With the Winter Holidays at our doorstep, many people think about bringing a new pet into their home. Why not take that thought and go one step further. Anyone can buy a new dog or cat, but how many people say that they saved two lives at the same time?

When you open your home to a pet from an animal shelter, you are not only saving that canine or feline’s life. Your adoption makes space in the shelter to protect the next dog or cat against the abuse, neglect or struggle that has become their daily life. Each year, countless numbers of pets find themselves in our care by no fault of their own. Nationwide, about half of the animals who enter shelters

never live to find their forever home.

During off site adoption events, we hear from so many kindhearted individuals that would “take them all home if they could”. These people already know the hardship that many shelter pets encounter before being rescued. These caring individuals already know that far too many stray cats and dogs die on the streets. Many of them fight back a tear while telling us about their best friends, who just so happen to be rescued from animal shelters. I always tell them that I know exactly how they feel, because I do. My three best friends have four paws and wag their whole bodies when I come through the door every night.

I have also learned that you don’t have to "adopt them all" to better the life of a homeless pet. Donations of money are always welcome by the scores of underfunded animal shelter groups. Donations of cleaning supplies, blankets, towels and food are contributions that help to keep the puppies and kitties healthy while in the shelter's care. However, the ultimate gift that you can give to any animal shelter is your time. Time spent brushing a dog or cat who is starved for attention is like no other joy in the world. When you experience the appreciation and affection that a homeless pets gives in return for a few minutes of your time first hand, your life will never be the same.

If you have the room in your heart and home this holiday season, please consider adopting a dog, cat, puppy or kitten from, not only ours, but any animal shelter this holiday season. That pet will thank you every day for the rest of your lives together. Please remember…Don’t shop or buy while homeless pets die. Make pet adoption your first option!