Saving the Dogs

I advocate shelters and anything that can save our four-legged buddies from being euthanized. When I read about PetSmart Charities® Rescue Waggin'® vehicle dropping off the 50,000^th saved dog recently and watching her walk the Red Carpet, I actually teared up.

You can see Dawn, the Golden Retriever, here. PetSmart states that only 5% of rescue dogs are more than 5 years old and most are mere puppies. But for the older dogs, it is especially difficult to find homes. Thankfully a couple from Colorado adopted the 7-year-old Golden just two days after her arrival and her walk down the Red Carpet.

We adopted a rescue who was close to 5-years-old this year. The shelter named him Calvin and I call him that most of the time but truthfully, he will just "come" when he knows that I want him to. Who knows what he was called for the first few years of his life. He came to us with some allergy issues but since switching him to a dehydrated raw diet, he has begun to flourish and we love him dearly. He's brought much joy to our lives.

Most of the dogs that are in shelters these days are mixed breeds, 95% according to PetSmart, but our little guy is a thoroughbred which is probably why he does have allergy issues. Most Shih Tzu's are prone to various conditions. It never mattered to me whether he was a purebred or not, I fell in love with him instantly.

There are far too many dogs and cats living in shelters these days. Whether they are victims of the economic downturn or just yesterday's present left unattended once the novelty wore off - I encourage you to visit your local shelter when you are looking to adopt a new furry friend.

As for the PetSmart Charities® Rescue Waggin'®, it just may be pulling up near a shelter by you. And, for Dawn, the Golden who walked the Red Carpet - we understand she has found a warm spot in her new digs to call her very own home.

Sources:

http://www.t-g.com/story/1770899.html

http://www.petsmartcharities.org/events-news/press-releases/dawn-50000-rw-dog-news.html

http://www.petsmartcharities.org/rescue-waggin/stories/dawn.html

http://www.petsmartcharities.org/events-news/press-releases/rescuewaggin-50000-dogs.html