Opt to adopt and give pets good homes

MAT-SU — According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, about 15 percent of American pets were adopted from animal shelters. It is because of this low percentage that the local non profit organization, Advocates of Dog and Puppy Wellness, was founded in September.

The purpose and mission statement for the Advocates of Dog and Puppy Wellness (ADPW) is to educate the community about animal shelters by creating awareness and encouraging people to take the option of adoption.

“Our local shelters have wonderful dogs, and up until now negative advertisements have impressed the wrong idea of animal shelters into people’s minds. This result of the media has kept many good people from adopting these wonderful dogs,” said ADPW founder Julie Johnson.

It is the goal of ADPW to educate people about the dogs that can be adopted from shelters. Roughly 25 percent of shelter dogs are purebreds that can all be found in local shelters if given a chance. Service, therapy, rescue and even agility champion dogs have turned up in shelters. This past summer, two dogs were adopted from the local Mat-Su shelter that are now preparing to compete in the upcoming Jr. Iditarod. These outstanding animals are the reason why ADPW encourages the public to search local shelters when seeking a pet.

Despite having only been an organization for a couple of months now, ADPW already has upcoming events intended to get the community more involved with their pets and to spread the word of the option of adoption, or “opt to adopt,” as Johnson frequently says.

The day after Thanksgiving, Nov. 26, people are encouraged to bring their loving companions — cast, dogs, even bunnies — Petzoo located by Fred Meyer in Wasilla. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., ADPW will be taking holiday photos of owners with their pets for a minimal donation of $20 and owners will be walking away with a priceless color holiday photo. It is a great opportunity for owners to do something active with their pets and help make a difference to spread the word to “opt to adopt.” A later event ADPW is involved with is the Colony Christmas Parade on Dec. 11. ADPW is in the process of making a float and participants are always welcome to help in the building process, or even during the parade with their dogs.

Outside of ADPW, the Mat-Su Animal Care and Regulation Shelter also has the upcoming black tie event on Nov. 20. This is an annual opportunity where all animals in the shelter that are black and/or white are available for adoption at a discounted price. It is an event the public is encouraged to attend to truly see what animals the local shelters have to offer.

Fifteen percent of pets being adopted is too low of a statistic. It is what motivates the Advocates of Dog and Puppy Wellness to help enlighten the community about animal shelters and spread the overarching message of “opt to adopt.” More information about volunteering, upcoming events and shelter awareness can be found on the ADPW website, advocatesofdogandpuppywellness.org.

Casey Branch is a student at Colony High School.