Social Media Etiquette: Sharing is Caring Only If It’s Updated

We are flooded with pitiful images of dogs needing to be rescued on social media every day, which can quickly become depressing. With that said, social media has certainly brought awareness to dog rescue and helped many abandoned dogs find their forever homes, but there is a secret social media etiquette on sharing these posts. Check out these social media tips that will make it much easier to narrow down dogs in need while minimizing posts.

Verify a Post is Current Before Sharing

As we’re scrolling through our social media feed, most of us are overcome with sadness when stumbling across a picture of a defenseless dog staring back at us. Immediately, our fingers migrate to the share button, but don’t share yet!

Always verify a post first. Outdated dog rescue and foster dog posts are shared way too often. As an example, at least half of the posts on my social media page are outdated. Before forwarding the post, click on the picture and scan the feedback. Make sure the dog is still available for adoption and the post is current. Too many posts are recycled over and over again for years due to a horrific photo.

Maybe it’s a pet peeve of mine, but sharing outdated posts clogs ups social media feeds and desensitizes people to the faces of dogs truly in need. When someone continuously sees the same tragic photo pop up over a period of time, she eventually learns to ignore it. Then, only the most horrific photos are given attention.

Make sure a post is current and the dog is still up for adoption before sharing with your friends and family.

Add Context Before Sharing

Most people notice the photo, but most will ignore it if details are not readily provided. When sharing posts, add the dog’s location (especially state) and why he or she needs help. Also, note the post is up-to-date and ask others to pass it along.

Please Forward It

So many people choose not to forward posts of dogs in need, which is completely baffling! As an example, my social media page is filled with dog-loving people, yet 1 out of 10 people will share a post of a dog currently in need. This blows my mind!

Please take two seconds of your time to verify a post is updated, add a bit of text and share (even if the dog’s not in your state). You never know who will see it. Every time a rescue dog is shared or tweeted, you’re giving that dog a voice.

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