October is a time of changing leaves, cooling temperatures and Halloween; it is also Adopt-A-Dog Month - a time that brings hope for a new home for the 13 million homeless dogs across the country and a chance for a dog adopter to win $5,000 in the Poster Dog contest.
Sponsored by Meaty Bone Dog Biscuits and Jerky Treats, Adopt-A-Dog Month has been a tradition at the nation's animal shelters, including the Salt Lake County Animal Shelter, for 10 years now."The number of perfectly healthy and beautiful dogs that end up here each year who never get to go home is disheartening," says Peggy Hinnen, director of Salt Lake County Animal Services. "We participate in Adopt-A-Dog Month to let the residents of Salt Lake know about the wonderful pets we have available. It's unfair that only 27 percent throughout the country ever get adopted."
When a person comes to the shelter, located at 511 W. 3900 South, employees take great care in helping that individual find the appropriate pet. Most often people have in mind the size and type of dog that would do well in their environment and conform well with their lifestyle. Certain breeds do better in one environment as opposed to others.