This October, Be a Superhero and Rescue a Shelter Dog During American Humane’s Adopt-A-Dog Month®

Denver (August 20, 2009)

You can save the day for a homeless dog — and find a faithful companion who will be at your side for all of life’s adventures — by adopting a dog during American Humane’s Adopt-A-Dog Month® in October.

As a result of the tight economy and rising tide of home foreclosures, U.S. animal shelters are becoming even more overpopulated by furry friends in need of loving homes. While no national statistics exist, shelters across the country are receiving dogs every day from displaced homeowners. With more dogs than adopters, shelters are facing a tragic scenario: the possibility of having to euthanize healthy, adoptable dogs.

“Adopting a dog from your local shelter is a simple, yet heroic deed,” said American Humane President and CEO Marie Belew Wheatley. “By providing a home to an animal that didn’t have one, you can help reduce the regrettably high number of homeless pets in this country. And you’ll be rewarded in so many ways, as you experience the joy of building an invincible bond with a loving and faithful companion.”

Dogs provide companionship, improved physical and emotional health, social interaction and devoted love. They also encourage people to exercise, enhance family and other relationships, promote laughter and act as a nonjudgmental audience. However, it is important to remember that adopting a dog is a long-term commitment; dogs need exercise and daily attention and are completely dependent on their owners for all of their needs.

Dog adoption isn’t something to take lightly, but it is an extremely rewarding, life-changing experience, and possibly a life-saving experience for the dog. To learn more about the adoption process, visit American Humane’s Web site at www.americanhumane.org.

Be a superhero! Rescue a shelter dog and gain a loyal, super sidekick for all of life’s adventures!

About American Humane

Founded in 1877, the American Humane Association is the only national organization dedicated to protecting both children and animals. Through a network of child and animal protection agencies and individuals, American Humane develops policies, legislation, curricula and training programs to protect children and animals from abuse, neglect and exploitation. The nonprofit organization, headquartered in Denver, raises awareness about The Link® between violence to people and violence to animals, as well as the benefits derived from the human-animal bond. American Humane’s regional office in Los Angeles is the exclusive authority behind the “No Animals Were Harmed”® end-credit disclaimer on film and TV productions, and American Humane’s office in Washington, D.C., is an advocate for child and animal protection at the federal and state levels. The American Humane® Certified™ farm animal program is the nation’s original independent certification and labeling program for humanely raised food (www.thehumanetouch.org). American Humane meets the strong, comprehensive standards of the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance, has been awarded the Independent Charities of America’s “Best in America” Seal of Approval, has met the stringent standards for financial efficiency and accountability required by the American Institute of Philanthropy to qualify as a Top-Rated Charity, and has received a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s premier independent charity evaluator. Visit www.americanhumane.org to learn more.

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