I love that so many people are so passionate about posting urgent animals on Facebook, and sharing them with others that might help. Some of these cats and dogs would not have a chance in the world to be seen if it wasn't for the hard work of volunteers and crossposters.
Sometimes, however, the passion overtakes logic, and pictures get posted with a lack of information. Think of posting and crossposting as a form of marketing - would you put a great picture of your product up on the internet, and then not tell people how they can get it or where it's located? I have seen many caring people post pictures of pets on Facebook, with a big HELP! and no vital information. People need to know, in a concise manner, the W's of the situation.
WHO?
Who can potential adopters talk to for more information? Who can help a rescue or adopter arrange to get the dog or cat to safety? Who will know what options are available for transport? Who is allowed to pull from this shelter? Answering these questions ahead of time can prevent the dreaded "I want to help, but I don't know who to talk to!" problem.
WHAT?
What breed of dog is it? How old? What do you know about his or her temperament? Good with dogs/kids/adults/cats/none of the above? Does the dog or cat have any special needs? HW status, health status, shots, spay/neuter status are all very important too, if you have them. These are all questions that help rescues and adopters make the decision on whether or not a pet is right for their situation. If the information is not readily available, they may move on to another animal.
WHERE?
Where does this pet currently reside? Shelter name, address, city and state are very important. This way, a potential rescue or adopter can figure out what will need to be done to save the animal, or if they even can do so.
WHEN?
When is this pet going to be killed? When is the shelter open so that someone can save the pet?
WHY?
If the dog or cat has a story, it's VERY important to tell it! This can differentiate your urgent animal from another. If you don't have a story, try to take the information you do have, and make the plea more personal.
HOW?
How much is the pull fee, and what does that include? How can an out of state adopter or rescue save the available animals? How can one pay the pull fee - over the phone, or does it have to be in person? What payments does the shelter accept? How is the dog handled after that - does it go to the vet for a spay, or is it available immediately?
It helps to post all of the information on each picture...that way, crossposters do not have to hunt down details to add to the picture in order to generate interest in the animals.
Posting as much information as possible is the first step in saving these animals lives.
Some great examples of posts that have the info needed:
Kristin Kucsma, North and South Carolina kill shelters
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.544707235369.2055330.19802242
Petra Kleber Keim, Heard County GA
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1717898661715.2085897.1065694329
Greenville SC Urgent List
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.201057003262674.41760.153272091374499
Urgent Part 2 NYC Area
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.206358356043718.56767.152876678058553
No comments:
Post a Comment