Acts Of Kindness You Can Do For Dogs
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Opt For Cruelty-Free Products
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According to the Humane Society, roughly 500,000 animals suffer and die due to cosmetics testing each and every year, including dogs. Many companies aren't convinced to try alternatives to animal testing, but there is one surefire way to do so: stop purchasing their products.
Try cruelty-free cosmetic brands and other cruelty-free household products to be especially kind to animals.
While your pup may not be directly affected by this, you are helping out a lot of other animals, including dogs, in the process.
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Foster Another Pup
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If your dog is friendly with other dogs, consider fostering a dog who would otherwise end up going without a home at a shelter.
Unfortunately, shelters and pounds are often packed with unwanted animals, and any extra help they can get is greatly appreciated.
Be extra kind to your foster dog, and work on socialization so they can go out to a happy forever home.
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Grab Some New Toys For Your Local Shelter
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Animal shelters almost always welcome donations.
Check your local animal shelter's website, and see what they are currently asking for. Then take your pup to the pet store, and grab some toys, blankets, or whatever else the shelter is looking for.
Be sure to snag one for your dog, too; they probably did a great job helping you pick them out!
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Visit Someone Who Could Use Company
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Think about someone who might be feeling lonely or need some support. You can always visit a friend or family member with your pooch, and they'd probably appreciate a smiling, furry face in their life about now.
Your dog will probably enjoy the interaction, too, and love all the extra attention. If your dog is properly socialized, groomed, and generally easygoing around new people, they can brighten up anyone's day.
You may also consider getting your dog certified as a therapy animal. Then you could take your dog to nursing homes, homeless shelters, children's hospitals, or group homes for visiting hours.
Some places have programs in place for certified therapy animals, so make sure you check before showing up, pup in tow. If you're interested, you can always take a look at the requirements for getting your dog certified as a therapy animal.
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Spoil Your Dog With Homemade Treats
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Practically every dog loves getting treats, and getting one specially made by you will make the treat even sweeter.
There are a host of amazing and easy dog treat recipes available online. You can even share leftovers with a friend's dog – nothing wrong with spreading the love!
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Shower Your Dog With Compliments
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While your dog might not understand every single word you say, scientists believe dogs are capable of understanding some words and the tones of our voices.
If you give your dog a compliment on their snuggling abilities or for just being the best heckin' doggo in the world in a sweet voice, they'll get the point.