Animal Welfare Professionals

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  • 1.  Adopt a Stuffed Pup!

    Posted 11-21-2022 03:02 PM
    Just wanted to share an idea we've been using...it's a great way to market your rescue/shelter & also works as a fundraiser too.      We do a lot of public events (since we are a foster based rescue).     We do farmer's markets, etc. and we always get tons of children.   We are in south Louisiana and have a lot of large dogs (pittie mixes) & they can be too much for young children to handle.   So we started collecting gently used stuffed animals & one of my volunteers sews cute bandanas for them & attaches a name to them.  At all of our public events, kids in the community know they can come "adopt" a stuffed pup. I've attached some photos. We even give them an "adoption certificate".      It helps us get more community involvement/networking, as well as helps educate the children about adoption...also, we do it for any amount of donation.     Sometimes the kids are alone & they may only have $1..lol but many times the parents are there & they donate generously.    Fundraising isn't the main idea, but it's nice as a bonus.          Just thought I'd share this in case anyone else wants to use this idea.       I'd be happy to share the form I created for the adoption certificate. 
    See photos. 
    Our display at adoption events.
    child with her new pup!
    Adoption Display for stuffed pups

    #MarketingandSocialMedia

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    Cindy Shotwell
    Founder/Executive Director
    Must Luv Dogs Rescue
    a 501(c)3 non profit dog rescue
    PH: (225) 252-3029
    email: cindy@mustluvdogs.org
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  • 2.  RE: Adopt a Stuffed Pup!

    Posted 11-21-2022 04:21 PM
    Thank you for sharing this idea Cindy! I have been looking for a way to engage with children at our events and share some educational content with them. I think in addition to the adoption certificate Ill include How Kids Should Interact with Dogs, and How Kids Should Not Interact with Dogs from Dr. Sophia Yin. 
    Thank you again!

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    Marcy Anagnostou
    Director of Development & Training Coordinator
    Warrior Dog Rescue
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