Celebrate Dogs in October
October is truly all about dogs. Two great initiatives are featured in the month of October to help raise awareness about the plight of homeless dogs.
Adopt-a-Dog Month
In 1981 the American Humane Association established an annual event to encourage people to adopt a dog from a shelter or rescue organization. Each year, millions of dogs end up homeless and waiting in shelters for a hero to come and rescue them. For far, far too many of them, a hero never comes, and they are tragically euthanized.
There are many ways you can be a hero for animals in need during Adopt-a-Dog month, including these:
Adopt from a shelter or rescue group
Open your heart to a new best friend found at your local shelter. There is no reason to buy a dog from a pet store when millions of adoptable dogs are waiting for forever homes in a shelter nearby.
Spay or neuter your dog
Altering your dog prevents the possibility of unexpected and unwanted puppies that contribute to the burden of animal overpopulation. Spayed and neutered animals also may lead longer, healthier lives with fewer of certain behavioral problems exhibited by animals who have not been spayed or neutered.
ID your pet
Only 15-20 percent of lost dogs that enter a shelter find their way home. Make sure your dog is one of the fortunate few by outfitting him with proper identification in the form of I.D. tags or a microchip.
Support your local shelter
Donating time, money or supplies to your local shelter can demonstrate how much you care. DAWS even gives you a chance to show your support by sponsoring a dog (or cat) to make your monetary donation even more personal.
Pit Bull Awareness Month and National Pit Bull Awareness Day (NAPD)
In 2007, Jodi Preis of Bless the Bullys pit bull rescue and education group established National Pit Bull Awareness Day. The goal was to provide awareness and education aimed at changing the negative and inaccurate perceptions and stereotypes about pit bulls and their responsible owners. NPBAD is an initiative dedicated to helping restore the image of the American Pit Bull Terrier by helping to educate and foster positive communications and experiences in the communities where pit bulls and their owners live. The last Saturday of every October is designated as NPAD. This year, it will be celebrated on October 28th.
In 2011, NPAD was expanded to create National Pit Bull Awareness Month. Extending the celebration to the entire month of October means there is a greater opportunity for shelters, breed clubs, and rescue organizations to spotlight the breed through a variety of means, including adoptions, educational, and responsible ownership events. Learn more about this National campaign.
DAWS continues to work tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of dogs (and cats) in need. We have already found homes for more than 280 dogs this year and hope to find homes for many more before the year is over. Celebrate Adopt-a-dog month with us. Come find your next canine company at DAWS today.
