October is Adopt A Shelter Dog Month..How can you Make a Difference?
October is in my opinion the BEST month of the year. Aside from Halloween, the beauty of the changing leaves, the comfort of hoodies & boots and football season....it is ADOPT A SHELTER DOG MONTH!!
October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) sponsors this event to promote the adoption of dogs from local shelters.
According to the ASPCA, approximately 3.3 million dogs enter shelters every year. When these abandoned and sometimes abused animals find their way to a shelter, each one needs a forever home and their potential is limitless. Some of the benefits of adoption are often hidden. Human and canine both enjoy increased activity and social interaction through daily walks. When we rescued Darby (or she rescued us to be honest) we suddenly had a new companion that needed daily exercise. We didn't have a fence yet but even after getting one we realized how beneficial daily walks were for her and us. When we adopted Darby we needed some quality gear and fast. Problem was there were not a lot of options that fulfilled our needs. We wanted sturdy, comfortable, durable leashes and harnesses. We wanted them to be orthopedically safe for us and her. We wanted to make walking and hiking with our girl safe, fun and EASY. We also wanted to use sustainable materials that were made and manufactured in the United States. Walking Darby was a challenge. She is strong, really strong and even though Todd and I were able to lift weights with the best of them, we were not about getting pulled around or possibly injured. This is how the Geartac K9 Hands Free Walking Device, The Geartac leashes and the Geartac X-Body Harness came into existence and helped us start a dog gear business, Geartac Systems that has changed our lives in so many positive ways. All because we adopted a beautiful Bully Girl from the Brandywine Valley SPCA.... one of the best decisions we ever made. We are advocates for Shelter dogs but we understand that isn't for everybody. This doesn't mean that we all can't be part of the solution. Even if you are not ready to adopt from a shelter, already have a dog, would only buy a dog from a reputable breeder who you have thoroughly vetted or you just love Dogs (Cats, Guinea Pigs, Alpacas whatever ;) ) YOU CAN HELP.
Donations and volunteers at local shelters are always welcome. Dogs love to be walked, played with and given affection even if they haven’t found their forever home. Every moment they spend socializing increases their opportunity for adoption. During Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, or anytime during the year, visit, volunteer, donate and adopt!
HISTORY
In 1981, the American Humane Association founded Adopt A Dog Month in response to the growing number of dogs and puppies entering shelters every year. Along with the need for shelters and adoptions, spaying and neutering help curb the rise in unwanted pets, too.
The ASPCA joined in 1984 and the Month of October is designated as a time to adopt, donate, and raise awareness for shelter dogs. Below is a link to an article for ways that you..yes you..you have more power then you know..can help.
Our friend Michele who is a Rock Star Human that volunteers so much to this cause at the BVSPCA added that aside from donating and adopting, volunteering to spend time with the dogs, walking and helping them socialize is a great way to get involved.
We at Geartac Systems, really believe in the transformative power that dogs and humans share and we truly wish to help as many dogs as we can. For the remainder of October, all purchases over $50 will include free-shipping and a 10% donation to The Brandywine Valley SPCA who helps so many dogs in this region and all over the United States. Did you know that not only are they a no kill shelter but they also rescue dogs from all over the country who find themselves in need?
Our product line is a great way to ensure that you and your new dog develop a healthy walking protocol. We have gear designed for all your needs from hiking and running, to dog treats and travel/car safety They also make great gifts if you know anyone who is a pet owner. We hope that you will take advantage of this as we truly appreciate what the BVSPCA are doing. Use code "DONATEBVSPCA" and we thank YOU in advance for your support.
Check out all of the adoptable pets like O'Shay at the BVSPCA here