Adoption Resources - all about dog, cat and other pet adoptions

It is estimated that 8 million animals are in shelters and rescues in the US, awaiting a home. What can one person really do to help, especially when feeling overwhelmed by so many animals in need?

This was one of my questions for Hilary Swank, award-winning actress and and passionate animal advocate; how does she face all of those pleading eyes in shelters?

Mike Arms, president of Helen Woodward Animal Center, spoke at Blogpaws West, a conference for pet bloggers and pet professionals. He is an accountant by training, animal champion by choice. He is a compelling speaker with message that is tough to hear. The message is a fresh perspective that I feel is necessary to raise awareness and affect positive change for animals everywhere.

Adopt-A-Dog-Month is a nationally recognized event sponsored by the American Humane Association that encourages people to adopt their next canine companion from an animal shelter or breed-rescue group. Learn more about this campaign, adoption, rescue, fostering, and volunteering as ways to help animals awaiting their forever homes.

I am particularly fond of senior pets and pet adoptions.

Here are my top 5 reasons that senior pets deserve a "first look," and helpful resources for senior pet adoption and showing off our favorite senior pets.

Greyhounds are in need of homes more than ever now, as tracks around the country and the world are closing. These special dogs have never lived in a home environment, but adapt very well to "life on the couch" in their retirement years.

Here is the story of how we adopted Argos, a 4 year old retired racing Greyhound.

One year ago, we adopted Argos, a retired racing Greyhound. He had quite a racing career, and at 4 years of age, he was used to the scheduled life on the track. It took him a while to get used to our varied and much looser "schedule" and other aspects of living in a home with people and other pets. Here is a recap of the last year.

The decision to add a new pet to the family is one that should not be taken lightly. Stories of animals being returned to the shelter, for whatever reason, are heartbreaking. Do you have pet adoption tips or stories to share that will help others make informed, committed decisions? Knowledge is power.

Please share your adoption success stories here.