Remember Me Thursday – September 22, 2022, history significance why we celebrate
We are raising awareness for orphaned and sheltered pets today on Remember Me Thursday, which occurs on the fourth Thursday of every September. This year, it’s on September 22, and the goal of the day is to share the importance of pet adoption and shine a light on all orphan pets waiting in shelters and rescues. Since its inception in the year 2012, Remember Me Thursday has made more than one billion impressions on social media and has been saving pet lives ever since.
History of Remember Me Thursday
Remember Me Thursday is an international social media awareness day that brings attention to the millions of adoptable pets waiting in shelters, as it tries to provide honor to those who haven’t yet made it out.
Since it began in the year 2012, Remember Me Thursday has made more than 1 billion impressions on social media. This popularity is thanks in part to the support of A-list celebrities, including Diane Keaton, Ian Somerhalder, Wynonna Judd and more.
On the fourth Thursday of September, these famous folks invite people from around the world to shine a light on pet adoption using #RememberMeThursday. This social media movement began through the Helen Woodward Animal Center, a non-profit organization located in San Diego County that has been helping animals to find their future homes for over 40 years.
Since the organization began the movement almost a decade ago, the awareness for the need for animal adoption has steadily increased in popularity. In fact, by 2017, over 330 million people got involved to spread the awareness for animal adoptions, giving a great boost toward this becoming a global event.
Because of this social media movement, people in various countries all over the world have helped to increase the popularity of animal adoption and bring animals in need to new families.
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REMEMBER ME THURSDAY TIMELINE
1866
The Society
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) begins its mission.
1869
First Shelter
The first U.S. animal shelter is by Caroline Earl White along with other female animal activists, and is called ‘The Women’s Branch of the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals.’
1973
Curbing Animal Overpopulation
The ASPCA recognizes the need to control the pet population and begins its Low-Cost Spay/Neuter programs for adopted dogs and cats.
1984
No-Kill Movement
Best Friends Animal Society is formed and becomes the flagship for the no-kill movement.
HOW TO OBSERVE REMEMBER ME THURSDAY
Volunteer at an animal shelter
If you aren’t willing to take a new pet into your home, you can also opt for some volunteer work at your local shelter. By feeding them, petting them, walking them, or just spending some quality time with them, you can bring joy to these abandoned animals, and let them know they are appreciated. Call a shelter today and see where you fit in.
Spread the word
The rapid growth of this movement is majorly due to the active campaigns across social media by individuals, celebrities, and organizations. Actively spread awareness today about shelter and rescue animals, as well as the adoption processes that change their lives forever. Use the hashtag #RememberMeThursday to spark a buzz.
Participate in the Remember The Rescue Pet Photo Contest
Are you already a pet adopter? Use this contest as an opportunity to win amazing prize packages for a rescue of your choice! The Remember Me Thursday campaign is giving away thousands of dollars of food and cash prizes, and you can enter your beloved rescue pet by taking a picture of them for 2021’s Pet Photo Contest starting August 20.
5 FACTS ABOUT ANIMAL SHELTERS YOU SHOULD KNOW
Most of the pets had previous owners
Owner surrender is a major driver of shelter populations because many pets are handed over to shelters by their owners.
They aren’t choosy
While most data available on animal shelters pertains to cats and dogs, shelters and rescue organizations may be home to a wealth of other animals.
Animal overpopulation is a driving factor
With over 70,000 puppies and kittens being born each day, there is a growing population of unwanted or accidental puppies and kittens throughout the world.
Most unadopted pets get laid to rest
Available data suggests that around 56% of dogs and 71% of cats that end up in shelters around the U.S. are ultimately euthanized.
Shelter adoption is a cost-effective option
Typically, adopting a pet can be free or cost up to $250, which is significantly less than the cost of buying dogs of certain breeds.
WHY REMEMBER ME THURSDAY IS IMPORTANT
It raises awareness
Remember Me Thursday raises awareness on the effect of pet abandonment, and how we can improve the lives of stray and orphaned pets around us. This campaign has affected the lives of many sheltered dogs positively and given loving homes additional members. The more we know, the more we can improve.
Every pet deserves a loving home
Every pet in the world deserves a place they can call home, even the unwanted ones as well. This campaign encourages the adoption of unwanted pets and the fostering of orphaned ones.
It is saving animals’ lives
A lot of animals’ lives have been and can be saved through the popularity of this campaign. Euthanasia rates at shelters are on the decline, and data collected from 21 shelters across the country found that most have seen a significant decline in euthanasia rates between 2012 and 2018 due to a myriad of efforts intended to curb overpopulation and a rising trend in pet adoption.
