20 Things You Can Do Today to Make The World a Better Place

This adorable kitten would be a great new BFF. (Image via Giphy)

Adopt an Animal

If the prospect of all the dark days ahead has you down, consider getting a new furry friend to ride out the next presidential administration with you. (Or any bad times we may encounter in future, really). You’ll help save a life – over 2.7 million adoptable dogs and cares are euthanized in the U.S. each year, according to the Human Society – and gain yourself a new best friend. Animals offer us unconditional love, which is obviously wonderful. But they’re also psychologically, emotionally and physically beneficial to their companion. And caring for a pet can give you a sense of purpose in a world that too often seems full of chaos.

During the 2016 presidential campaign, and particularly after Election Day, there were spikes in adoption rates at shelters all over the country. It is a proven fact that animals make you feel better. There’s no problem so great that cuddling with a kitten or playing with a puppy can’t solve. Or at least, make seem less dire.

Don’t have the resources to be a pet’s fur-ever home right now? Consider fostering, where you take in a homeless animal in temporarily until it’s officially adopted by someone. They don’t have to stay in shelter cages and learn some socialization skills. You get some cute companionship. Everyone wins!