Social Media to the Rescue

Blogs, tweets, you-tube videos, facebook profiles and fan pages: in the contemporary technology-driven world, the methods to connect and communicate are diverse and numerous.  In the last decade or more, animal shelters and rescues have explored the possibilities on the internet to promote animals for adoption, to build awareness, share events, and spark fundraising for urgent veterinary care cases. 
 
The impact has been enormous. For example, Petfinder, the well-known online database used in the US, Canada, and Mexico, currently exposes  about 300,000 adoptable pets from roughly 13,000 adoption groups to internet users.  According to this group, they have been behind the placement of at least 17 million animals in the last 15 years (from “How Petfinder Works” by Hannah Harris)!   In honor of Petfinder’s 15th birthday, pet bloggers will take over the internet on March 15th in an awareness campaign.  (We cannot wait to see the result!)
 
GSROC has successfully used social media to support fundraising and propel important information about animal abuse through two strategic social media campaigns:  They brought to light the plight of Courage, a GSD who was starved until near death.  His journey from a 37 pound dog clinging to life through to his current day fairytale life have been chronicled via social media to keep donors and well wishers abreast of the latest developments.  Courage’s former owner now faces felony animal cruelty charges due to her alleged neglect of the dog.   Courage received  enormous media support during his heroic struggle towards good health, he became the subject of a wonderful calendar and  received a hero’s BRAVO! award due to the hard work and media prowess of his rescue organization.  He even has his own FB page where updates about the impending trial are posted to rally animal lovers who wish to attend the proceedings.
 
Another impressive rescue story which is currently being followed in social media, in newspapers, and on TV is that of Gustav.  According to GSROC, Gustav was pulled “from a Los Angeles animal shelter on Dec. 30.

He suffered from a full-body case of demodectic mange, which was complicated by numerous infections. During treatment for the mange, doctors discovered Gustav had a ruptured colon which was spewing infected material into his body cavity. Two emergency surgeries corrected the defect and put the pup back on a path to good health.” Gustav is still in need of a lot of support as he progresses slowly to a healthy weight and overall wellness, and a loyal following of Facebook followers continue to rally funds to support his care and comfort needs.
 
Clearly, social media is here to stay and rescue organizations wishing to share information would be wise to learn how to integrate these powerful new marketing tools in their ongoing efforts.
 
Find German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County on Facebook.