How YOU Can Help Dogs in Need!

Posted Fri, Jul 06, 2007, 10:00 am PDT

You don't have to be a dog expert to help your local rescue group or shelter. Have a special skill or talent? They may well need your assistance! Just ask -- they can often use a few good ...

Photographers: Help a rescue group take photos of their dogs for fliers and Web sites. Your skill in photography could help capture a potential guardian's interest.

Computer Experts: Build a Web site! Or if they already have one, offer to update it with information about the new dogs available, or offer to give the site a more professional look.

Writers: Write a newsletter to spread the word, or create information packets for potential adopters. By helping adoptive owners become more knowledgeable and responsible, you can make a big difference in reducing the number of dogs returned to shelters because their owners can't handle them.

Handypersons: Dog care is the priority at rescue shelters, so minor repair work may go neglected. Your hard work will be much appreciated by the staff and volunteers.

Administrative Experts: Swoop in with your filing skills and get that place organized! Help the group or shelter utilize its resources and personnel more efficiently.

Advertising Execs: Help your rescue group expand its reach by finding new, innovative ways to get the word out about dogs in need of a home.

Super Savers: Clip and collect dog-related supply coupons from the Sunday paper. Let your rescue group know when a sale is happening and offer to act as a bargain-hunting shopper.

Or do you have some other potentially useful skill? Are you a promoter? An inspector? A teacher? A party planner?

Visit the Cesar and Ilusion Millan Foundation Web site for yet more ways you can help! This non-profit organization was founded to aid and support the rescue, rehabilitation, and placement of abused and abandoned dogs.

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1. lorrainevigue - 1:49PM on 07/06/07

our shelter is non kill and they need all the help they can get anything from manual labor to donated bedding, food, or even someone to excersise the animals. Believe me the smallest of things are greatly appreciated, not only by the staff, but also by the animals. It is very rewarding to someone that cares about animals of all types.
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2. sunnysidedreams - 1:50PM on 07/06/07

My Jack Russel terrier has some unknown food allergy and she is very tempermental about her food. She also has mulitple hot spots and scratching. The doctor said to take her off of chicken and beef. But the dog HATES Lamb. I am at loss to help her. Do you have any suggestions? Thank you.
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3. sunnysidedreams - 1:53PM on 07/06/07

p.s. To our local shelter , during winter season we take warm blankets and towels to th e shelter. They need them so bad all year too. And big bags of dry food that is clean and not one of the contaminated ones. Check the fresh dates also. P.S. San Francisco also has a no kill.
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4. porcelaindove2003 - 10:17PM on 07/06/07

My dog is a ChowLab mixed .She has the typical characterestics of a Chow Chow breed such as having a purple tongue and has the temperamental mood , but I'd had her for 6 years now and I love her dearly because as for me she is a perfect dog . beautiful and very loyal,obedient and most of the time she is a very sweet dog.I know that a lot of dogs are not quite as lucky as my dog .I always try to send a bit monetary help to organizations that I know help make the canine world a little bit better.
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5. lynn - 7:18PM on 07/07/07

I am sitting on the fence with this one-I am disabled-a nurse-and would love to do some work at our local shelter. I am afraid I would get too attached working with the animal still...........
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6. darliene z - 7:33PM on 07/07/07

i didn't know we could donate blankets and towels to the animal shelter...i never even thought about that. thanks for the tip.
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7. Draig - 6:54AM on 07/08/07

I have the smartest lil bugger of a Skye terrier. He has a knack to help unsocial dogs to accept other dogs and his vet often calls us to come over to help to cope with a particularly difficult dog that needs to stay at the vet's for a longer period. Since my terrier was a puppy he was around a lot of dogs, playing, having fun and believe it or not, his best buddy was a huge old grumpy Rotweiler. He just puts his head down, wags his tail low and kinda crouches walking slowly ahead...heh..all the true signs of " I'm a really good dawg, come to play with me ", and it works with the stressed and agressive dogs who the vet's having trouble with. Amazingly, not even the meanest looking, angry, growling and snapping dog stays that way too long around my lil terrier.
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8. Susan R - 9:44AM on 07/08/07

