My Favorite Shelter Joins Clear the Shelters on July 23; Let’s Get Adopting!
On Saturday, July 23, more than 40 local NBC and Telemundo television stations in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, up from 28 last year, as well as regional news network necn, will join forces with hundreds of animal shelters around the country for Clear the Shelters, a nationwide day of activism in support of shelter pets. What’s the goal? Finding forever homes for thousands of homeless animals. Participating shelters are sweetening the deal by offering either reduced fee or no-cost adoptions, or will waive pet spaying and neutering fees. Last year, Clear the Shelters helped to adopt over 20,000 animals; this year, they’ll be more.
This year, my favorite local shelter will be one of them. Abandoned Pet Rescue, South Florida’s largest no kill, cares for over 300 dogs and cats. I like to call them the little engine that could, because they do so much with so little. For this story, all of the photos you’ll see feature Abandoned Pet Rescue adoptables.
“Clear the Shelters took the nation by storm last year and inspired thousands of families to open their hearts to animals in need. I’m very excited that our stations are working with hundreds of local animal shelters once again to help save the lives of thousands of deserving animals,” said Valari Staab, President, NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations. “Having recently adopted a Puerto Rican rescue dog, I know well how a pet’s love can impact a family. Help us ‘Clear the Shelters’ and let’s make change happen once again to give deserving pets a chance at a new life.” Amen, Valeri!
Natalie Morales, TODAY show West Coast Anchor and soon-to-be host of Access Hollywood and Access Hollywood Live, will again host a Post-Adoption Drive Special on NBC stations, with Telemundo’s Stephanie Himonidis “Chiquibaby” and Elva Saray to host a special on the Telemundo stations. The NBC Owned stations and the Telemundo drives will both air on Friday, July 29 (check your local listings for times).
Participating stations will feature special shows and programming that will air on local stations before and after the pet adoption drive (check your local listings for what’s happening in your area). Also, keep an eye out on social media for the hashtag #ClearTheShelters, so you can participate in spreading the word about this great event.
Adoptables from APR
Abandoned Pet Rescue, like most shelters, has a wide variety of wonderful pets. Nuba is a great girl we’re all rallying around. She’s a beautiful burnished red Pitbull mix, who loves people and kids, but not other dogs, as she’s an alpha girl. She came to APR from a high kill facility, when her time was up. She had four adorable puppies in tow. APR took them all. She’s an energetic, loving girl, who has been at APR for a few years. This dog deserves a loving home. Come visit her!
Jeanie was rescued with other Cocker Spaniels from a house fire. She is a special needs dog, as Jeanie is completely blind. Silvie Bordeaux, Jeanie could use a Muffin’s Halo! 🙂 Are you someone who opens their arms to special needs pets?
Guiness is an adorable Shih Tzu/Maltese mix, who was surrendered by his owners when they ran into financial issues. He is about 6 or 7 years old. He loves children, but is nervous around strangers, so someone with patience and an experienced dog parent is best.
If it’s the kitties you adore, APR is a great place to look. There’s the gorgeous snow white, Ashton (see photo above), a super friendly cat with green eyes who, along with his two sisters, has been at the shelter for several years. Why? This guy is a total looker!
Bubba (see photo above), a handsome tabby, was dumped on the shelter’s doorstep. He’s so frightened and bewildered as to what he did to go from a home where he was obviously well cared for to a shelter. Will you ease his mind and take him into your home?
Or the endlessly entertaining Chit Chat, a talkative girl who isn’t shy about making herself heard. She’s about 5-7 years old and gets along well with kids and other cats.
Whether it’s Abandoned Pet Rescue or a shelter near you, make the trip and fall in love.
Celebrity support
Last year, the celebs came out to support, including Ellen DeGeneres; Steve Harvey; extra’s Mario Lopez; NBC Nightly News anchor Lester Holt; Bravo’s Andy Cohen; actress Sarah Michelle Gellar and singer/songwriter Rob Thomas, by posting selfies with their favorite pets on social media.
Already, Lopez has hit the Twitter-sphere, posting an adorable pic of him and his baby, Julio Cesar Chavez Lopez, a mouthful of a name for a little Frenchie.
For more information about the national pet adoption drive, visit www.ClearTheShelters.com. Remember, you can also follow the events on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by using the hashtag #ClearTheShelters. Additionally, Clear the Shelters themed Snapchat filters will be activated on July 23 for pet adopters and supporters to enjoy as they document their day.
And, don’t forget to visit Abandoned Pet Rescue on Facebook and Instagram and, if you’re in the Fort Lauderdale area, come in and find the love of your life.
Did you adopt or know anyone who did on Clear the Shelters day last year?