As the days grow shorter and the air gets a bit crisper, my garden is still giving. It’s that time of year when many of us gardeners are harvesting the last of our summer crops. But what happens when you have a little too much zucchini, a surplus of tomatoes, or an abundance of green beans? While canning and freezing are great options, I recently discovered another deeply rewarding way to share my harvest: donating fresh produce to local animal shelters.
I always thought shelters mainly needed pet food, blankets, and monetary donations. But a conversation with a volunteer at our local humane society opened my eyes. They mentioned how much the animals, especially dogs and some of the smaller critters, absolutely love fresh, crisp vegetables. Things like carrots, bell peppers, cucumbers, and even small pieces of apple can be wonderful, healthy treats for them.
Think about it: many of these animals are waiting for their forever homes. While the staff and volunteers provide excellent care, anything that can bring a little extra joy and a taste of something special makes a big difference in their day. Fresh produce offers variety, nutrients, and a simple sensory pleasure that’s often missing from their regular diet.
Last week, I brought over a box filled with ripe bell peppers, a few leftover cucumbers, and some sweet carrots from my garden. The reaction was more enthusiastic than I could have imagined. A few of the dogs, who had been a bit reserved, perked right up, tails wagging furiously as they took gentle bites of the crisp vegetables. It was heartwarming to see. The volunteer explained that these fresh additions aren’t just treats; they’re a way to enrich the animals’ lives and provide a connection to the natural world, even within the shelter environment.
So, as you’re wrapping up your gardening season and reaping the rewards of your hard work, consider this simple act of giving. Most animal shelters welcome donations of fresh, washed, and undamaged produce. It’s a fantastic way to ensure your surplus harvest doesn’t go to waste and, more importantly, to bring a little extra happiness to animals in need. It’s a win-win: your garden helps feed your family, and your extra bounty can brighten the day of a shelter animal.
Happy harvesting, and happy giving!