I've always been a dog lover. I grew up with Golden Retrievers and when we found out Z was deploying, we wanted to find a little guy or gal to keep me company while he was gone. We had our hearts set on a chocolate lab but fate had another plans for us. My aunt had found a litter of Black Lab puppies and put a payment down on one, and there just happened to be one little girl left without a home. And two weeks later, we would give her a home and name her Charlie.
She's always been more than just a dog, she's been like another member of this family. She loves to go on car rides, play fetch, and go for walks. She sleeps at the end of our bed, cuddles like a lap dog, and loves her belly scratched. She's great with the kids and she puts up with a lot of their shenanigans. She's pretty much the best.
But not all dogs have that luxury. There are SO many dogs out there with out a permanent home... and it kills me. I always said if I won the lottery, I would buy a house with a large piece of land and adopt all the dogs I could. Where they would have a family that loved them, space to roam, and endless treats.
Well since that probably isn't going to happen anytime soon, I've had to find other ways to help the doggies I so desperately want to help. Recently, I've decided I want to volunteer at one of the local animal shelters. I haven't attended the orientation yet or figured out how and when, but I think it's the closest thing I can do to giving them a home.
When I went to inquire about volunteering, I decided to bring Valentine's Day treat bags for the doggies. With Valentine's Day just around the corner, I wanted to spoil them a little and give them something to brighten their day. Charlie helped me make the bags/sampled the Milkbone and Pup-peroni treats as I assembled them.
I picked up the dog treats and these cute little Valentine's Day cupcake wrappers and bags at Walmart! Aren't they adorable?!
Animal shelters are always a great place to donate when you can. Old blankets, food, treats etc. Although it makes me sad to go there and see all of the dogs without homes, I know that spending a little time with them makes their day a whole lot better until they can find their forever home.
Want to spoil your own pup or some pups in need this Valentine's Day? Check out more amazing ideas here!
How to you celebrate holidays with your pups? Do they get gifts too?