The ASPCA Celebrates October as Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Wednesday, 18 September 2002

"Make Your House a Home... Adopt a Shelter Dog!" Is Organization's Month-Long Message.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) will be celebrating October as Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month to encourage Americans to turn their houses into homes by adopting a shelter dog. Each year millions of dogs enter our nation's shelters, yet of the approximately 59 million owned dogs in this country, less than 20% are shelter adoptees.

"Nothing adds more warmth to a home or offers a better greeting after a hard day's work like a wagging tail and a pair of big brown eyes," says Dr. Larry Hawk, ASPCA President & CEO. "Drawing people to the shelters then guiding them through the process of preparing their home for a new dog are our goals this month." By logging onto www.aspca.org, new dog owners can learn about creating a dog-friendly décor; great tips from flooring to furniture are sure to impress even the most fastidious of housekeepers.

The ASPCA National Shelter Outreach department (NSO) with help of IamsTM Dog Foods (creator of the Lifelong Friends adoption matchmaking program) is helping over 8,000 shelters nationwide promote the month-long campaign by providing them with promotional materials. The included poster art entitled "Home Sweet Home" has been donated by Vermont artist Stephen Huneck.

"Make Pet Adoption Your First OptionTM" is a message that the ASPCA encourages throughout the year in order to facilitate our ultimate goal, an end to the euthanasia of all adoptable animals. Helping us to achieve this goal and supporting Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month, is our online partner Petfinder.com. Equipped with a searchable database of over 4,000 animal shelters and rescue groups, potential adopters can view thousands of adoptable animals ranging in age, size, breed and location.

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