According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary the Domino Effect is a cumulative effect produced when one event initiates a succession of similar events. I’ve been thinking about this a lot as it relates to my volunteer role at the shelter just a few miles from my house. The highs are very high and the lows are very low. And it seems to come in waves, a ripple effect. And so I spend a lot of time thinking about how to get those dominoes to fall in favor of the dogs and cats, who through no fault of their own, have made their way into our shelter.

It’s always a mixed bag. On the one hand, I don’t want any dogs or cats in the shelter. Ever. On the other, I don’t want them to die alone, or be neglected, abused, cold, or hungry.

Now, Domino just happens to be an actual dog living at the Animal Rescue Fund of Mississippi. He’s the dog I show up for week in and week out. Domino is an appropriately named black and white dog. If I counted his spots, I think he’s a 7. He’s also a Christmas Puppy. He and his 8 siblings were born in the shelter, and for their entire lives that is all they’ve ever known.

One of the eight was adopted years ago. Teddy was adopted, and then returned. Teddy turned out to be a perfect fit for my houseful of existing dogs and so she’s come home now, too. Domino’s kennel mate and friend for all of his life was adopted recently. So Dancer, too, has gone home. But Domino, Dasher, Patty, Bear, and Chopper remain.

I first met Domino and Dancer when I joined a running club to take dogs out for walks and runs on weekend mornings. These two were inseparable. Dancer had a regular walker most of the time, but not every weekend. So, I would take the two of them together – about 150 pounds of rescue dog between them. Dancer’s regular walker ultimately fell in love with him and she took him home.

I was sad for my friend, Domino, though. He was alone for the first time in his life. I visited him the day after Dancer was adopted and ended up hand-feeding him kibble because he was blue. Domino’s sister Dasher was moved in to be with him, and this boy was overjoyed to have a friend again. I’ve been sad for Domino that his time hasn’t come yet. And then I see a picture of Dancer in his new life, and I’m thrilled for my former walking companion. When the dominoes fall, sometimes you take the wins with the losses.

The Domino Effect is complicated in the rescue world. Every time something wonderful happens for one dog, it seems another one finds themselves on the raw end of a deal. Domino lost his brother, but gained his sister. And best of all, Dancer got a home.

We sent two van loads of dogs north to an adoption event. And five new puppies showed up on our doorstep just hours later.

Dogs get moved from kennel to kennel all the time for a variety of reasons. Someone needs quiet for heartworm treatment. Another needs a pen they can’t escape from. So we move them. Their worlds are constantly changing. Or for some of them, their view remains the same for a very long time.

I hear people share why they can’t volunteer at a shelter all the time… I would take them all home with me. I can’t stand to see them in their crates / kennels. It makes me cry, I can’t do it. I’ve said all of these things. I’ve done some of these things. Yes, I have four dogs at home and fifth foster puppy on the way… I cried when I heard that my former foster puppy was coming back to us because her adoption situation didn’t work out. I cried when a sweet senior named Taz succumbed to a tumor just months after getting out of the shelter and serving as the office dog at a local doggy day care. He didn’t get nearly long enough on the outside.

There are many heartbreaks. But there are many moments of joy. Adoptions happen. Dogs in need of medical care get it. We build a new play yard so more dogs can get outside for free time every day. Someone randomly drops off a bag of treats or new toys. A new volunteer steps up to foster.

The dominoes CAN fall and make a difference for more of these animals in need. But we need more of us working together in big and small ways to shift the odds in favor of forever homes.

What can you do to make those dominoes fall for good?

DONATE. Every shelter needs funds, all the time. Set up a monthly donation of an amount that isn’t too painful to your bank account, but that the shelter knows is coming in and can rely on. Volunteer as a fundraiser. Ask your company to match your donation to your designated shelter. When you buy a toy or treats for your dog at home, buy a second and bring it to the shelter for one of the dogs there.

SHARE. Follow your local (or anywhere) shelter on social media and when you see something compelling, share it with your friends. You never know when someone in your network is just the person to adopt that senior dog.

VOLUNTEER. Your volunteer role doesn’t even need to be about spending time with the dogs and cats (though they DO love it when you do – and you CAN do it – it will even feel good). We need people to do things around the facility all the time, from mowing the grass to building secure play yards. Be a handler at an adoption event.

SPAY AND NEUTER. We humans are the issue here. That dog you didn’t neuter who visits the neighbor three doors down who isn’t spayed and a few months later five puppies are dropped off at shelter. This one is on you as a responsible dog owner. Dogs are euthanized daily because they have nowhere to go (we’re no kill). There are enough dogs for everyone who wants a dog. Back-yard breeders aren’t necessary. Your dog’s oops moment adds five mouths to feed at, hopefully, a no-kill shelter.

ADOPT DON’T SHOP. I’ve had a perfect German Shepherd bred in Germany and who served as a K9. I’ve had mutts from the shelter. I love all of them. You don’t need a purebred anything. All of the dogs are amazing.

FOSTER. We have lots of dogs scheduled to go to a forever home somewhere else, and they often just need a few weeks to adjust to home life before making their big move. You CAN do this. Yes, you will be sad when your foster leaves. And then you will be overjoyed when you see them fitting into their new home where they were meant to be.

ADVOCATE. Educate your friends about #adoptdontshop and spay and neuter programs. Vote people into office in your state who are against misinformed breed bans that make it difficult for “pitbulls” or other breeds deemed aggressive to get adopted.

Every single time a human does just one of these wonderful things the dominoes start falling in favor of dogs getting homes. And if you keep on doing these things, the rewards are exponential. What will you do?

Stay tuned for more stories about some of the lucky ones. Add your name and email address below and check the box to get new stories as they are posted. #adoptdontshop #spayandneuter