Why is October designated as Adopt a Shelter Dog Month?
Maybe it’s because animal shelters are often full this time of year.
Or maybe, just maybe, it’s for more practical reasons.
(Photo by Vincent Verrecchio)
It’s getting colder outside, and there is no better foot warmer than a dog. Cuddle up on the couch with a shelter dog and you’ll have all the warmth you need. No hot water bottle necessary!
And then there’s the holiday season.
Soon, people will be disappointed because you made the wrong kind of yams or bought the wrong Barbie. You know who won’t be disappointed?
Your dog.
Dogs don’t care what you cook. In fact, they’re usually extremely enthusiastic about anything happening in the kitchen. And they certainly don’t care what toy you buy them. They’ll celebrate every gift—especially if it’s stuffed and they can spend the next 15 minutes joyfully unstuffing it all over your living room.
The days are also getting shorter and the nights are getting longer. What are you supposed to do with all those extra hours at home?
Another reason to adopt a dog!
You can watch movies together, craft together, read together or nap together. It is hibernation season, after all, and shelter dogs make excellent hibernation partners.
Of course, you don’t want to get too comfortable over the holidays. Otherwise, January will arrive and you’ll be thinking about joining a gym.
Not if you adopt a dog!
Dogs love to get you moving. Take a walk in the park, hike in the mountains, stroll beside the lake or just wander around downtown together. Stop for a dog biscuit at Downtown Dog or pick out a new hoodie at Bravefriend. Your new best friend will happily turn an ordinary walk into an adventure.
And that may be the best thing about dogs.
They make ordinary days better.
Dogs are a cure for boredom. They are wonderful company when you’re lonely. They make us laugh, get us outside and remind us that sometimes the best part of the day is simply having someone who is really, really happy to see you.
Shelter dogs seem especially good at that.
They may come to us with different stories. Some were loved but could no longer stay with their families. Others may never have known what it feels like to truly belong to someone. But they are all waiting for the same thing—a person who will give them a chance.
And in return?
You get a walking partner, movie buddy, foot warmer, kitchen supervisor, exercise coach and loyal friend all rolled into one.
So, yes, October really is the perfect month for Adopt a Shelter Dog Month.
The Aiken County Animal Shelter is full of dogs waiting for someone to choose them.
Maybe this October, one of them is waiting for you.
Their lives are in our hands.
By Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator