Hey, You!

Yes, you, the one who is thinking about getting a cute new puppy or kitten. Have you checked out the Humane Society’s Adoption Pledge? Visit their pledge website to find out great information on why to adopt from a shelter. Some interesting tidbits:

* Between three and four million dogs and cats are euthanized every year in US animal shelters
* One in four shelter dogs are purebred
* Most animals in shelters are there not because of “animal problems”, but “people problems”

Adopting a shelter pet is one of the most rewarding things you can do. Yes, it can be challenging, but once you earn your pet’s trust, you can be treated to love and loyalty.

Adopt a Shelter Dog Month!

Welcome to October. I can't believe I'm saying that! Where has 2009 gone? One good thing about the speedy year is that we can now celebrate "Adopt a Shelter Dog" month.

I'd like to spend the month collecting great shelter dog-related stories. My first one came to me today via Twitter--a contest called "Reading Rufus Rhymes to Rover." Rufus Rhymes is a book by Ron Burns, an artist and dog lover. Ron's work is amazing, and I just WISH I could have him complete a portrait of my pup.

His promotion this month, which encourages shelter pup parents to post a video of themselves reading Rufus Rhymes, is "a way to celebrate fellow dog rescuers and raise awareness for the millions of dogs currently available for adoption at shelters across the U.S." Take a look at his site, then take a video of your shelter dog and win your very own portrait!