Celebrate...and Save a Life

Spring. A time of birds, bees...and kittens galore! More kittens are born during the spring than at any other time of year. Unfortunately, many of these felines end up in shelters--with or without their mothers--potential victims of cat owners' failure to spay and neuter their pets.

No wonder June has been designated Adopt a Shelter Cat Month!

Faced with an influx of felines, some of the shelters in my area are celebrating in creative ways designed to help them care for and place as many cats and kittens as possible. For example, the:

Washington Animal Rescue League is holding a "Kitten Shower" on June 12 to collect food and supplies for kittens and to recruit kitten foster homes, and is waiving adoption fees throughout the month on cats 6 months and older;

Washington Humane Society is hosting a series of Meow Mixers to give prospective adopters a chance to meet and greet kitties looking for homes while enjoying refreshments; and

Prince George's Animal Management Group is offering a two-for-one adoption fee throughout the month.

Other organizations around the country are likely offering similar specials or holding similar events, so if you're looking to add a furry friend to your family, don't wait. It's time to celebrate cats!

Four Photogenic Dogs Looking for Homes

One of my favorite things to do is photograph shelter dogs and increase their visibility among potential adopters. My most recent photo shoot took place at the Washington Humane Society’s New York Avenue Shelter, where I met four absolutely happy, friendly, wonderful dogs...all looking for forever homes. In an effort to help them achieve this goal, I’d like to share some photos and information about them...in their own words.

Please share with friends and family in the Maryland/DC/Northern Virginia region. You'll be glad you did!


Hi, I'm Marshmallow! And just as my name suggests, I am a total softy. I am super social and love to be stroked and scratched. I also get along great with dogs. My favorite hobby? Hmm...giving kisses and showering my people with love. I am definitely a staff favorite and everyone just can't help but to love me. (What can I say? I'm a loveable guy.) I would love to go to a home with an active family to give me plenty of exercise and training.


Hi! I'm Mack! I'm a sweet one-year-old Shepherd/Corgi mix. I look like both breeds and I'm the best of both worlds. My previous family brought me here because they had no home. I bond really strongly with one or two people, but would be fine in a family with more, and although I’m not really a dog park kind of guy, I’d be fine living with another dog of the right match. I'd like to have some training to raise my confidence level and be the best dog I can.


My name is Carousel. I can be a little shy at first, but once I get to know you I’ll be your best friend...and will even share my toys (which I adore) with you. I like to be petted and hugs are great. I told Santa that all I wanted for Christmas was to be in my new home with a loving family; I guess he just ran out of that particular gift (there are so many dogs who want the same thing). Maybe I’ll be someone’s special canine Valentine!


Hey y’all! I'm Bonnie, an exuberant, one-of-a-kind Southern belle who loves life! Like Mack, I ended up in the shelter when my owners were forced to move from our home. I really miss them but am ready to share my love and joie de vivre with someone new. I LOVE people, and they love me too; when it comes to "loveability," I can give Marshmallow a run for his money. I get along well with other dogs but can be a little too pushy sometimes, so the canine kids at the local dog park may not want to play with me. I hope 2011 will be "my" year, complete with a warm, cozy bed, my own beautiful leash and collar, and a loving family to call my own.