This shop is part of the Help Dogs in Need with Pedigree #shop hosted by #CollectiveBias and its advertiser. All opinions are my own.
Did you know that it’s Pet Adoption Month?
Did you know that it’s also Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month?
Did you know that when you purchase Pedigree dog food products this October, they’ll donate one bowl of dog food to a shelter in need?
Well, all of these things are true and if you’ve been to our blog before, you already know that we’re huge pet people. Growing up, our home was always filled with animals – dogs, cats, fish, lizards, gerbils, and birds. At some point in time, we’ve loved them all so it should come as no surprise that we’re working with Pedigree to help dogs in need.
When I think about my childhood, I think back to our family home on Barberry Lane. Our house was situated on a tree-lined piece of property with lake full of snapper turtles. I think about the “ostrich eggs” on the little island next door. I think about the squirrel with the spray-painted, green tail that always sat outside our kitchen window. And most of all, I think about our pets.
From our first dog — a drop dead, gorgeous Irish Setter named Sage — to our first cat — a little black munchkin named Feather — our pets have always been so tightly woven into our family’s history. There’s not a single point in time that I can remember being without a furry friend by my side. Our pets gave us strength when we were weary, they gave us courage when we were scared, and most importantly, they gave us love, compassion and friendship whenever we needed it most.
Not all of our pets were rescues, but a decent percentage were – and whether they were shelter pets, owner surrenders, or purebreds – we loved them all the same. But since this is a month to celebrate pet adoption, we decided to visit a local Long Island animal shelter and hang out with some of their incredibly lovey dogs and cats.
Kent Animal Shelter in Calverton, New York is a no-kill, not-for-profit, animal shelter located on scenic property by the Peconic River. As you pull up to the shelter, you’re convinced that you’re going to someone’s home – and, in a way, you are. Luckily, for many of the pets there, it’s only a temporary home, but the shelter workers put in a tremendous amount of time caring, rehabilitating, and fundraising for all of the amazing animals that are up for adoption there.
Our first stop was to say hi to the folks inside and play with Arvan — an incredibly lazy, but awfully cute, mini-Chihuahua-mix. Sadly, he was just tossed aside by his owners and left to fend for himself. Luckily, he was rescued and brought to Kent where he now spends his days in his comfy, little bed. (Check out our instagram video of us giving Arvan belly rubs.)
After we rubbed Arvan’s belly for a really long time (it’s a really good belly to rub), we went down to the kennel to walk some of their dogs. We were greeted by Ricky, the Kennel Manager, who led us straight over to Vinny — a gorgeous black male cocker spaniel, who was as sweet as can be. As kids, we had a cocker spaniel, and so my sister and I had to fight over who would get the honors of playing with him. (Check out our instagram video of us hanging out with Vinny. Needless to say, Daniele won!)
After Vinny got lots of love and attention, we met Minnie — a most delightful, little Pomeranian-mix. Her demeanor was so sweet and kind and youthful that you would never guess that she was 7 years old. I’ve never had a “prancy” dog before and couldn’t stop laughing at her ballerina-esque moves. She was a riot and did a great job of wiggling her way into our hearts. (You can check out Minnie here.)
On the way home, we stopped by our local Sam’s Club to pick up some Pedigree dog food products, including my fur-kids absolute favorite treats – DentaStix! We wanted to make sure that we helped out with the #PedigreeGives awareness campaign this October.
We know that pet adoption isn’t right for every family, but we also know that not every family is right for every shelter dog either. All we ask is that before you make a decision to buy a pet, please take a moment to visit your local animal shelters to see if there is a dog in need that could be the right fit for your family.
Want to know more? Follow Pedigree:
#PedigreeGives #CollectiveBias
Save a life – consider adopting a shelter dog (or two),
Denine & Daniele
What fun stories! Poms do dance and prance don’t they?