We’ve all seen it before. We drive by that house every day on our way to work, or maybe it’s a home in our own neighborhood. Unfortunately there are still many people who keep their dogs solely outside. Dogs who are outdoors all the time are often extremely lonely and bored. Their lack of mental (and often physical) stimulation often results in bad habits such as digging, chewing or incessant barking. Worse case scenario, the lack of socialization can cause outdoor only dogs to become aggressive with other animals or people.
Dogs are pack animals and are meant to be with their pack, their people, their family. Even still, people have many reasons for keeping their dogs outside, but all of those explanations do have solutions. If you see a backyard-banished dog and are able to educate the owner, let them know there are ways to bring Fido into the home. Coming inside or having both indoor and outdoor access is such a better life for a dog, but it’s the people who really gain the most. Unconditional love, companionship, a silly furry face to make you smile as you walk in the door.
If you’re looking to adopt a puppy or dog and plan on keeping him outside, please reconsider. Pets who live among their pack and are truly integrated in the home are the happiest, healthiest, and most well-balanced. The bonding that occurs inside the home makes it all worthwhile! For more information on why keeping a dog outdoors only is not a good idea, click here.
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Last month, we asked you to “like” our Facebook page to help us raise money for the Adopt-a-Pet.com Veterinary Care Fund, which gives grants to animal shelters and rescue groups to help pay for veterinary care. We’re beyond thrilled to tell you that your “likes” generated a donation of $20,000, every penny of which will go to help sick and injured shelter pets.In the coming weeks and months, we’ll be posting on Facebook about the shelter pets these grants are helping, so make sure you follow us at http://Facebook.com/Adoptapetcom. Again, we thank all of you who clicked “like” and asked your friends to do the same.
Don’t you just love hearing happy adoption stories?! Well, check out this 
out Internet star Jesse, the spunky, smart, adorable Jack Russell Terrier, as he promotes pet adoption and shares some love for shelter pets! Jesse knows that animal shelters and rescue groups work tirelessly to find happy homes for as many pets as possible. He and his guardians made 
We’re excited to show you a sneak preview of our new public service announcement, which will soon be seen on television all over the United States. We call this ad “Potential”, and for good reason: it compares the story of Miami Marlins pitcher Mark Buehrle with the story of Bear, a dog who, at first glance, appeared just like any other in a Texas animal shelter. Both stories have one important thing in common: if nobody had seen the potential in either Buehrle (who was cut from his high school team twice) or Bear, neither of them would have gone on to do astounding things. Please feel free to share this PSA. It’s only 30 seconds long, but it just might change the way people think about pets in shelters. Without further ado, we present “Potential”: