People always are looking for ways to help animals, and with the Capital Area Animal Welfare Society people can take it one step further.
Chris Resweber came up with the idea to start a Best Buddies program through CAAWS a few years ago. The program allows people to help a cat or dog even though they may be unable to foster or adopt them.
“It’s a great idea,” Resweber said. “The people who do it really seem to enjoy it.”
Jolene Allbright, president of CAAWS, said the program is good for people who already have too many pets or cannot adopt one.
“This way they can feel like they’re still helping out an animal and have a personal involvement with the organization,” Allbright said.
Resweber said people can go to the CAAWS Web site and choose an animal they want to be buddies with, then donate money to help out with things such as the animal’s extra medical treatments.
Christine Loftin, vice president of CAAWS, said people can choose to either make a one time donation or a monthly donation.
Allbright said donations must be a minimum of $10 and all donations are tax deductible.
Resweber said people simply can pay to sponsor their animal, but they also have the option of going to the CAAWS building and visiting with them to get to know them better. She said they also can buy the animals toys if they wish.
Loftin said CAAWS sends sponsors updates and lets them know what is going on with their animal.
Resweber said some people who participate in the program drop out once their cat or dog gets adopted, but others continue with it and sponsor another animal.
Loftin said many people like to donate money to a good cause, but would prefer to make a donation to something specific rather than a general organization.
“That way people feel like they are helping make a particular dog or cat’s life better until the animal is able to have a permanent home,” Loftin said.
Resweber said once a person donates $25 or more a month, he or she receives a picture of his or her pet to put up at home or hang in the office to show family and friends.
“I would like to have more people involved,” Resweber said. “It would be great if everybody could be Best Buddies and get the satisfaction that comes along with helping out an animal.”