To sunnysidedreams, I also had a small dog with lots of allergies. He suffered with them for years while I tried to find the best dog food to help him. I started him on a raw diet, mostly chicken, and the symptoms went away. Almost immediately! No more scratching, hair loss, misery. He was a totally different dog. There are lots of books and websites for raw diets. It's called a BARF diet. (bones and raw food). I have also been buying some already prepared, frozen, with fruits and vegetables already added, from www.naturesvariety.com. Maybe that will help. I wish I had known about it a lot sooner. Good luck.
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9. Bunnyraptor - 9:58AM on 07/08/07

Donated bedding doesn't have to be old blankets. Shredded newspaper is often used for night bedding and it's a good way to both clean the garage and help an animal in need. The greatness of a nation and its moral progress, can be judged by the way its animals are treated - Ghandi
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10. anastasia r - 11:52AM on 07/08/07

I really wish that my country had dog shelter as much as in your country... Here, we only have 1 animal shelter only for dogs and cats (non kill)...and its condition is not good.. Because the owner has to fund it by herself. She has to spend a lot of money for it.. You can also find a lot of dogs in the street, and sometimes they were killed and eaten.. -owner of Goldie, Kino, O'neil, Rambo, Bozo, Cricket, Molly and Moo-
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11. kb48726 - 12:52PM on 07/08/07

fyi - re: Jack Russel coat problems - keep dog on good quality dog food - Max Nutro food is good for coat/skin problems - also boiled hamburger with rice is a bland diet for finicky dogs with skin problems add a daily pet tab vitamin to assure dog is getting balanced nutrition. Try a teaspoon full of canola oil in food daily. No table scraps. No dog treats with sugar or perservatives. Your dog will not starve herself - when she gets hungry she'll eat what is put down in front of her. I am assuming she is an adult dog - Offer her a small portion - pick it up after 15 minutes. DO NOT let her self feed all day. Offer it again later. Self feeding allows finicky eaters or over eaters. If your vet is prescribing long term steroid treatment for skin problems or hot spots - get a new vet. Does your dog have flea allergies? try a sulfa tar shampoo on flea dermatis - remove fleas from environment. Hot spots/dermatitis respond to soothing oatmeal shampoos and poultices. I have used hydrogen peroxide on hot spots to dry them out and swabbed the area with a sulfa tar shampoo with good results. A groomer friend treated a clients dog who was literally raw and naked from horrible skin problems - the owners vet had kept the dog on long term steroids - and finally suggested euthanasia to the owner when it would not respond! She used over the counter oatmeal shampoos and poultice and treated the dog daily - it soothed the skin and eventually the raw hide healed and coat grew back. Steroids suppress the immune system and often ultimately only make skin problems worse or prolong them. DON'T use human shampoo products on dogs they dry the skin out. When using any shampoo be sure to thoroughly rinse the dogs coat. Best of luck...
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12. jim_34_09102 - 5:41PM on 07/08/07

I have a beautiful 9 year old Golden Retriever who is very spoiled. My husband has cancer and I promised him that we could go on a trip. My problem is that I can't find anyone who would shelter our Shannon in their home while we are gone. I would not leave any dog, or cat at any of the local shelters as they are horrible. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Shannon's keeper.
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13. mslghalt - 10:23AM on 07/09/07

Corn is the most common allergy in dogs. Try 1 full week of ground fresh turkey - cooked, boiled- then select a corn free dog food, I use Canidae.
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14. paweena s - 9:11PM on 07/09/07

Hi! I had a pudle toy His nams's Snow his problame is he pee anyway in a house we set place and have newspaperon a tray he used that some time but not alway . What can I teach him? anyonce can help me?
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15. atelierbeads - 10:30PM on 07/09/07

