Praise to Animal Shelters!

National Animal Shelter and Rescue Appreciation Week

     This week is Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, a week to honor all the staff and volunteers at ASPCA and other rescue organizations who have dedicated their lives to help unwanted, ill and abused pets and to reduce pet overpopulation. 

                There are some 3,500 shelters across the United States serving a staggering 6-8 million homeless pets.  These places need our support and are a great place to start if you are looking for a new pet. 

                My husband and I adopted our Stanley from the York County SPCA many years ago when it was still located in Thomasville.  He was so cute and small in his cage!  We asked to see him and were ushered to a room with a bench and a bookshelf filled with toys and other items.  Stanley went right over to the shelf, picked up a toy and hopped up on the bench with us.  I knew right then, he was meant to be with us, and we adopted him that same day.  Our boys Frankie and Marty, pictured above, came from a rescue organization called 2^nd Chance 4 Life.  I saw their pictures on PetFinder.com and couldn’t resist their cute faces!  Many of our staff have fostered pets, adopted pets from shelters or rescues or have other involvement with area rescues such as Animal Rescue, Inc. in New Freedom, PA. 

                Please consider adopting a pet from a rescue organization or shelter.  If you had your heart set on a particular breed, there are breed specific rescues that may be able to fulfill your needs.  There are so many dogs and cats that need good homes and you may even find rabbits, guinea pigs and other animals for adoption. 

                Even if you are not looking to adopt a new pet, there are many ways to show your support to our local SPCA and other rescue organizations.  Donations of money or supplies are always appreciated as are volunteers if you have the time to spare.  Most rescues have fundraising events throughout the year or booths at area events.  Stop by or attend an event if you can. 

                Thanks to all who work so tirelessly and act as advocates for all the homeless pets out there.  It is not an easy job, but we appreciate all you do! 

Feel free to share your shelter adoption stories with us on our Patton Facebook page!