Did you know October is National Adopt a Dog Month?  While it sounds innocent enough, the initiative is more important than you might think.  The statistics surrounding pet adoption in America are truly shocking.

You may not realize it, but according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA),  five out of ten dogs in a shelter are put to sleep because no one will adopt them.  But why aren’t people turning to shelters to obtain their pets?  Many individuals believe you can only find mixed-breeds, or “mutts,” at a shelter, but the ASPCA reports that “twenty-five percent of dogs who enter local shelters are purebred.”

That’s part of the reason why National Adopt a Dog Month is so important; with an increased level of awareness and knowledge, we can help these animals find safe homes.  One popular organization that rescues pups and then puts them up for adoption is the North Shore Animal League.  This group is the “world’s largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization” and has saved 1 million animals’ lives.

Do your part this October!  Obviously, due to constraints like allergies and space, not every person can adopt a dog, but there are other ways to help, too.  Again, the more people know about pet adoption, the more willing they’ll be to turn to shelters for their furry friends.  Contribute to National Adopt a Dog Month by passing out Adopt a Dog promotions; you never know, you might just help save a few puppies’ lives!