Petfinder.com, the nation’s largest Internet database of adoptable animals, has declared August 12 “Adopt-a-Less-Adoptable-Pet Day” to bring attention to those pets that, through no fault of their own, have a hard time getting adopted. Shelters across the United States agree, homeless animals that are older, have physical flaws, or have plain, dark coats have it hard. The Animal Shelter has created three “clubs” to bring attention to these neglected groups.
“Special Editions” are special animals needing special homes. They are dogs like Boone, an elderly beagle looking for a quiet retirement, Barney, a mature retriever with a cataract in one eye, and Maizy, a three-legged Vizsla mix with a passion for playing fetch and speaking her mind. These animals don’t notice their imperfections and are waiting for adopters who only notice their inner beauty.
“Hearts of Gold” are friendly, fun-loving animals with one disadvantage: they have dark coats. They are dogs like Lovey, a shepherd mix who wants to be a lap dog, and Thelma, a fun youngster who desperately wants a playmate. These animals deserve homes as much as their more colorful kennelmates, if only adopters could see past their dark coats and into their golden hearts.
“The One Club” includes dogs that have been looking for homes for over one year. Despite their wonderful personalities, Keyta, Fern, Tyke, Carly, Babs, Thurman, and Shasta somehow have not yet been adopted. These dogs are patiently waiting for adopters who will in turn patiently reintroduce them to life in a home. They have over one year of stored up love to offer in return.
Look for special cards on the kennels of these “Less Adoptable” pets and ask to meet them. You may just find a treasure that others have overlooked.
