Raise a Green Dog!: Paw it forward this holiday season, today and everyday!

This is JayJay, one of many, many dogs looking for their furever home.

JayJay was rescued by the Southside Animal Shelter in Indianapolis in April of this year, after being dragged behind his former owners car. The great folks at the shelter nursed him back to health and he is now a well adjusted, happy, loving lab/shepherd mix ready to join a loving family!

Living a green, healthy lifestyle includes giving back to our planet and those that inhabit it. What better time to give back to those less fortunate than this Holiday season?

With so many homeless and shelter/rescue bound dogs that don't yet have their furever home; we've put together our top 10 list of how you can help dogs in need:

1. Gather up some gently used collars, leashes, toys, beds, unused crates and more dog related items and donate them to your local shelter or rescue. You can find worthy rescue and shelter organizations through Petfinder.com.

2. Shelters and rescues are always in need of household items to keep them running and reduce operating costs. Consider donating old towels, cleaning supplies, office supplies (like paper, pens or even an unused computer), blankets, laundry supplies, rugs and more.

3. Have a few hours available? Why not take a trip to your local animal shelter/rescue and take some time to play with the dogs or take them for a much needed walk.

4. Contact your local shelter/rescue and find out what type of food and treats they provide, pick up some at your local pet store and donate what you can!

5. Provide a much needed monetary donation in the name of your pet to help ease their financial burden.

6. If your local shelter/rescue sells items, why not buy locally from them for your gift giving this year.

7. Consider donating your time and making a regular, monthly commitment to help your local shelter/rescue organize fundraisers.

8. Why not sponsor a dog in your local rescue and give them a better chance at getting the help and new furever home they desperately need. Or if you can, consider fostering a dog in need.

9. If you are online, have a blog, or participate in social media, help your local shelter/rescue get the word out about the animals they have available for adoption.

10. Several organizations online have 'Click to Give' programs that help animals in need. Visit them everyday to make a difference. Learn more about Click to Give programs. Visit the Animal Planet R.O.A.R (Reach Out. Act. Respond) website, type in your zip code and find local shelter/rescue organizations that need your help.

And last, but most importantly, if you are considering adding a new 'green' dog to your family, consider adopting from your local animal shelter. Shelter pups make pawsome pets, just ask my Mum. I was adopted from the Southside Animal Shelter, a no-kill shelter in Indianapolis back in 2004. (That's me on the left in the photo above :).