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Day 48: National Philanthropic Week on 365GIVE – A Dog Story

I decided this week would be National Philanthropic Week on 365give. One day is a great start to be philanthropic but a week is a commitment that encourages you to GIVE back every day.

I sent a request to my friends and family to send me an email me their GIVES that I could post on my site in honour of National Philanthropic Day. I received my first story from a dear friend, writer and GIVER! Here is Megan’s GIVE of the day.

This is a GIVE I am not able to do as we already have a dog (also from the SPCA) and is a unique GIVE that would not have been seen on 365give other wise. Thank you Megan for being so kind and generous to animals in need.

Day 48: Give 48

Photo by Kevin Norris

I have always wanted a dog of my own, yet I decided that at this point in my life I could not commit to a 15-year responsibility. I decided to foster through the SPCA and have had some of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

The SPCA foster dog program is amazing, and it greatly increases a dog’s chance of finding a permanent home. By fostering, I take the dogs out of the kennel, which for some dogs, especially those with fear issues, is a place that makes them anxious and anti-social. When I pick up the dog for the first time at the SPCA, they seem timid and unsure, and people often mistake their growls for aggression. These dogs just need a home where they can be loved, get a lot of exercise, and find some stability while we learn to trust each other.I usually have each dog for 3-4 months, and by the time they are ready for adoption they seem like different dogs. They love to be around people, they love to have their belly scratched, and they rarely growl or back away. Instead, these dogs are confident and trusting, and eager to play.

As an SPCA foster mom, I get to choose which family adopts each dog – a great option since the foster parent usually knows which home environment is best suited for their dog. While it is extremely hard to give up a dog you have come to love, at the end of the day I feel like I have helped rehabilitate the dog and have found them a home where they can enjoy life and enrich the lives of those around them.

-Megan, Vancouver Founder of  narrativecommunications.com Marketing / Development sarahmclachlan.com/foundation

Time Commitment: Weeks worth of time

Cost: Also huge to feed and care for an animal

What people are saying about 365give

“I wanted to express my gratitude for the teaching you provided today. Your message was delivered eloquently, compassionately, and without judgment. The kids were engaged, and now have knowledge with which they can change the world. We all appreciated how you took the time to help us learn to build positive mindsets and practice happiness.”
Shelley Gardner, Grade 6 Ridgeview Elementary (West Vancouver)
“Actions really do speak louder than words, which is why I believe the 365give Challenge has resonated throughout my community. Every give we do is so important to us and leaves us happier and appreciating our lives a little bit more than before.”
Mahina Niyozova (Tajikistan)
“After watching the 365give TEDx Talk, I was inspired to join and begin a daily giving program in India. Today, along with 12 other volunteer women, we provide 100 meals to local underprivileged children in Bangalore for school every day.”
Deepika Ahuja, Mom (Bangalore, India)
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Renate Jorge, @BeKindBrazil and 365give Member, Family Program (Brazil)
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MayLee, 365give Member, Individual Program
“This 365give Challenge has really injected excitement and extra enthusiasm in each work day as I think about what we can do. It has motivated me and the students.”
Cristina Peters, School Counselor (New York City, USA)
“I have seen a huge shift in energy throughout my classroom since doing the 365give Challenge. The Challenge has empowered my students to make a positive difference in the school’s community and beyond.”
Cella Adriana, Special Needs Educator /The Holliswood School (New York City, USA)
“The 365give Challenge helps students understand their impact on others. It opens avenues for introducing and discussing global and local issues in classrooms. It is powerful to watch students of all ages think about how they can make a change in another person’s life with one small act.”
Jessica Hall, Primary Teacher, French Immersion at École Pauline Johnson (West Vancouver, Canada)