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Dear Fellow Pet Lovers –

As a Rescue Pet Mom, I know there are many kindred spirits among you who are Rescue Moms, Rescue Dads, and those who simply love and respect animals of all kinds. I SALUTE every one of you and will say again, how much I appreciate you, your attitude, and all that you do to help and support animals and pet rescue.

I have many rescued pets and every single one has added so much to my life, in many ways. All are different....all have so much to give, and ask so little in return. The month of October is National Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month. I ask that those of you who have already adopted a pet, whether it be a dog, a cat, a rabbit, a bird or another wonderful pet, consider adopting a dog or ANOTHER dog, to share your life as well. There are so many in need of a loving home, right in your own home town! Every animal shelter is overcrowded…every one of them could use your help, whether it be in the form of adopting, volunteering to walk the dogs or spend some quality time with them, even if you cannot adopt right now, or even helping with cleaning, organizing, mailings, or certainly monetarily. Whatever you can do, would be MOST appreciated by your local animal shelter or rescue organization.

If you ARE considering adopting a dog, here are a few tips that you may find helpful in finding a great match for you and your family:

DEFINITELY VISIT YOUR ANIMAL SHELTER FIRST

Shelter animals are not damaged goods and are not there through any fault of their own. Often their owner has passed away, and no one stepped forward to take the animal. Sometimes, hard as it is to imagine, people move....and leave their pet behind, often in an empty house.  Sometimes families no longer have the finances to take care of a pet and have to give it up. Often, pets are simply dumped by the side of the road, and wind up in a shelter. The some shelters are "no kill"....but many shelters have limited space and the pets that have been there the longest are put on the short list for being euthanized. That is why I say when you adopt a pet....you save TWO lives....the life of the pet you bring home, and the life of the pet that was able to have its space at the shelter.

TRY YOUR POTENTIAL PET OUT FIRST

Most shelters will let you spend time with the pet you are interested in...visiting, or going for a nice walk. Often the staff will be able to answer most of your questions about the dog, as they have been spending time with that pup before you came to visit. They may or may not know the dog's entire history, but they can give you a good idea of the dog's personality, health, age, and whether or not YOUR particular family unit would be best for that dog. ASK QUESTIONS!!

DON'T BE BREED-BIASED...BE FLEXIBLE

Many folks go to a shelter looking for a particular breed of dog and feel like nothing else will do. You may think you know exactly what you want, but give every dog a chance. The staff can help you determine if a particular dog has the right energy level for you, for your kids or grandkids and for your other pets. Matching energy levels to your lifestyle is more important that sex, breed, or color. Although puppies are cute, no doubt, and usually have a "clean slate", they are also ALOT of work. Are you ready for that? If not, please also consider SENIOR pets....age 7 and better. These dogs are a joy....are usually perfectly housebroken and know the rules. They are easily adaptable and are so grateful for a second chance. Perhaps their owner had to go into assisted living or another situation where they could not take their pet.  Or perhaps their owner passed away, and now the dog is alone and has no idea where their owner went. How sad to spend the rest of his life in a shelter instead of another loving home.

Whatever you decide, your life will only be improved and more joyful, when you welcome a shelter pet to share your days and nights. Pets are proven to be stress relievers, they give you unconditional love, they bring you joy and infuse your life with happy energy and fun. All they ask in return is food, shelter, a comfy bed, loving care and a pat on the head. Wow....you get ALOT in return from them!

Please visit www.ASPCA.org for more information on adopting a pet, and for lots of terrific info on being a great pet owner, including diet, veterinary info, lists of what NOT to feed your pets, poisonous plants, and so much more. If you are looking for a place to adopt a pet in YOUR town, search the internet for the SPCA, Humane Society, or pet rescue groups, and include your ZIP CODE in the search.

Please DO post photos of your rescue pets on my Facebook page ANYTIME! We love seeing their adorable furry faces!! For great pet products that I personally love on QVC.com, visit my Pet Mama ToGather page as well.

Thank you....and God Bless you AND your animals, always.

Love,

Carolyn (and my little zoo)