I’m sharing #StartAStoryAdopt in my life as part of a Shelter Pet Project by Ad Council sponsored series for Socialstars.
The Shelter Pet Project works to make forever homes a reality for thousands of shelter pets across the country. The Shelter Pet Project works to make sure that as many adoptable pets as possible are adopted. Their feeling - and mine - is that if you can adopt, you should.
The Shelter Pet Project
A result of a partnership between two of the largest animal welfare groups, The Humane Society of the United States and Maddie's Fund, and the Ad Council, The Shelter Pet Project is on a forever quest to find shelter pets forever homes. They do this by working to dismantle the misconceptions surrounding shelter pets.
I've talked to so many people who think that shelter pets will be overly fearful or they wont' be able to be house trained or any other number of things that just aren't true. In fact, it's been my experience that shelter pets are often some of the best pets you'll ever have. They just seem to have this extra lovey dovey quality about them. It's like they're so grateful to be in your home instead of that loud, scary place that they used to be in!
I've been a long time cat owner, and all of them have been adoptions. It's a fulfilling experience to know that I helped my pet find a warm, cozy home that's worthy of all the love and joy that they give me in return.
The Shelter Pet Project - Near and Dear to My Heart
Angeline and I began fostering kittens for the Humane Society of Greater Florida in 2012. It was a huge part of our lives and we had a constant rotation of fluffy little sweethearts floating through our home for several years. It is such a great feeling to be able to help these sweet little cats, even if it was only for a short while - and the cats that we have adopted from the shelter - well, they've changed our lives!
Most of the time, these kittens just needed someone to give them love and socialize them because they didn't have enough space at the shelter for all of the pets being brought in. As it's a no-kill shelter, they do whatever they can to accept as many kittens and cats as possible. It was so rewarding and fulfilling - but we wanted to adopt EVERY SINGLE KITTEN.
We adopted Tarzan and Gizmo from the Humane Society of Greater Miami after fostering them because we just fell madly in love with them. I loved all of the kittens we fostered, but these two were really sick with a virus and after caring for them for weeks, I became so attached that I just couldn't let them go! Gizmo is my "baby," and she's always at my side. She's the best cat I've ever had in terms of being affectionate; she's constantly on my lap while I am working or laying across my desk, and she jumps onto the bed at night to sleep my next to me. There's a reason "crazy cat ladies" exist in this world: cats are awesome companions!
We still fostered for a while, but it became increasingly harder...The reason we stopped fostering kittens is because we had Stripes, Tarzan and Gizmo, as well as our three dogs, and then...along came Hazel. She was teeny tiny, only about 4 weeks old, and there was no way we couldn't take her in!
She didn't come from a shelter, my daughter's teacher found her on the side of the road. As the shelter was full, we just straight up brought her home with us. We totally skipped the fostering and adoption process.
As much as we love being with fuzzy friends, we knew we'd reached our limit. She's made a great addition to the family, and is one of my special buddies! I often find her sleeping at the foot of my bed when I wake up, which is totally adorable. We could stand to do something about her grumpy face, but it's okay - it's just part of her charm!
The Shelter Pet Project is on a mission to make more stories like mine and Angeline's. There are so many shelter pets - dogs, cats, rabbits, and various other critters - who need homes, and they have nowhere to go. The Shelter Pet Project wants to help make sure that as many shelter pets as possible become full time fuzz buddies in forever homes!
Do you have room in your heart and in your home for a new furry family member? Find out more here!
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Ellen Christian
I love this! Shelter pets are definitely the way to go!
diane
fostering kittens must be so much fun. But, I would end up with a house full of kittens that I couldn't part with!
Kelsey
What a great program!!! I think it's great when there are animal lovers who help take care of those who need it!
Erika
It is so sad there are so many pets in shelters. I am glad there are groups making sure they get their forever homes.
Crystal
My husband is allergic to cats, so we can't foster any of those sweet faces. But my mom needs to do this. She is retiring and needs to fill up her time.