October is National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month!

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and The American Humane Association (AHA) have deemed the month of October as The National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month and Adopt a Dog Month, respectively. The names are slightly different, but the goal is the same: getting as many great dogs as possible into the loving homes and families they deserve.

It might sound obvious to anyone who has added a shelter dog to their family before, but adopting a pet is quite fulfilling. According to the ASPCA, the results of an Edge Research poll suggest that people who adopt a dog from a shelter are far more likely to feel good about their experience than those who purchase a pet from a pet store, something to keep in mind while searching for your next canine companion. Shelters and rescues in cities across the country are stepping up to promote their pooches and pups during the month of October.

According to the AHA, each year, an estimated 3-4 million animals waiting in shelters for someone to give them a safe, loving home never find a hero to adopt them and, tragically, are euthanized.

If you are thinking about getting a dog, consider adopting a rescue animal or a dog from your local shelter. You will be saving a life and greatly improving yours. Your local shelter is the perfect place to find dogs of every type, size, age and personality, all waiting for a loving family. Or if you prefer a particular breed that isn’t currently available at a shelter, go online to find a legitimate breed-specific rescue group in need of adopters like you.

Dogs are amazing, supportive, and heroic companions who can make a huge difference in your world as a best friend, an exercise buddy, someone who can be trained to provide animal-assisted therapy and help those with challenges they may face, or simply be a fuzzy face to greet you after a hard day at work!

Unconditional love is as close as your nearest shelter!