The ASPCA Celebrates October As Adopt A Shelter Dog Month

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Wednesday, 5 September 2001

Month-long campaign encourages Americans to "Make Pet Adoption Your First Option".

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) is celebrating October as Adopt A Shelter Dog Month to urge Americans to make pet adoption their first option when thinking of adding a companion animal to their family. Whether a red roan English Cocker Spaniel, a brindle Pit Bull Terrier, a blue merle Collie mix or a chocolate Labrador, adoptable dogs in need of good homes are available at over 5,000 sheltering organizations nationwide. "Making pet adoption the first option for all Americans is our goal," says Dr. Larry Hawk, ASPCA President & CEO. "Many shelters have a wide variety of dogs to choose from, including mixed and purebred dogs in a range of colors, sizes, ages and dispositions. I can't think of a better way to find your new best friend and save a life at the same time than by adopting a pet from a shelter."

Adopt A Shelter Dog Month is also a time when the ASPCA encourages responsible pet ownership. In addition to providing adequate food, shelter and water, being a responsible pet owner also means adopting an animal for the right reasons. Age, size, temperament and exercise requirements are important considerations in making a successful match. Potential adopters can now search the Internet through ASPCA's Petfinder, which lists over 2,000 shelters and rescue groups nationwide where people can view adoptable animals online.

Joining the ASPCA in celebrating Adopt A Shelter Dog Month is The Iams Company's premium Iams Dog Foods brand. Iams will be providing a free booklet, "Your New Dog: A Comprehensive Guide to Health, Nutrition and General Care," to those who make the commitment to share their home with a shelter dog.

The Iams Dog Foods brand has also generously sponsored a mailing through the ASPCA National Shelter Outreach department (NSO), which is sent to over 5,000 shelters and rescue groups around the country to help them create an exciting month-long promotion. It includes valuable guidelines for shelter staff and tip sheets for new adopters. Also included in the mailing is a specially-commissioned poster to hang in shelter lobbies as well as promotional ideas to extend throughout October. Not only does this kit help them promote dog adoptions all month, it reminds shelters they can turn to NSO as a continual resource for information and aid. "The dog lovers at The Iams Company are delighted to be working with the ASPCA," says Lara Strazdin, Manager of Communications, "We hope this partnership will help find loving homes for many of the great dogs waiting at shelters across America."

Artist Ron Burns has generously donated this year's eye-catching image entitled "Molly, Mo & Jack" for the poster that is being distributed to shelter and rescue organizations nationwide. Renowned for his compelling paintings of shelter dogs and cats, he is also making a name for himself as a tireless fundraiser for the animals. Burns is a celebrated fine artist who finds inspiration by visiting animal shelters around the U.S. and donates a portion of proceeds from his paintings back to these organizations. His paintings capture the shelter animal's unique personalities through the eyes, for he feels that is where the soul of the animal is expressed. "I am thrilled to have been selected by the ASPCA as the official Adopt A Shelter Dog Month artist and hope that my artwork will encourage people to adopt shelter animals," says Ron Burns. "I often paint shelter dogs and cats on furniture and in vehicles, as a way of suggesting that the animals have found homes." Ron creates portraits that represent animals as individuals with unique personalities who are beloved members of today's families.

For more information, or to contact American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, see their website at: www.aspca.org