October is National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month

October is National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. Were you aware that millions of dogs are euthanized every year? Why? For the simple reason that there are not enough caring and responsible homes that welcome them as family members. Because of this travesty the American Humane Society established October as National adopt a shelter dog month.

Reasons to adopt a dog - companionship

We all need someone who loves us unconditionally. We all need friends. We all need to be needed. Dogs can do all three. They love us, we are theirs and they prefer it that way. Dogs are our pals. Dogs are our best friends. They listen, they support, they promote responsibility from us for their care, and they make us laugh and feel special. Come on, being licked on the face is one of the greater expressions of love we can be a part of in this world. The look of utter joy and contentment when we walk through the door that we receive lets us know we are loved, that we are, indeed, special. They need us to care for them and in doing so; we are caring for ourselves as well.

"You can say any fool thing to a dog, and the dog will give you this look that says, `My God, you're RIGHT! I NEVER would've thought of that!'" - Dave Barry

Reasons to adopt a dog- health benefits

Dogs can help lower blood pressure, prevent heart disease, and ease depression and loneliness. Out of shape, having a dog can rectify that through the benefits you both receive from walking, jogging and playing.

"I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for being alive." - Gilda Radner

Reasons to adopt a dog- social interaction

Would you categorize yourself as shy? Is your life such that meeting and making new friends is difficult? Dogs can help! They are facilitators with stranger introductions. Take a dog for a walk and count the number of people that stop and say, 'what a cute dog'. (It even works if you have an ugly dog, but I am of the belief that they are none.) Increased social interaction between people can be a positive health benefit as well. Not to mention the networking that can be done whilst walking your dog in a dog park. Relations between neighbors can improve ( as long as the dog is not an all night long barker that keeps the neighbors awake all night- but that is a trainable correction.)

"If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you; that is the principal difference between a dog and a man." - Mark Twain

If you find that you are able, and are willing, research into adopting a dog this month. Dogs make life better. We all need that.

"There is a great need for people to adopt dogs from their local animal shelters," says Marie Belew Wheatley, American Humane Association president and CEO. "By adopting a dog this October, or at any time of year, people are saving the lives of these precious animals and giving them much-needed, loving homes