October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month!

Come Visit the Animal Shelter Inc. of Sterling
to Find your Furry Four Legged Friend

Sterling, MA – the Animal Shelter Inc. of Sterling MA wants to remind families that might be considering adopting a dog or puppy that October is designated as Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month, the perfect time to spread the word about all the wonderful dogs awaiting homes in shelters and with rescue groups nationwide.

“It's especially important to remember shelter dogs this year…due to the lingering recession many shelters including ours are in a bad position, with pet relinquishment up and adoptions and donations down. If you know someone who is planning to get a dog but hasn't decided to adopt, please share this list with them,” states Leigh Grady, Executive Director.

5 Reasons to Adopt a Dog

1. You WILL make a difference. If the problem of pets dying in shelters seems overwhelming, think about this: If just one in three people opted to adopt rather than buy a dog, no adoptable dogs would need to be euthanized for lack of a home.
2. You will find your perfect match. With over 40-50 dogs/puppies at our shelter just waiting for your family - you're certain to find your perfect match. Our shelter updates our website several times daily so you can see all the wonderful pets available for adoption – just check www.sterlingshelter.org
3. You'll save time and money. Sure, shelters and rescue groups charge adoption fees, but you can easily find the perfect pooch at the Animal Shelter Inc. of Sterling whose has been vaccinated, spayed or neutered and is a perfect fit for your family! If you were to pay for those services yourself, you'd spend much more.
4. You will receive unconditional love. Ask anyone who's adopted: Rescued dogs just seem to know you saved them (especially older dogs), and they repay that act of kindness a thousandfold. How many times have we heard someone say their shelter pet in fact rescued them?
5. You will not be supporting cruelty. Each dog adopted rather than purchased means less of a market for unhealthy, inbred puppies produced under cruel conditions in puppy mill operations throughout the country.

And if you're already planning to adopt a dog, we've got resources to help you choose your perfect match, prepare for his or her arrival and then make your new family member's transition as smooth as possible.

But what if you can't adopt? Here are some easy ways you can still help:

1. Donate your Facebook status. Just paste this message into the "What's on your mind?" box at the top of your page: "October is Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month. Save a life: Adopt a dog! www.sterlingshelter.org
2. Tweet, retweet and repeat the following (or your own brilliant message): "October is Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month. Save a life: Adopt a dog!
3. Sign up as a foster parent or shelter volunteer then tell your friends how great it is. Check http://www.sterlingshelter.org/animal-shelter/how-you-can-help for information on how to volunteer, foster or donate.
4. Host a banner ad for our shelter       on your Web site or blog.
5. Write an op-ed about the importance of pet adoption for your local paper.
6. Donate online to our shelters pets and programs online through our secure server in honor of Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month.
7. Pass on an understanding of the importance of pet adoption to the next generation. Talk to your kids, nieces, nephews, grandchildren and other up-and-comers about animal shelters and why Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month, and pet adoption in general, is important.