As someone who has been involved with dog rescue all my life, I know there's meaning behind saving animals. Even as I sit here writing this post, my dog Katie, an 11-year-old rescued Great Pyrenees, sits next to me drooling on my laptop, while Kirby barks incessantly at my neighbor's constant usage of his lawn mower. 

Animal rescue not only offers a new home for animals in need, but it often improves the lives of the people who adopt and rescue. Animals offer companionship and unconditional love in a world full of stressors.

Volunteering to help animals takes many different shapes and forms. Hopefully by the time you're done reading this post, you'll have a better idea of how you can get involved in the animal rescue community! 

Find an organization near you: a Humane Society, a private rescue group, or even a pet store. Research how you can help. Various organizations are in need of different types of volunteers.

- Some organizations need volunteers to transport rescues.
- Opening up your home to be a foster home could be very useful for Humane Societies. They need homes for rescued puppies or litters of kittens.
- Donate your time. Spend time with the animals and help with socialization. Many rescue dogs come from bad situations and they just need a little bit of love and affection.
- Stay educated and make sure you're aware of what animal behavior means. Make sure you ask permission before petting a stranger's dog and pay attention to what a dog's body language is saying. Being educated could be a HUGE help to rescuers and volunteers.
- Keep informed! Keep on reaching out and helping organizations, whether it's a monetary or time donation.

Have you ever helped to rescue animals? Tell us about it!