Consider becoming a Foster Parent or Sponsor!! If your rescue group places dogs for adoption, you can do a lot of good as a human foster-parent. Your job can include providing the necessary "exercise discipline and affection" and as well, evaluating the dog's personality, keeping an eye on any medical conditions being treated, working on housebreaking or other training, and generally getting him/her ready to be somebody's perfect "forever dog." You may also be responsible for getting that canine superstar out to adoption fairs, and your opinion will be important in talking with possible forever families so that the adoption goes smoothly and well. If you can't manage being a foster parent, select a rescued dog to sponsor. Your dollars can strrrrretch almost magically when used by a shelter or rescue group to provide food, medicines, veterinary care, and other needed items for dogs awaiting adoption. You'd be surprised what even a small regular monthly donation--$5 or $10--can provide for a dog. So many dogs to love--so little time! Multiply your love many times over by becoming a foster parent or sponsor.
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16. nverfollowtt - 10:55AM on 07/10/07

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17. shadowrose24 - 11:02PM on 07/11/07

Cesar, Hello. My name is Cathy. I love to watch your show. It is still amazing to me how great you are with dogs. I just wanted to tell you that me and my boyfriend, Robert, run(from our own home) a animal rescue shelter called Willie D. Sanctuary. We believe that no dog(or any other animal) is too bad. Basically, we don't think that people should put a dog to sleep just because they can't keep it for any reason. We have a dog that was very aggressive when we got him. But now he has calmed down and is doing much better. Not great, he still doesn't like my kids, but better then before. We would love it if you could tell people about our shelter. We accept (tax- deductible) donations. We are a non- profit organization. If you can do anything to spread the word, that would be awseome! People can send donations made out to Willie D Sanctuary to: P.O. Box 505 Cedarville, OH,45314. Phone:1-937-766-4741 Fax:1-937-766-4741 Thank you so much for anything you decide to do. Sincerely, Cathy
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18. jamison_carter - 11:05AM on 07/19/07

Just want to say props to Ceasar and all of the wonderful loving people who donate time, energy, and money for our animal friends. I live in a rural area with few resourses for our animal friends. I try to do whatever I can and have had some sucess with finding homes for some and no animal will ever go hungry around my family.
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19. linze2go - 3:45PM on 07/20/07

The rescue santuary 'Rolling Dog Ranch' in Ovando, Montana is very special, they accept dogs and other animals that would usually be put to sleep. They accept older, deaf, blind dogs or animals with other disabilities. What an exceptional job they do, check out the website. Any small contribution I know will be gratefully accepted, they take dogs from all over the US, often driving miles to an airport to get a dog to offer a disabled animal a new life. As Cesar often says the dogs don't remember where they came from or what they have been through (some have horrendous stories) they just want to be in a pack and be dogs. They have limited space for any animals but offer love, security and kindness that any disabled animal needs. As a dog lover, and pack leader (feisty Corgi) I appreciate the dedication and loyalty they offer. Please visit the website and prepare to be amazed at the stories. Enjoy every day with your dogs and teach them as much as you can, it will help all of you. My Corgi now has 85 words that she responds to, she wants to learn. Every you teach and learn together will pay huge dividends. The walk is the answer to so much. Thank you Cesar for making sure so many people realise this.
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20. smileymduke - 5:46PM on 07/20/07

to sunnysidedream ... dogs have an uncanny ability to avoid anything that will make them ill; that is why your dog won't eat lamb. it is very likely that the "chicken" and "beef" you are feeding your dog has lamb products in it, or lamb juice; do you read all of the label very thoroughly. I would go to a store that mixes a diet just for your dog. the cost is about the same and you get guaranteed high quality products; there are also excellent dog food companies in europe that do not use CHINESE products of any kind in their mixes. Good luck to you.
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21. TravlinWoman - 12:19AM on 07/21/07

This is to Shannon's keeper: ( jim_34_09102 - 5:41PM on 07/08/07.) There is a website you can check out that has people who house/pet sit while you are away. They stay in your home, so you animal doesn't have to be afraid in a new environment. It is a very good site. Go to www.mindmyhouse.com You can sign up and display your ad, not sure when you are going away. Hope you get this in time. There are some people who charge for their service and others who don't. I house/pet sit and do not charge for my services,I am in CA. Good Luck!
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22. Tessy Merino - 7:14AM on 07/27/07

