How to Be an Advocate for Old Dogs

There are too many sad stories about dogs being ripped from their homes and left in shelters simply for being old. Just the other day I read about a couple who dumped their 14 year old dog just for being 14. I’m sorry but who does that!!

Just when they need a loving home and family, they’re left in a strange and scary environment. Too many are killed because they’re considered unadoptable, the “lucky” ones end up in no kill shelters, and some are really lucky and get to spend their final days in a foster/forever home.

What about those old dogs whose families can’t afford to or don’t want to pay for costly treatment? Do they end up suffering, or are they simply euthanised?

It’s so frustrating!!

These stories are beyond heart breaking and leave many, including myself, frustrated because we don’t know how to help. Of course we could foster or adopt an old dog, and many of us do, but sometimes that isn’t an option. Even when it is we may still want to do more.

Change perceptions

The fact that animals are seen as property, having no more rights or value than a table, definitely doesn’t help.

Did you know there are actually some vets who don’t see much worth in old dogs? It’s shocking but very true.

Get on your soapbox

If you want to make a difference in the lives of senior dogs, perhaps it’s time to become an advocate. So what does that mean exactly? Simply put, an advocate is someone who is passionate about a cause, and does what they can to support that cause.

According to en.oxforddictionaries.com it is – “A person who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause or policy”

Why would you want to be an advocate for old dogs?

Here is why I advocate for them –

• No dog should end their life on the cement floor of a shelter, or at the end of a needle because no one wants them, and that is doubly true for an old dog
• Viewing animals as disposable, and in this case I mean old dogs, shows a fundamental lack of compassion in people, and that scares me
• It’s what I was put on this earth to do
• It’s good for my soul

 

Here is what you need to know in order to advocate for them

It’s up to you whether you want to go global or stay in your own backyard, but here is some food for thought. Local is easier to gather information about and easier to see the impact you’re having. If you do start off in your community nothing stops you from aiming for a wider reach at the same time, or when/if you’re ready.  

Determine Your Strengths

It makes sense to make a list of your strengths before jumping in.

• Do you like to be front and centre on stage?
• Are you comfortable giving talks to smaller groups of people?
• Does your strength lie in the written word?
• Do you have great organisational skills?
• Are you happiest when you’re researching? 
• How are you at getting people united on social media?

Knowing what you’re good at and most comfortable doing will allow you to make the biggest impact, in the best way you know how.

Know what’s going on

• How many old dogs end up in your local shelters every week/month/year?
• How many are killed?
• How many are adopted?
• How many spend their lives there?
• What reasons do people give for dumping their dogs? (can’t afford the vet bills, prefer young dogs, moving…and what is the truth)
• Do shelters have a retention program offering help, support and advice to keep old dogs with their families?
• Do shelters or rescues offer incentives to people who foster or adopt a senior dog?
• Are there local rescues who pull old dogs from shelters and find forever fosters/permanent homes for them?
• Is financial assistance available for people who need help covering vet bills?
• Do any vets offer a payment plan/reduced prices for lower income pet parents?
• What, if any, are the animal protection laws in your town/city/state (if you see that’s relevant to the way senior dogs are treated)
• How are senior dogs treated in other cities/towns/states?
• What resources do they have that can make a difference in your community?

Why is all this information needed you ask? Knowledge is power, and knowledge gives you confidence. When you’re well versed in an issue you can speak intelligently to anyone about it, no matter who they are and what they ask.

Don’t have all the answers yet? Don’t panic. You’ve learned so much about what’s going on with senior dogs anyone can see how influential you will be. If it’s a statistic, quote or piece of information you’re looking into, let them know. Is it something you hadn’t thought of or heard of before? It’s okay to say you don’t know but will look into it and get back to them.  

Start connecting

Nothing wrong with gathering information and launching a campaign on your own. Truth be told I prefer to fly solo, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t connect with like-minded people. They may already have a lot of the information you seek, not to mention the power of many voices working for the same cause.

Volunteer

Helping out hands on in a shelter or rescue is a great way to gain a better understanding of the issues and challenges facing them, and senior dogs in the community.

Get on your soapbox

Where you get on your soapbox and what you say can depend on whether you’re advocating on your own or helping an existing group. Here are some ways to get your message out there, the ones you choose may depend on whose message you’re sharing.

