January 23, 2024
By: Sarah A. Neikam, CAWA
Oliver is longing for a special connection and awating adoption right now in our shelter.
Have you ever looked into the eyes of a homeless pet and seen the longing for connection? It’s an experience that can change a person’s perspective, and a pet’s life. January 24th is National Change a Pet’s Life Day and it could be your chance to join a national movement and transform these hopeful gazes into wagging tails and purring contentment.
Besides adoption, which is of course the most direct and transformative way to change a pet’s life, there are plenty of other opportunities to positively impact the lives of animals in need:
Opening Your Home, Even Temporarily: Fostering isn’t just about providing shelter; it’s about giving these animals a sense of belonging, even if for a short while. It’s a deeply rewarding experience that can change your life along with theirs.
Donating a difference: Your $25 donation could turn into meals, medical care, and a warm bed for our furry friends. Your generosity could be the turning point in an animal’s life.
Sponsoring a Pet: Sponsoring a pet’s expenses is like being a guardian angel from afar. Your financial contribution could break a barrier for a family wanting to adopt but unable to afford an adoption fee. Call us at 803-648-6863 or email us to let us know which pet you would like to sponsor!
Wishlist Wonders: Our Amazon and Chewy wish lists are like treasure troves for our shelter pets. Each item, from a cozy blanket to a playful toy, brings immeasurable joy to our animals.
Volunteering: More Than Time: When you volunteer, you’re not just giving your time; you’re giving hope. I’ve seen firsthand the difference a loving touch or a fun play session can make in a pet’s day. Sometimes, just sitting with them for a while can make a world of difference in their emotional state.
Voice for the Voiceless: Your social media platforms are powerful tools. Share our stories, advocate for animal welfare, and watch the ripple effect of your influence. Follow us and share our posts on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok and sign up for our emails!
Tales of Triumph: Our ‘Happy Tails’ webpage is not just a collection of success stories; it’s a testament to the enduring spirit of both humans and animals in finding love and companionship. We invite all pet adopters to share their own stores here to serve as inspiration to others. Elisabeth Riddle, Pet Care Specialist, shared her own experience recently: “Since having to put my 18-year-old cat down, I struggled with the fact that she wasn’t going to be around anymore. In December, I decided that it was finally time for me to adopt. I chose Mistletoe because I have always wanted a calico cat and it gave me the chance to save a life.”
Every day at the SPCA Albrecht Center is a chapter in an ongoing story of rescue, rehabilitation, and love. We’re committed to more than just the physical well-being of these animals; we engage their minds and nurture their spirits, preparing them for the loving homes they deserve.
Your involvement in National Change a Pet’s Life Day has a ripple effect. It’s not just about the joy and companionship pets bring into our lives; it’s about the healing, the comfort, and the unspoken bond that grows. Every act of kindness, every adoption, every donation contributes to the positive impact we can all bring to animal welfare and rescue.
If you were waiting on a special moment to join us on this journey, let National Change a Pet’s Life Day be that moment. Whether you adopt, volunteer, donate, or simply share a pet’s story, you’re making a profound difference. Let’s continue to write these stories of hope and transformation together, one pet at a time.
Here are just a few pets whose lives have been changed for the better:
Shelter (and cruelty case) dog Dante and the Rikard family, Christmas 2023.
Shelter dog Bones, now Bo, in his new home.
Shelter dog Kiah with adopters Ashleigh Gay and family.
Shelter cat Lily in her new home.
Shelter dog Daisy in new home.
Shelter cat Sabrina in her new home.
Injured street cat rescue and shelter cat Popshelf in his adopted home.
Shelter cat Henry with a visitor and admirer.
Sarah Neikam is the Marketing Director for the SPCA Albrecht Center in Aiken, SC. She has been with the organization since 2012, holding various roles including Volunteer Coordinator and Director of Operations & HR. A Certified Animal Welfare Administrator as of 2022, Sarah is a passionate advocate for animal welfare. She resides in Aiken with her husband, Tom, and their six cats.
