Up For Pups believes that change happens with the consumer. Without the right tools to help inform good decisions, how can we expect people to understand that taking in a pet is a lifetime decision and that not all pets are appropriate for all people? How would people know the difference adoption could make for them and a needy animal or the truth behind puppies and kittens at most pet shops? We’ve surveyed the efforts of other humane organizations and animal rescues, and we believe that we can support their efforts in the following indispensable ways:
1) Create a best practices manual for rescue organizations.
There is currently no industry standardization for running a rescue organization. These organizations, which take in specific breeds, special-needs animals, etc., are founded by people with big hearts and determination. Those who have been in it for years have much to say to help “newbies,” but there is no central clearinghouse to share this information. Up For Pups is working to create a best practices manual that addresses many of the questions around rescue development and shares the practices of top organizations. This manual is meant to help rescues run as efficiently as possible so that the maximum number of needy animals are receiving the best care and finding APPROPRIATE forever homes quickly.
Follow along as we craft the best practices manual!
2) Create humane education literature for rescues to hand out that addresses important humane education issues.
Puppy mills, dogs in truck beds, dogs left in cars on hot days, companion animal selection… there are many important topics a consumer can learn about that could mean life and death to an animal! Helping rescues share this important information at fairs, in adoption kits, and through their websites is one of Up For Pups’ main initiatives.
3) Promote animal welfare through art and theater.
Up For Pups was founded when Kyla Duffy, UFP President, created the Don’t Kill Bill stage show to use humor, acrobatics, and storytelling to share information about puppy mills, pet overpopulation, and volunteer opportunities. The show is available in several formats for different events, but the message remains consistent: Animals need our help, and whatever your interest and skills, you can use them for animal welfare.
In addition to Don’t Kill Bill, Up For Pups supports and promotes artists who are using their talents to help needy animals.
4) Creating a free, easily-replicable training/bonding program for kids and their dogs in low-income communities.
The idea is that an adult (no necessarily a professional trainer) will be able to use our curriculum to gather children ages 8-15 twice a week to work on dog training. Tied into the curriculum will be the following:
- Bonding with dogs
- Having fun with dogs
- Keeping dogs safe, clean, and happy
- Making the most out of your relationship with your dog
- Training your dog on specific skills
The benefits of this program are numerous:
- Gives kids a constructive activity that will help them to understand and subsequently better care for their dogs
- Gives dogs training they otherwise would not receive to keep them and other members of the community safe
- Instills empathy and compassion for animals in children who may otherwise not receive this guidance
- Decreases the number of children who might get involved with dog fighting or other forms of animal abuse
We are looking for a dog training professional to help us develop this program. Some qualifications we are looking for include:
- Experience with helping kids with dog training
- Certification by national dog training organization
- Excellent communication skills
- Curriculum development experience
- Bilingual English/Spanish (a plus, but not completely necessary)
Interested trainers should submit their proposal to kyla @ upforpups (dot) org (remove spaces and insert period, of course) by July 1st, 2011. Your proposal should include the following:
- Contact information
- Experience/resume
- Detailed suggestions for elements of this program
- Time frame for development
- Fees
Feel free to contact us with questions or for clarification about any of the aforementioned initiatives.
