Home 4 the holidays adoption drive surging

Bringing a new pet home is one of life's great pleasures--whether it is watching a puppy or kitten cautiously explore its new surroundings or seeing an older dog or cat excitedly eat from a shiny, new food bowl. Play out those scenes more than 350,000 times around the globe, and that is the goal of this year's Home 4 the Holidays campaign. Helen Woodward Animal Center, Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., will team with more than 2,000 animal shelters, actress and animal lover Diane Keaton, and The lams Company, Dayton, Ohio, to encourage prospective pet parents to bring a shelter pet home for the holidays. This year's adoption drive runs through Jan. 2, 2006.

"I applaud the shelters and rescue groups who make [this] the most successful pet adoption drive in history," says Keaton. "Since becoming involved in 2001, I've watched it grow to the point where 313,000 orphan pets found homes during last year's campaign. This is a tremendous achievement, but we aren't done yet. We expect 2005 to be the biggest year ever!"

During the drive, each new adopting family will receive a starter kit containing food samples, coupons, and important tips on pet care, behavior, training, and nutrition. "We are proud to save lives by helping find new homes for orphan pets," enthuses Kelly Vanasse of The lams Company. "And, once these pets are in their new homes, we encourage the pet parents to welcome them with plenty of TLC and positive training."

Helen Woodward Animal Center started the Home 4 the Holidays adoption drive back in 1999 with 14 animal shelters in San Diego County. Since that time, it has grown to include shelters and rescue groups from as far away as Nigeria, Poland, Australia, Cyprus, and Ukraine. In 2004, 1,803 shelters participated, up from 1,300 in 2003.

"Shelters are filled with homeless animals who will make great pets if given the opportunity," notes Mike Arms, president of Helen Woodward Animal Center. "Since the holidays are the most popular time to bring pets home, we encourage people to adopt orphan animals instead of visiting a pet store. In addition to the free starter kit, adopters can receive guidance and advice on making the best match for their lifestyle."

Prospective pet parents can learn more by calling (800) 566-5038 or visit www.home4theholidays.com.

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