Adopt a Dog

Looking for someone to cuddle with on cool Fall evenings? This handsome senior citizen is called Shadow. His expression seems to radiate a sweet confidence, as though he knows there's someone out there who wants to take him home and love him forever. 

Shadow is one of many dogs at Five Acres Animal Shelter (formerly St. Charles Humane Society) in St. Charles, Missouri looking for a permanent and happy home. Check them out. You could discover just the furry face you've been waiting to find!

Indy woofed for me to remind everyone that October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. What a great time to rescue a pet! If, however, you can't adopt, consider helping your local shelter in other ways. They can use volunteers, pet food, toys, and towels. And to pay all those vet bills, monetary donations are always welcome. 

 We hope you and your furry best friends are having the same beautiful weather we are.  Low humidity, warm sunny days, and comfortably cool nights.

Don't you just love Fall?

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.