October 6 - Find Your Forever Friend!

When you think about October what comes to mind?  Is it Halloween or falling leaves...maybe it's the cider mill!  All these things are great, but did you know that October is National Adopt A Shelter Dog Month?

A Little Bit of History

One hundred and eighty six years ago the very first organized dog shelter was founded in Britain by 22 animal loving philanthropists. In 1824 they started the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. During that time, it was especially hard to get people on board with their mission as the first SPCA. But overtime thanks to dedication, hard work, and a lot of love, the SPCA gained popularity. By 1840, Queen Victoria gave her blessing and granted permission for the society to be renamed the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. As Britain's longest reigning monarch, Queen Victoria had a soft spot for fuzzy creatures. Her loving companion was a Cavalier King Charles named Dash. After his passing, she fell in love with Pomeranians and even owned 35 at one time.



The United States caught on soon after when Henry Bergh founded the ASPCA in 1866. Eleven years later in 1877, the American Human Society was formed and more animal rescue organizations. For the first time, there were anti-cruelty laws to protect our furry friends. In 1869, one of the first animal shelters was formed - the Women's SPA of Pennsylvania. The ASPCA in New York followed suit and began sheltering dogs and cats in 1894.


Looking for a dog to add to your family? Consider adopting a shelter dog! Sometimes they do come with baggage—they probably need training and to have their trust in humans re-built. They probably had a rough start in their life. But along with that baggage, they can bring you the most rewarding relationship you'll ever have with a dog!  Show them affection and loyalty and you will receive it back!
 

It's especially important to remember shelter dogs this year, when the ongoing recession has put many shelters in a bad position, with pet relinquishment up and adoptions and donations down.


 
Four million cats and dogs—about one every eight seconds—are killed in U.S. shelters each year.  Many of them only because they have no home... no one to love and take care of them.  It doesn't have to be this way... please consider how you can make a difference.
 
 
Get Involved:
 
Find an adoptable friend in your area. (Please consider saving a life!)
 
Find a shelter in your area.   (Make a donation, volunteer your time, do whatever you can)
 
Donate to ASPCA.  (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)

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Source:  ASPCA,