Dog rescue shelters offer the ideal place to find a new family member. These dogs need love and you’ve got plenty to give, so it just makes good sense to start at animal shelters when shopping around for a pet. You’ll not only be gaining a friend for life, but also help save a life while you’re at it. This is such a simple idea even a child gets it. Especially 7-year-old Roman McConn, the winner of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) award for rescuing over 1,300 dogs from Texas shelters. (1)

Dog Rescue Finds Forever Homes

Roman and his mom, Jennifer have put their love of dogs to good use since he was incredibly young. Since his early years he has helped his mom work at kill shelters in their hometown of Washington, Texas with a goal to help dogs find their forever homes. (1)

In fact, Roman started showing his commitment to kill shelter dogs since age 4 when he asked for kill shelter donations for his birthday. His family created Project Freedom Ride and continue to focus on expanding the foundation. (1)

Facebook Dog Rescue Videos

Jennifer uses their Facebook page to share videos of the needy dogs at play with Roman. It helps to show how friendly and loving the rescue dogs are with kids, since many potential pet adopters worry about temperament. With 30,000 followers and counting, the Project Freedom Ride Facebook page provides an excellent tool to help find pet companions for the rescue dogs. Roman’s commitment not only impacts the lives of the dogs, but the pet companions who find them thanks to his efforts. (1)

ASPCA Dog Rescue Award

With 1,300 successful adoptions under their belts, Roman and his mom have found their calling. Their efforts attracted recognition from the ASPCA, although recognition wasn’t their goal when this all started. The ASPCA award however, marks Roman’s commitment to protecting shelter dogs. The ASPCA even flew them to New York City to participate in the ceremony. (1)

Kids Can Help Dog Rescues

Dog rescue projects offer an excellent way to get kids involved in their local community. If your child might be interested in helping, here are some excellent ideas to get them started: (2, 3)

• Birthday Donations: This is a tough one to get on board with, but if your child would like to make a difference, they can request birthday donations go to dog rescue shelters instead of a gift for themselves.
• Fund Raising: Starting a fund-raising project allows your child to get involved whether it is asking for donations from local businesses, selling lemonade or holding a bake sale. Your child can also set up a Go Fund Me page to ask for donations.
• Volunteer: You and your child can offer your time to help at your local animal shelter. There’s plenty to do including taking rescue dogs for walks and providing some much-needed affection and play time. You can even provide foster care at home for puppies (or kittens).

Of course the most obvious option to help is to adopt a dog. If you’re looking to have a pet in the house, it’s the best way to show you care.