Critter Alley

Critter Alley

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month



Image from ASPCA website

October is Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month. The event is sponsored by the ASPCA and was created as a way to encourage adopting a shelter dog rather than buying a pet from a breeder.

There are literally thousands of adoptable pets euthanized each year because there simply are not enough homes for them all. You can help change these horrendous statistics by always looking for a shelter animal first.

Vet bill bonus: Typically, shelter pups will be up to date on vaccinations, already spayed or neutered, and have cleared a basic health exam before you take them home.

Looking for a particular breed? Many shelter animals are purebreds. There are also breed-specific rescue groups. And I hasten to add that most dogs I've brought into our family have been of the all-American mutt variety. They're fantastic!

If you aren't ready for the antics and hard work of caring for a puppy, think about adult dogs...they need homes, too! With an adult dog you'll be certain of ultimate size and personality, and usually the animal is already housebroken. Your carpet will thank you.

In honor of this event, the ASPCA is sponsoring a photo contest. They'd like you to catch your dog in the act of interspecies affection. Top 5 winners will be featured on the ASPCA website and receive an ASPCA prize package. No fee to enter, but submissions must be received by October 31, 2009. Check out the complete rules here.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I hope lots of pooches find new forever homes this month. I was delighted when Tom discovered the organization we got Barkley and Floyd from. Tom did an internet search and found the North of England Dalmatian Club Welfare Service. Tom has always wanted a Dallie and through these fantastic people we got Barkley and now Floyd. Barkley was a wonderful dog and Floyd is too and we would never have got them any other way.

The Word Place said...

Most of the dogs who have lived (quite well!) with us have been shelter dogs--or literally drug home off the street. Lady was found dumpster-diving on Highway 7 (which isn't what son #1 originally told me, but oh, well...)

And speaking of Lady, she's quite aggrieved this morning that it is raining (again!) so she only got to walk as far as the corner.