Central Virginia Pets: Consider adopting a pet this month

Are you thinking it’s time to find a new four-legged friend? Consider the many homeless dogs in breed-specific rescue facilities, city pounds, humane society shelters and individual foster homes who desperately need “forever” homes. We encourage you to visit your local shelter to meet your potential new companion.

Adoption rescues a homeless dog that may have been surrendered by an owner who could no longer care for it; or worse, left to fend for itself. The vast major-ity of these dogs are lovable and amazingly loyal. They are just waiting for a second chance in a loving home.

Encourage your friends to consider the option of adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue organization. Choosing to adopt from a shelter can save thousands of great dogs from euthanasia.

Studies have also shown that having a pet can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, thus making pet owners less prone to heart attacks and stroke. Adopting a dog can im-prove your quality of life. Dogs provide people with unconditional love and companionship. It doesn’t matter if you have had a bad day or feel the human race is against you, your dog will still love you. Having a dog as your pal can help keep depression away.

If you already have a dog in your family, you know how won-derful it is to come home after a busy day to a pal so incredibly happy to see you. The calming effect of a companion dog is wonderful for your mental health.

Dog walking, grooming, and even petting may not seem like exercise, but any activity that gets you up and moving makes for a healthier body. Your dog pal can give you a reason to get off the couch and exercise. You can make new and lasting friendships because you have a dog. It is amazing how many people will stop and talk with you if you are out in public with your dog.

Companion animals are natu-ral teachers. They help people of all ages learn about responsibil-ity, loyalty, empathy, sharing and unconditional love. Having re-sponsibility for a dog in the fam-ily is good preparation for chil-dren who may one day become parents. Children who grow up with a family dog learn to value life and become responsible and compassionate at an early age. Studies have shown that teaching children how to stop neglect and abuse of animals through early humane education stays with them into adulthood.

Visit our Web site to see adoptable companion animals: www.lynchburghumanesociety.org

The Lynchburg Humane Society is participating in the following events during Adopt-A-Dog Month®:

Sunday
Old City Cemetery Blessing of the Animals
Have your furry friends blessed and see Lynchburg Hu-mane Society adoptables
3 p.m. at the Old City Ceme-tery, 401 Taylor St.

October 17
Walden Pond Fall Harvest Festival
Food, games and lots of local vendors. LHS will receive a por-tion of the festival’s proceeds.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 300 East Weeping Willow Drive

October 24
Howl-O-Ween
Join us for our Halloween-themed adoption event. There will be games, food, children’s activities and special adoption prices.
Noon to 5 p.m.
Lynchburg Humane Society Adoption Center