Adopt a Shelter Dog Month

Bailey is a senior girl looking for her forever home. Doesn't she have a sweet face? Don't worry about her gray muzzle. It would scare you to know how gray I'd be if it weren't for the skills of my hairdresser. And just like us older people, older dogs make pretty awesome companions.  

October is National Adopt a Shelter Dog month. If you're considering adding a dog to your family, please visit a shelter first. You'll find dogs of all colors, shapes and sizes. Young and old. Purebred and Heinz 57. Out there somewhere is the perfect fit. He/she is watching the door right now and waiting for you.

Sweet Bailey is one of many dogs available for adoption at Five Acres Animal Shelter. Here's a link to dogs at the shelter who want nothing more than a family to love:

 http://www.adoptapet.com/shelter80646-dogs.html

Meanwhile we continue to have lovely weather. I think it's our reward from surviving an obscenely hot and dry summer. Whatever the reason, I'm loving the cool temperatures. It feels great to eat a bowl of chili and lounge around the house in a well-worn cotton sweatshirt.

And can you think of a more perfect time of year to take a long walk with your four-footed best friend?

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.