Wednesday Wag: It’s national Adopt-A-Dog month

We’re halfway through American Humane’s national Adopt-A-Dog month. But there’s still a lot you can do to help the shelter dogs out there.

About 2.2 million dogs wind up in animal shelters in the United States each year. Of those, about 670,000 of them are euthanized. But there’s a way you can help! October is national Adopt-A-Dog month. And luckily you’ve still got time.

American Humane began the yearly event back in 1981 in order to encourage people to adopt a dog from a shelter or rescue group.

“If you haven’t yet experienced that remarkable power of the human-animal bond, American Humane encourages you to consider adopting a dog and finding out just how life-changing it can be,” president and CEO Dr. Robin Ganzert said.

“With so many dogs in shelters all across our country available for adoption – and many of them never finding a safe, loving forever home – adopting a dog will make you a hero, too.”

Sure, we’re already halfway through October, but there’s still time to make a difference! Adopting a dog is one of the most rewarding things you can do. By becoming a dog’s forever family, you’re not only saving a life, but you’re also getting an adorable, loyal, grateful pup in return.

So why is it so important to adopt rather than shop? Obviously, there are a ton of stray dogs in need of a forever home. Getting from a shelter also makes it harder for the puppy mill industry to survive. There are also good breeders out there though.

On top of that, many shelter dogs are a little older, have already grown out of the rambunctious puppy stage, have their personalities, and could already be house-trained. You know what you’re getting.

And you’re getting a very grateful dog. Rescue dogs just know that they’ve been saved and adopted.

There’s nothing like having a dog. They’re friendly, adorable, smart, and loyal. Plus, they keep you active. Adopting my pup Ruby was the best decision I ever made. Going to the shelter, picking out her first toys with her, and bringing her home was the best day ever. And she’s become so important to me over these past five years.

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But even if you’re not in a place to adopt a dog in the next couple of weeks, there are other ways to support Adopt-A-Dog month. American Humane suggests you spay or neuter your dog if you haven’t already, make sure your dog has ID, and support your local animal shelter by volunteering, or donating money or supplies.

There are so many ways you can make a difference in a shelter dog’s life.