOT spaying or neutering with the intent of turning a profit by mating the dog and selling the litter.  These amateurs have no business trying to breed and all they do is add to the overpopulation of homeless dogs.  Unfortunately, they must have buyers and sell some of the pups, but I don't like the practice because I have seen far too many pups turn up in shelters as the result of owner carelessness with in-heat animals and they end up with mystery (breed) pups.

Disappointed

Respected Contributor
Posts: 4,849
Registered: ‎09-15-2016

Re: Shelter Dogs with Toys Get Adopted Faster

[ Edited ]

I've always been interested in dogs-cats that look lonely at shelters...I don't have a fenced yard now so no dog, I have an indoor cat. It's impossible to find homes for all animals so I understand shelters that have to put fhem down, some have health issues & behavior problems, they just aren't suitable for adoption. 

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,421
Registered: ‎01-09-2016

Re: Shelter Dogs with Toys Get Adopted Faster

The pit bulls I've had the pleasure to meet aren't nasty looking at all, they are really quite sweet. My brother has had many - one was a large white pittie that was thrown on the side of the road after being hit by a car, he lost a leg but did well on three and was the loveliest dog I ever met.

 

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,960
Registered: ‎03-11-2010

Re: Shelter Dogs with Toys Get Adopted Faster

[ Edited ]

One has to be careful purchasing stuffed toys for dogs at thrift shops unless they are specifically for dogs.  Some stuffed toys have plastic eyes or other attachments which a dog could swallow.  And some dogs will pull out and eat the stuffing.  I guess  shelter staff would have to monitor that. 

 

I can believe it, that dogs look more adoptable with a toy.  It just gives the dog a friendlier look and a bit of personality.

Super Contributor
Posts: 254
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Shelter Dogs with Toys Get Adopted Faster

It also helps them understand what is a toy and what is not.  They learn that a shoe is not a toy, nor is the leg of your table ( or the leg on your body for that matter). A busy dog is a happy dog. 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 19,840
Registered: ‎10-25-2010

Re: Shelter Dogs with Toys Get Adopted Faster

I don't donate toys to animal shelters.  Dogs just tear most of them apart anyway. I don't even buy my two spoiled dogs toys.  They are ripped apart or chewed up within hours and can cause a choking hazzard.

 

I donate blankets and food.  These are items that are really needed.  Also, paper towels.