October is "Adopt A Shelter Dog Month"

Several years ago, we adopted a dog from the Carroll County Animal Shelter. At the time I was working for Carroll County Government and had asked the director of the shelter to let me know when they received small dogs for adoption. While sitting in my office one day, the director and her assistant brought me a small dog of mixed breed, and it was love at first site. He fell in love with me and I with him, and 13 years later, we are still 'best friends.'

I immediately named him 'Benjamin Davis'. With his cute little under bite and big black eyes, he just looks like 'a Benjamin Davis.' When I brought him home, my husband and daughter fell in love with him, too. Over the years, we've nicknamed him, 'Mr. B', 'Mr. Bennie', 'Bennie Boy' and 'Bennie'. I call him 'my son,' and he is still just as adorable today as the day we adopted him.

Full of personality, he thinks he's a boy and can't actually say, 'Out', when he wants to go outside. (No kidding!) And, he thinks he's invisible at times----seriously! When it's time to come inside, I'll call his name and no matter where he is he'll go into a 'ninja stance'---standing very still, one leg slightly bent, ears up and and not moving an inch. After about five minutes or so, I'll say, 'Come on, here, Bennie! I see you---you'll not invisible.' He'll immediately come out of his 'invisible stance' and come running towards the house. It is the funniest thing! But I said all that to say, if you are looking for a pet, consider the Carroll County Animal Shelter. They receive hundreds of animals every year, some of which have been abandoned by their owners for one reason or another.

The Carroll County Animal Shelter is located at 280 Zyzzx Street, Carrollton, Georgia. They are generally opened from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and can be reached by calling, (770) 8334-8150. They can assist you in adopting a pet and answer any questions you may have. The ASPCA (American Society for the Pervention of Cruelty to Animals) is another organization you may contact regarding pet adoptions.

The ASPCA was founded in New York City in 1866 to prevent cruelty to animals in the United States. The ASPCA has been headquartered in New York City since its founding and maintains a strong local presence, but with the gradual addition of programs and staff that extend its anti-cruelty mission across the country, the ASPCA is now recognized as a national animal welfare organization. ASPCA activities are divided into NYC Regional Programs, National Programs, and Communications and Support. The ASPCA is a privately funded 501(c) (3) not-for-profit corporation. The ASPCA offers adoption tips on their website including, questions to ask yourself before adopting; tips for adopting the perfect family pet; the right pet for you, a kids and pet interaction guide; what to consider before adopting exotic animals as pets; how to prepare your home for your new pet; the top 10 things you need to do before bringing your new pet home and other valuable information. There is also a section on how we can help our local animal shelter. Visit their website at www.aspca.org/ for further information and how to join the ASPCA.

If you are considering buying a pet, I recommend trying the Carroll County Animal Shelter,first. You won't be disappointed, and you'll be helping our community.