Well helping dogs yes about a month ago i adopt a mix terrier shes now 7 months and her name is chocolate we love her so much and im so happy we went to our shelter and brought her home my 2 daughters love her my 5 year old sleep wiithe her every night sicne she got home if i could i would adopt another dog but for now 1 is enought 2 kids 1 ferret and 1 dog is a full house thanks laredo tx tessy merino
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23. MelindCarrera - 7:17AM on 07/27/07

sunnysidedreams- I have a shih tzu and he has the same issues, Ive switched his food to Wellness (natural dog food that uses human grade food -www.oldmotherhubbard.com) and Ive seen a complete difference in his skin, coat, and digestive system. They have specific foods for dogs with allergies. I highly recommend it. Also for hot spots try putting Aloe Vera on them. My groomer suggested it and it seems to do the trick. Good Luck!
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24. karen_w56 - 7:17AM on 07/27/07

TO SUNNYSIDE UP, THERE IS A DOG FOOD AT THE GROCERY STORE THATS FIRST INGREDIENT IS SALMON. I BELIEVE IT'S PURINA ONE
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25. Anna B - 7:23AM on 07/27/07

As an animal lover, I hate to see dogs or any other animals abused. But what grieves me about the whole scandal with Vic is that those dogs have more rights than human unborn babies. Whales and dogs seem to matter more than people. There is something wrong with this picture.
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26. Mommy Dearest - 7:26AM on 07/27/07

Dick Van Patten's brand of Nature's Balance has a duck and potatoe, fish and sweet potatoe, liver and lamb canned foods for your dog's food allergies. My schnauzer has allergies as well and has done very good on this food. You can find it at small pet shops or at Petco or Petsmart. It sells between 1.49 and 2.79 a can.
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27. curry49ers - 7:28AM on 07/27/07

RE to Sunnyside. I have a JRT w/food allergies though not as severe. Try Nature's Recipe. They have a few flavors one of them being venison. You should also check the treat ingredients as well.
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28. funkeygirl1693 - 7:54AM on 07/27/07

I really want to do volunteer work, but my only problem is that i'm only 13. I wonder if shelters would except me to do any possible work that they think i can do.LIke, i dont kniw, maybe exercise the dogs?
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29. youazzme - 8:04AM on 07/27/07

Sunnyside dreams I just wrote like a book and hit the wrong key and poof its gone. Heres the short of it. Feed her a food without CORN. Corn is the #3 dog allergy causer. My dog ( a 7lb chihuahua cavalier mix) and my best friends dog ( a 2 1/2 lb long hair chi) are both alergic and were extremely itchy when on a corn food (most commercial brands use corn as thier protean source though they advertise it being "chicken" or "beeff".Its not. Feed her a NO CORN FOOD and I all but garuntee you will see a difference in as little as 1 week.Email me if you want some suggestions. I saw someone mention wellness - its great but not at most pet stores and is expensive. I recomend Nutro Ultra (all natural, is at petco and petsmart and only $10 for a 6lb bag). and has NO CORN. And has special oils such as flax seed for joints and sunflower oil for the softest coat (everyone alwasy asks me if I have just washed my dog cause her coat is always so shiny and soft). A few people have also recomended to me Natural Balance(i know petco carries it) Duck and Potatoe fomula. They say something in the combo of the 2 ingredients really worked when nothing else had. If she is allergic to chicken and its not the corn then try that. But for me it was the corn. No corn = no skin itchy problems anymore :) Best of luck and let us know what happens!!
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30. youazzme - 8:09AM on 07/27/07

ps sunyside dreams - I also recomend a great shampoo - I got it at petco - its Tea tree oil (a natural antiseptic) and oatmeal(natural anti itch and calming for the skin). The brand is Vetrinary Formula. Tea tree and oatmeal shampoo. You massage it in the skin for a few minutes and it works. They are instantly releaved and smell nice too. Its great to use a for a few shampoos until the skin is better then use intermitanly with your normal shampoo to kep skin healthy. http://www.petco.com/product/7129/Veterinary-Formula-Dog-Shampoos.aspx
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