This post was originally published on the Zero Waste Box™ blog. Visit us there for more expert advice on recycling, zero waste lifestyle tips, and more!
Did you know about 3.3 million dogs enter animal shelters in the United States every year? On a mission to help and protect vulnerable animals, our friends at Subaru have supported the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®) for years. Now, Subaru has launched a really cool initiative to honor all of our furry friends.
October 22 has been designated as the first-ever National Make A Dog’s Day. On this day, dog lovers are invited to do something special for the dogs in their lives… and also partake in a nationwide movement to help shelter dogs find loving homes.
Subaru is especially championing special needs dogs, such as senior dogs, amputees, visually and hearing-impaired dogs, and dogs with birth defects, who often have a harder time getting adopted.
At TerraCycle®, we want to support Make A Dog’s Day in every possible way. Here’s how you can help:
Donate your TerraCycle points to a local animal shelter or pet charity.
If you’re an avid TerraCycle collector, you probably already know that you can earn rewards by recycling your waste with the TerraCycle Points Program. For every shipment you send into TerraCycle via our National Recycling Programs, you have the opportunity to earn points that you can redeem as a donation for your favorite charity or organization.
This month, show some love to shelter dogs in your community by redeeming your TerraCycle points for donations to a local animal shelter. To find a rescue near you, simply search for your town or zip code on Petfinder’s online directory of animal shelters and adoption organizations.
Your donation is sure to have a pawsitive impact and help provide shelter pets with everything they need to thrive, including medical care, cozy bedding and pillows, and safe, dog-approved toys.
Reduce your pup’s carbon pawprint with Zero Waste Boxes.
Dog lovers, listen up! It’s time to get the pet-friendly, zero waste pawty started! Our Zero Waste Box™ team knows leading an eco-friendly lifestyle with pets can be ruff. To help simplify, the team has designed comprehensive recycling solutions for all kinds of pet-related waste.
To get started on tackling your recycling goals, take our special quiz to help you find the Zero Waste Box that’s the best fit for you and your pup! Pet owners can recycle all types of well-used pet accessories — from leashes and toys, to pet bowls and bedding — with the Pet Products Zero Waste Box™. The Pet Food Packaging Zero Waste Box™ is the perfect option to recycle pouches, bags, boxes and containers for food, treats and vitamins.
This October 22nd, you can save 10% on our pet food and pet products Zero Waste Box™ solutions with code DOGDAY10 at checkout. And the best part? 10% of every purchase will be donated to the ASPCA® in support of Make A Dog’s Day! Take further advantage of the sale by nabbing one for your local shelter to help them recycle on-site!
Do something special for your canine companion.
This Make A Dog’s Day, take a moment to paws and reflect on all the reasons why you love your fur baby. After you’ve felt all the feels, it’s time to treat your favorite pooch to a day full of pampering to show your dog-gone appreciation.
Spoil your pup rotten with something fun to eat! Try stuffing a Kong with peanut butter and putting it in the freezer for a few hours for a yummy, frozen treat. If you’re in a baking mood, you can make some homemade biscuits and tailor the recipe to your dog’s liking (bacon and sweet potato are always hits!).
After snacktime, gear up to romp around outside. Go for a walk, play catch in the yard or check out a nearby dog park. Today, whatever Fido wants, Fido gets. If some of your pup’s toys have seen better days, retire those well-loved items with the Pet Products Zero Waste Box™. This all-in-one recycling solution ensures your dog’s old chew toys won’t add to landfills.
Raise awareness for shelter dogs on social media.
Make A Dog’s Day is all about encouraging animal lovers across the country to take action to help shelter dogs find loving homes. Getting involved in the movement is as easy as making a post or two on social media using the hashtag #MakeADogsDay!
Post a picture or video of your cute pup and share some of your tried and true ways to “make a dog’s day” with fellow dog owners. If you are the owner of a beloved rescue pup, consider posting about your pup’s adoption story. Your happy tail will surely inspire other folks to adopt a shelter pet in need.
P.S. Be sure to tag TerraCycle and Subaru in all of your posts — we fur real can’t wait to see photos of all of your furry friends!
And the ultimate way to make a dog’s day? Adopt or foster a shelter dog.
The need for pet adoption is high and all dogs deserve forever homes. Even if you aren’t in a position to welcome a dog into your life, you can urge friends and family to adopt instead of shopping, and encourage people to foster and save them from the stress of a shelter environment.
If adoption and fostering just aren’t right for you, don’t underestimate the impact you can have by visiting a local shelter to volunteer. Your presence is sure to brighten the day of all the dogs you’ll work with. Want to help, but don’t have the time to volunteer? Drop off some toys as gifts to a nearby rescue. Having a toy can boost a pup’s spirits and make them feel loved. The goal of Make A Dog’s Day is to give all dogs the best day of their lives, after all.