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Wishing For Kisses? Adopt A Dog This Month

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By KRISTEN LEVINE, Tribune correspondent

Published: October 6, 2007

Here's a number that may seem surprising: More than 75 million dogs live in American households.

But despite their popularity, millions of dogs continue to be euthanized every year because nobody wants them.

To help put an end to that problem, the American Humane Association sets aside every October to encourage people to adopt dogs.

'There is a great need for people to go to a shelter and find their new best friend,' Marie Belew Wheatley, association president and CEO, states on the organization's Web site.

'By adopting a dog from a local shelter this October, people are saving the lives of these precious animals and giving them much-needed and loving homes.'

Besides giving you a good feeling from doing something noble, adopting a dog may improve your health, too. When you take your dog on a daily walk or jog, your pet isn't the only one getting exercise.

There's also the mental health boost that comes from having a canine companion, which some experts say can help reduce blood pressure and fight depression and loneliness.

Dogs can even help you socially because they promote conversation and increased social contact between people, the association reports.

Studies show that pet owners are more likely than people without pets to participate in community activities and to do favors for their neighbors.

Although owning a dog can be rewarding, it also requires a shift in your lifestyle.

Keep in mind that dogs can live up to 15 years and sometimes longer.

To get a true idea of how long that is, think about how old you will be in 15 years.

It's also important to be prepared to go the distance.

Chances are you'll be moving within the next 15 years, and moving with a pet can be a hassle.

There are also veterinary bills, food costs, toys, grooming and other expenses to consider.

Those costs can add up in the first year to $800 to $1,600, according to an analysis by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

If you decide to adopt your first dog, or perhaps it has been years since you parented a pooch, visit the association's Web site to find out how to get properly equipped for canine companionship at www .americanhumane.org.

To help celebrate the month, a couple of local shelters have announced special deals through October:

•The Humane Society of Pinellas is reducing its adoption fee for dogs from the normal rate of $55 for adult dogs and $65 for puppies to $35 for either.

The fee includes vaccinations, license, microchip, spay-neuter, a Pets Incredible video and a bag of food. The society is at 3040 State Road 590 in Clearwater. It can be reached at (727) 797-7722 or go to www.humane societyofpinellas.org.

•The Humane Society of Tampa Bay is providing free collars and leashes to all dog adopters this month. The shelter is at 3607 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa. Call (813) 876-7138 or go to www.humanesociteytampa .org.

Write to Kristen Levine at Fetching Communications, P.O. Box 222, Tarpon Springs FL 34688; e-mail Kristen@fetchingcommunications

CAN'T ADOPT?

Here are other ways the American Humane Association suggests you celebrate Adopt-A-Dog Month:

•Spay or neuter your pup. This prevents unwanted puppies and has been shown to improve the health of your pet.

•ID your pet. Be sure your pet has an ID tag, a microchip or both. That will help Fido get home if he gets lost.

•Donate to your local shelter. Even if you can't take in a new pet, you can help give pets a chance to find loving homes by supporting the efforts of your local shelter.

.com; or fax to (727) 934-6451.

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