October is National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month

National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month helps to focus attention on thousands of wonderful pets that are available for adoption at shelters nationwide. With record setting numbers of abandoned and owner surrendered pets stretching the capacity of shelters and rescues, it is more important today than ever before to choose the "adoption option" and adopt a shelter pet.

When you visit the shelter, there will most likely be a large selection of animals in all shapes and sizes. There will be purebreds and "duke's mixtures", babies and senior citizens, and everything in between. Most responsible shelters assess the animal's temperament and health in order to make the best adoption matches. If an animal was an owner relinquishment, it is very likely that the shelter will also have obtained a thorough history of that pet.