Create a social media account just for your cause, and post often about what’s going on, progress, concerns…

Post your articles on a free website that’s easy to set up, and call on experts asking if they’d like to write a guest post for you. Tell them you’ll share a link to their project/rescue…

Search Facebook pages for goings on in your area and share any talks you’re giving, events you’re planning or just as a way to call attention to what you’re up to

Send a press release announcing your advocacy work to local newspapers. Do research on how to write one to give yourself the best chance of getting it noticed…and published

Speak at community events

Go to town meetings

Email local organisations/schools/universities and volunteer to speak

Set up a stall at local events and find creative ways to attract people to stop by. One way is by having a big banner of super cute photos of old dogs. Stay away from images of sad dogs behind bars, even if that is too often the case.

Stock your table with –

• Resource material and information about the cause, and make sure everything contains your website address, social media and other ways to get in touch
• A sign-up sheet for anyone interested in helping (include a list of the type of help you’re looking for)
• If you have a budget, even a tiny one, search online for websites that sell promotional materials and have pens, bottle openers or badges made with the name of your campaign and contact info

Organise a fundraiser

Whether you’ve decided to start a fund to help people struggling to pay vet bills for their old dogs, or a group you’re teaming up with needs money to help spread their message, a fundraiser is always a great idea.

From bake sales and candle sales, car washes and lemonade stands to dog walks for thousands, there is no shortage of fabulous ideas.

Put pen to paper or finger to keyboard

Surely compassion is something that should be taught in vet school! I don’t know whether it is or isn’t but based on some I’ve met I’m leaning towards no. If it isn’t craft a note asking why not, don’t they think it would benefit, and add a few ideas of how you think they could do it and topics they could discuss. For example – telling someone their dog is old wouldn’t be a very helpful diagnosis!

Write a letter to the editor(s) of your local newspaper(s) discussing the importance of caring for our senior dogs and what you’d like to see happen in your area.

Elected officials are the ones making decisions about the treatment of animals. Figure out what’s lacking when it comes to senior dogs, then write to them expressing your concerns and what you’d like to see done to protect these vulnerable animals.  

Write articles about senior dogs and submit them to a variety of well-known pet blogs (check their sites to see whether or not they accept guest posts), pet magazines and newspapers

Report abuse

Horrified by what you’ve witnessed at your local shelter? Of course you want to highlight what’s going on but your number one priority is keeping yourself safe. Make a note of your concerns, days/dates, what you saw, who was involved and any other relevant information. Do you know someone who works or volunteers there you can speak with? Can you approach the person in charge? What about the board of directors? The governing body responsible for overseeing shelters in your community?

Start a podcast

If you love to talk starting a podcast is for you. It’s super easy to do, and it’s free! Make a list of potential guests, both from the local community and beyond and see the difference you’ll make in the lives of senior dogs.

Research anyone involved with senior dogs in one way or another –

• Vets
• Shelter staff
• Legislators
• Campaigners
• Organisations that offer grants to senior dog rescues
• Trainers with experience helping senior dogs
• Anyone else you can think of advocating for seniors

Never leave home without resources

Keep a stash in your car and some in your purse, because you never know when you’ll have the opportunity to hand them out. You may even meet someone willing to help distribute!

Media and those with a high profile

Research local journalists/tv personalities/writers and other higher profile personalities and see who has a soft spot for animals. Reach out to them to see if they’d be willing to write about your cause, interview you or front a campaign. They may surprise you and say yes right away so be prepared with your elevator pitch and a clear idea of how they can help.

Use the hashtag I created

An easy and clear way to spread your message is by adding the hashtag I created #seniordogadvocate.

Share posts of old dogs needing homes

What could be easier than hitting the “share” button on the post of a senior dog looking for a home, and trust me it can make a difference! Because it’s so easy be careful not to bombard your followers with too many posts.  

Encourage others to foster or adopt an old dog

When someone you know is thinking of getting a dog, talk to them about adopting an old one. If they’ve never had a dog before, fostering is a great way for them to get experience, without the years and years of commitment. Most rescues pay for vet bills which is a bonus!

You attract more with honey

You’ve decided to advocate for senior dogs because you have a passion and want to make a difference. It’s too easy to start lecturing and getting in peoples’ faces, telling them how horrible they are and what everyone is doing wrong. I certainly find it easy!!

While I can relate to the depth of your passion and despair, and you want nothing more to go all wild west on them, that behaviour will never win you the support you want. In fact, it can seriously damage your cause, reputation and message.

Be well spoken, polite, gracious and well informed. Don’t get sucked into arguments and mud slinging, rise above and be graceful. After all, our beautiful old dogs are relying on each and every one of us to advocate on their behalf. That thought will always keep us on track.

You’re a star for wanting to make a difference in the lives of old dogs, now go out and shine as their advocate.