October is Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCAź), American Humane and several animal rescue and welfare groups are working independently to let the public know that October is Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month.
(Fear not: cats have their time in the adoption spotlight too. June is Adopt-A-Cat Month.)
Pet Adoption is Personal
Pet adoption is a topic near and dear to me, having adopted all of the dogs and cats in my life. My pets have come from shelters, surrendered (usually injured) to the clinic, and "found" by me -- either wandering homeless or helping out a friend who needed to find a pet a home.
Of course, I couldn't adopt all animals that came my way. Only a small fraction of them. Pet adoption is a serious life-long commitment to that pet. The natural lifespan, food and vet costs, and the other animals and humans in the household all play a part in the decision-making process.
The dog and cat in the photo below are two of my pets. The cat, Herman Roosevelt Quinn, was brought in by animal control. It was my first day on the job at that clinic, he was hit by a car, and the rescue officer suggested he be put to sleep because of the injuries. Herman recovered, and lived a happy life until the age of 17, when the effects hyperthyroidism and kidney failure took their toll. He was a great cat, and I miss him. Herman adored Sophie the dog.
Sophie the dog "happened" because I sent my husband to the shelter to donate some food. Here's the story of Sophie's adoption. She is now seven years old, and a wonderful pet!
Are you ready to adopt?
It takes consideration and communication with other humans who will be responsible for the pet's care. Shelter medicine and knowledge of animal behavior (in shelters and post-adoption) has advanced considerably in the last few years, and many shelters are well-equipped to find the "best match" for each adoption. Online resources are plenty, too for pre- and post-adoption research and information.
Even if you are unable to adopt a pet at this time, there are many ways to help animals waiting in shelters everywhere for their forever home. Donations of money, food, cleaning supplies and other everyday items are welcome, as is a donation of your time to help socialize and care for the animals.
Start Here
Adoption Resources - new hub packed full of adoption information to find that new love of your life.
Have you had a successful adoption?
Please tell us about your adopted pet - what worked, and what you learned.
Related Resources:
- ASPCA Adoption Tips
- American Humane Adopt-A-Dog information
- Adopt a Shelter Dog Month from Veterinary Information Network (VIN)
- Petfinder Massive adoption directory that has "more than 13 million adoptions since 1995"
Photo #1: Rejoice over touch © cnynfreelancer on Flickr
Photo #2: Herman and Sophie © Janet Tobiassen Crosby DVM
Comments
What a lovely article Janet. Thanks so much! It sure made me wish I could adopt more and believe me, if I could afford a farm, I would adopt them all or start my own Rescue centre or something like that. I always cry my eyes out when I see them in the kennels, with those sweet, innocent eyes, looking up and you and you can see all those questions in there…wondering what happened or if they did something wrong? Gosh no! It’s heartbreaking..really!
But it’s wonderful that there will always be someone out there that can give some of them the love and homes they need. And it is like you said…you can’t adopt or rescue all the animals that comes your way and you, just like others, did the best you could and that made the difference and that is what counts
Thanks for an awesome blog/website. I love reading your articles and postings
Hugs
Hi Sophia-
Thank you for your kind comments. I just re-read that post and realized I should have written a little more about my pets featured in the photo! I just added in their adoption stories.
Thanks again,
Janet
Happy Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month!