This holiday season, as you give your dachshund a belly rub, take a moment to think of all the dachshunds and other dogs and cats who don't have a home for the holidays. Although some of them are safe in foster homes, many more have been abandoned in cold, dismal shelters. This year, resolve to help these needy animals in any way that you can.

Felix was brought to the shelter after someone
hit him with their car. He didn't receive any
medical attention for his broken hip until
rescue was allowed to take him -- after his
mandatory four-day hold was up.

 Foster for dachshund rescue
Most rescues are in desperate need foster homes. The number of animals they can take in is usually entirely dependent on the number of foster homes available. Fostering involves taking a dachshund into your home and treating them as a member of your family until rescue places the dog into a permanent home. Rescues pay medical expenses; some are able to afford supplying foster homes with food and treats.

Although it can be difficult -- even a little heartbreaking -- to let your foster doxie go, it's worth it when you see him leave your home with people who love him. Also, it will free up your home for another needy dachshund!

Donate to dachshund rescue
Rescues always need cash donations to pay for supplies and medical bills. Even $10 helps! Rescues are also happy to receive donations of food, treats, bedding, leashes, collars, toys and harnesses. If the rescue to which you donate is a 510(c)3 nonprofit, your donations will be 100% tax deductible.

Volunteer at your local animal shelter
City and county-run shelters seldom have enough staff to spend time with individual animals. They rely on their volunteers to walk and socialize their dogs and cats. Otherwise, these animals spend 100% of their time in kennels, seldom knowing a loving touch. Volunteering even two hours a week can make a huge difference in the lives of these animals. Check with your local shelter for their specific needs.

Linus was very sick and aggressive
when rescue got him out of the
shelter. Within just a few weeks,
he was healthy and happy again.

Donate to your local animal shelter
Many public shelters don't accept cash donations, but all of them are delighted to receive donations of food, treats, bedding, cat litter, newspaper and towels.

You might also consider donating scarves or other cuteness-enhancing accessories; the smallest things can make a dog more adoptable! If you'd like to make a cash donation, seek out a private shelter, may of which are also in desperate need of funds.

Of course the best way to support rescue and the shelter system is to heed this saying: Don't breed or buy while homeless dachshunds die.

When you adopt a shelter or rescue dachshund instead of purchasing one, you are not only finding a wonderful companion, but also making room for the next homeless doxie. 

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