I Want To Help But I Can't
With each of those posts, the rescue or the shelter is asking for something. Normally they need an adopter, a foster, money for medical care and needs, transport, a volunteer, or donations of items like blankets, crates or other pet related item. A lot of these rescues require group participation, even if some people won't ever physically meet that animal.
The amount of support and love that these posts get can be overwhelming, with sometimes hundreds of responses. In some cases, there are also people that would like to offer support, but feel like they can't or don't know how for various reasons. Often times these responses start off with "I wish I could, but...". Rescue organizations, local shelters, and animal welfare advocates all appreciate whatever type of help they can get, but a page full of these comments isn't helping those animals get what they need. This post will look at some of the most common rejections we hear in rescue.
In some cases, rescues and shelters are looking to help a specific animal. The animal has been at the shelter for a long time and may be in danger of euthanasia, or the rescue is looking for an adopter or foster to take one of their animals home. One of the most common responses to that is:
"I wish I lived closer, I would take him, but I live in (name of far off city/state)"
Along those same lines are "I will take him if you can find a way to transport him to (another far off state/country)". If you really want to help, but it is geographically impossible for you to help with this particular animal, here are somethings you CAN do to help animals. There is an animal shelter or rescue group close to your home or in your town that has animals looking for forever homes. You can adopt or foster locally. If you don't know where the closest shelter or rescue is, you can do a rescue/shelter search by location at Adoptapet.com.
"I wish I could help, but my landlord doesn't allow pets"
Very similar to "I am already at my limit of animals allowed", or "my pet isn't nice to other animals". These are valid reasons for not being able to add a new pet to your household, but there are still things you can do to help. You can donate to the rescue to help them care for that animal. You can also share the post to help network the animal, the more eyes that see these posts, the better the chances the animal is saved or the amount of money required for it's needs are met.
"I wish I could, but I can't afford to donate"
We all want to help the animals, and if we could afford to save them all we would. Medical care for animals isn't cheap, and a lot of the pleas you see on social media are for animals that need medical care. What can you do if you can't afford to donate? Sharing the post, like mentioned above, is easy and free. You probably have like minded friends that also care about these animals, maybe they are able to help out. Maybe it's just a matter of being between checks. If that is the case, you could set up a calendar reminder for the next pay day or schedule a donation for a future date. Perhaps you think that what you can afford is too small an amount. The truth is no amount is too small, and if everyone gave something, the rescues and shelters could help more animals. Perhaps setting up a monthly recurring donation of $5 to help the animals all year long. You can also donate your time as a volunteer if they have a need, perhaps helping assist at an adoption event or organizing/hosting a fundraiser. Many rescue organizations are set up as non-profit, 501c3 charitable organizations, and your donation will be tax deductible.
"I wish I could, but I'm allergic"
This is also a fairly common response, or something similar like "this medical condition prevents me from...". As previously mentioned, there are still ways to help even if you are allergic to animals. Donating money, hosting a bake sale to raise money, organizing a recycling competition at a local elementary school (the kids bring in their empty aluminum cans to be recycled), or starting an on-line fund raiser, are all ways that you can help contribute to your favorite rescue organization.
"I wish I could, but my current situation prevents me from being able to help"
In many instances, peoples lives are not conducive to adopting or fostering for any number of reasons. Starting a new job, going through a divorce, expecting a child, moving, an illness, there are lots of situations that don't lend themselves to being able to help out at the present time by bringing an animal home. Like mentioned before, there are many ways to assist your rescue organization of choice by donating money, time, or sharing and helping network their posts.
"I wish I could, but I can't afford to care for a pet"
Animals can be expensive. Food, dog bowls, licenses, items like a collar, leash, bed, toys, periodic veterinary care, and many more. Add in the possibility of taking in an animal that has medical issues and this can add up very quickly. If you are open to fostering, some rescue organizations, like Leave No Paws Behind, will cover all medical expenses for their rescues that are in their foster home networks, allowing you to open up your home to a loving pet. In exchange for you providing a home, basic care, and transport to vet appointments, they will cover the cost of medicines, the vet visits, and whatever medical care is required.
There are so many reasons why people think they aren't able to help the animals. Money, personal situations, living arrangements, small children, medical needs, and many more. In many cases, there are a lot of ways people can help without even having to leave their homes. Begin with sharing and networking these animals in need. Perhaps someone in your social circle will be able to help in some way. If your local shelter is overcrowded and under staffed, perhaps you can volunteer your time to help out there. Feeding animals, cleaning kennels, exercising and socializing dogs, or maybe even photographing the animals to help promote them on social media are all ways you can get involved. Hosting fundraisers, volunteering to help out at adoption events, transporting animals, doing home checks, or providing professional services (are you a graphic artist, lawyer, veterinarian, work at a pet supply company) are all ways to help out a rescue you admire, and in some cases you don't even have to live close by. Of course, adopting, fostering, and donating if and when you can are always welcome. If you would like to donate to our rescue, you can do so here.