When I introduced you to our new kitten, I mentioned that we adopted her from our local Humane Society.
It was our first pet adoption through the Humane Society, but she is definitely not our first shelter animal. In fact, she is the sixth animal my husband and I have adopted through local animal shelters and organizations over the years.
So, when I was approached by Jeannette at Country Design Style and Hometalk to take part in a blog tour benefiting animal shelters, how could I say no?
Most bloggers on the tour are posting about decor projects using thrift store finds purchased at thrift stores that directly benefit animal shelters. Did you know there are hundreds of thrift stores across the country that directly support local animal shelters? I didn’t!
The one closest to me is almost an hour away, so instead of showing you a cool DIY project using thrifty finds, I’m showing you my furry family and telling you their stories in hopes that it might create some awareness about the benefits of adopting and/or helping shelter animals.
(By the way, I will be back tomorrow showing you some great thrift store projects so you can see how fun it is to browse your local thrift shops [if you aren't doing it already]).
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Today, I’m introducing you to my furry family.
I’m a big proponent of adopting homeless animals instead of buying through breeders and pet stores.
Bella and Boomer
There are so many animals in need of good homes — including pure breeds — there really is no need to look any further than your local shelter or rescue organization.
This is Boomer. He’s a Schnauzer/terrier mix.
We found him on Petfinder.com He was being sheltered by a woman who took animals in to her own home whenever the need arose.
Two weeks before we found Boomer on Petfinder, she was contacted by her local pound asking her if she could take Boomer in. He had been at the shelter too long and was next up to be euthanized. She promptly picked him up and kept him until he could find a forever family — us.
He is great with kids and couldn’t be a more loving pet.
This is Bella:
She is a lab mix.
Oddly enough, we adopted her from the Golden Retriever Rescue.
A member of that organization was driving out in the country one day and came across a yellow lab mother tied to a telephone pole with her young pups. Bella was one of those pups.
Sad story, isn’t it? Thankfully, her rescuer took the mother and pups in and all were adopted.
Please, please, please…if you don’t want an animal, turn it in to your local pound or animal shelter!
Meet Lucky Charm.
He is a tabby mix we adopted through a local cat rescue organization. My long-time calico cat passed away and I was missing feline companionship. Shopping at PetSmart one adopt-a-pet Saturday kept us lingering in the store when we met Lucky.
Last, but not least, our newest family member: Cinder Ella.
I know mothers are not supposed to pick favorites, but she really is my favorite.
As I already mentioned, we met her at the Humane Society after visiting with several fun little kittens.
She captured our hearts and we brought her home when she was all of 2 pounds. She has ruled the roost ever since!
Even our alpha, 70-pound-something, lab mix Bella loves her and lets her take over. It is HILARIOUS!
To me, pets make a house a home. Yes, I have to vacuum more than I like. Yes, I have to clean up stinky cat litter, but the rewards of unconditional love, companionship and laughter can more than make up for the effort.
If you’re looking for a pet, please consider adopting a homeless animal. There are literally millions that need your help.
You can also donate your time and/or your finances to the cause if your house is already filled with furry friends.
My kids are dying to volunteer at our local Humane Society and luckily for my kids, many shelters are always in need of volunteers and welcome children.
Here are some helpful links if you’re interested in pet adoption, volunteering or donating to homeless animals or preventing animal cruelty:
The Humane Society
Petfinder
ASPCA
Adopt a Pet
The Shelter Pet Project
Petango
To see the great projects benefiting animal shelters head to the following blogs this week:
Monday, October 14
Country Design Style
Deja Vue Designs
Weathered Pieces
Dogs Don’t Eat Pizza
Tuesday, October 15
One More Time Events
Fresh Idea Studio
The Crafty Woman
Wednesday, October 16
Lilac and Longhorns
Stow and Tell U
Meegan Makes
Thursday, October 17
Pennywise Blog
Plum Doodles
A Nest for all Seasons
Friday, October 18
My Soulful Home
Designers Sweetspot
Cupcakes and Crinoline
Thanks and have a great day!
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Thanks for sharing your fur babies and promoting adoption. We have 4 dogs – all adopted and wouldn’t have had a home (or life) otherwise. So important for people to understand the need for these sweeties to find good homes!
I’m reading each and every post this week. So inspiring. Thank you for doing this!
I can’t wait to see what you have lined up tomorrow…or today…whenever! lol It’s gonna be great! ~Tammy
Aww! Boomer’s ears are awesome! What cuties! So happy to be a part of this tour with you. What a wonderful message.
Julie,
I’m shedding tears of joy after reading this. Thank you sooo much for joining us. I agree, our house would not be home with a furry family member. Being involved with our Humane Society, I see and hear stories about the hurtful situations many animals are found in and it simply breaks my heart. But then I’m amazed at the love, trust, and joy these animals still have in them when given the chance. Thanks for spreading the word ~ Jeanette
Your babies are adorable… Our Chocolate lab that was rescued is named Bella…good name!
Your sweeties are adorable. Boomers ears make me smile- I’ll bet he’s quite the personality.
How generous of you and your family to take in so many. They are all so precious and individual and Cinder Ella, your newest addition is the sweetest thing.
I had no idea about this, but it’s wonderful! Love all your sweet babies and their names are great. We have a rescue Staffy and adore him. I love hearing about happy endings like this.
You have a great heart Julie. I loved this post. Thanks for sharing. The blog tour is so fun!!
I loved reading about your furry family! This has been such a fun blog tour!
Julie..I so enjoyed reading about your family..well part of it anyway. I feel like I know you a little bit better now & that is nice. And you are so nice to take in all these animals. You should be the spokesperson for Bissel with all the fur in your house!! xo
Bella and Boomer — sounds like a very cute clothing line
They are adorable!