Find creative ways to help pets in need

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DEAR PAW’S CORNER: I’d like to help make life better for animals, but I’m not able to volunteer at a local shelter because my job and family take up too much time. I don’t have a lot of extra cash to give away, either. Is there anything else I can do? – Sarah in Wheeling, West Virginia

DEAR SARAH: Few of us can really dedicate the time or money we’d like to give to improve animal welfare. All we can do sometimes is look for an opportunity that fits what we are able to give. More and more individuals and businesses are coming up with creative ways for their community to help pets and their owners.

For example, a store in Fort Gratiot, Mich., converted a walk-in cigar humidor to a pantry for donated pet food and treats, encouraging members of the community to donate to it with the goal of helping elderly residents feed their pets.

A program begun by the Humane Society of the United States, called Pets for Life, helps animal-care and social-welfare advocates start community outreach programs that can put needy pet owners in touch with agencies or charities that can help their pets get food, medical care or other assistance.

And of course, there was the community-driven assistance given to pets and rescue organizations on the Gulf Coast in the wake of two terrible hurricanes in 2017, which enabled the rescue of stranded and lost pets, and the rehoming of adoptable pets to shelters in other areas of the U.S.

So keep an ear to the ground and an eye open for the chance to help where and when you can.

Send your tips, questions or comments to ask@pawscorner.com.

(c) 2018 King Features Synd., Inc.