Resolve to help the animals
Donating to organizations makes worthy New Year's goal

This is the time of year that we begin thinking about making resolutions for the New Year. There are always those traditional resolutions like going on a diet to lose a few pounds or trying to quit smoking. Many of these are well-intended resolutions, but they seem to have very short life spans. One client jokingly told me that the only resolution she is going to make this year is not to make any resolutions at all.
While talking with friends about making resolutions, an interesting trend seems to have emerged this year. Many people have decided to set resolutions that are not centered upon improving themselves but rather on making a difference in the lives of others. Instead of going on a diet, one friend is going to volunteer to serve food at a local shelter. Another friend who usually resolves to catch up on his reading is going to help teach nonreading adults.
Some people believe that helping to protect and improve the lives of animals is a worthy New Year's resolution. Instead of buying another new chew toy for her dog, one friend is going to make a contribution to a local humane society.
I have compiled a list of just a few of the hundreds of nonprofit organizations that are devoted to animal welfare and animal right issues. Your contributions are tax-deductible under the 501(c)(3) rules of the IRS. I have tried to include a variety of different organizations that are always in need of funds. Here are just a few that could use your help:
SNAP
The Spay-Neuter Assistance Program Inc. provides free and low-cost spaying, neutering, and veterinary care. SNAP currently operates clinics in Houston and San Antonio and also provides low-cost veterinary care on Native America tribal lands. SNAP's goal is to end the destruction of healthy dogs and cats in animal shelters resulting from overpopulation.
To contribute to this program, mail your contributions to:

Spay-Neuter Assistance Program
PO Box 70286
Houston, TX 77270

You can also help this program by buying "Animal Friendly" automobile license plates when you renew your car tags this year.

SPCA of Texas
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Texas is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit humane agency and shelter dedicated to the welfare of animals for more than 60 years. The SPCA of Texas offers animals refuge, medical care and food, while fostering a public sentiment of humanity and gentleness toward animals and encouraging responsible pet ownership. Its goal is to continue educating, inspiring and collaborating with others to end euthanasia as a means of animal control.
To contribute to the SPCA of Texas, send contributions to:

SPCA of Texas
362 S. Industrial Blvd.
Dallas TX 75207

Local Humane Societies
These groups shelter unwanted or lost animals and place them into caring environments. Humane societies attempt to serve as an advocate for animals, promote humane standards for animals, and enhance the relationship between animals and people. To contribute, contact a humane society near you. You can also volunteer your time to work at the various shelters.

Guiding Eyes for the Blind
Guiding Eyes for the Blind provides highly trained guide dogs, at no cost to the client, to assist blind and visually-impaired men and women. These wonderful dogs enrich the lives of their owners by providing them with the freedom to work and travel safely, thereby assuring greater independence, dignity and new horizons of opportunity.
To contribute to this program, mail your contributions to:

Guiding Eyes for the Blind
611 Granite Springs Road
Yorktown Heights, NY 10598

Top of Texas K-9 Search and Rescue Association
Top of Texas K-9 SAR provides the North Texas Area with K9 search and rescue teams to assist local law enforcement and other state agencies in responding to man-made or natural disasters. The teams train to locate missing persons. To keep a single handler-dog team mission-ready costs approximately $2,000 a year. The association currently has eight search and rescue teams in training and is always looking for volunteers to help in training sessions.
To make a tax-deductible contribution, send checks to:

Top of Texas K9 Search and Rescue Assn.
#2 Newcomb Terrace
Wichita Falls, Texas 76308

Breed Specific Rescue Clubs
Do you have a favorite dog breed? There are rescue clubs for every dog breed. For example, this year our family adopted Rory, a Cavalier King Charles spaniel, who was rescued from a puppy mill in Missouri. After the death of your beloved cocker spaniel, Pokey, we decided to adopt from a rescue group rather than go through a breeder for our next pup. We have truly been blessed by having this little guy in our lives.
If you are interested in getting a new dog, contact the American Kennel Club at 1-800-252-7894 and ask about national rescue clubs. You can also go to www.akc.org/breeds/rescue.cfm. On this Web site you will be able to link to the Web pages of dozens of groups involved in breed rescue. Even if you don't want to adopt a dog, contributions are always welcome. Your donation will help provide veterinary care and pay for other expenses of caring for these dogs. Be careful that the rescue group you deal with is a nationally-recognized nonprofit rescue group. Not all breed rescue clubs are a part of the national clubs and may not have their IRS 501(c)(3) status in place. Most rescue clubs attempt to rescue only those dogs of their particular breed or mix.
As we enter into a New Year, let's start off on the right foot by giving to help those animals that give so much to us. If everyone gives just a little, it can make a big difference in the lives of our furry friends. God Bless, and don't forget the black-eyed peas.
Eamon P. Riley is a professional dog trainer and animal behavioral consultant. For suggestions or comments, he can be emailed at dogmanusmc@aol.com or by calling 689-9483.