Local shelters push for animal adoptions

Local animal shelters are teaming up with others across the United States for the eighth annual Iams Home for the Holidays pet adoption drive which will kick off Monday, Nov. 6.
"It started in 1999 and its just grown from there," Melissa Richards of the Wilson County Humane Association said of the program.
The program began with the participation of 14 shelters in the San Diego County area and as of last years drive, there were over 1,900 shelters who were joined together in the effort, according to a press release.
The Humane Association of Wilson County as well as Country K-9 Rescue will be participating in the event this holiday season. Richards noted that the program helps increase public awareness regarding the need to adopt pets through the holidays.
"There's an increase in people adopting pets as gifts for friends or family members this time of year," she noted.
The Humane Association has been participating in the drive for the last few years, Richards said.
Across the nation, more than 2,000 shelters will combine their efforts to help cats and dogs find loving homes for the holidays and beyond. To date, more than one million pets have found homes through this program, according to a press release.
In Lebanon, the animal shelter has many animals who are eager to find a loving family.
"We probably have about 150 animals," Richards said.
Any person interested in adopting a pet can learn more about the program by contacting the local shelters or calling 1-800-421-6456.
"This program improves the lives of orphaned pets and may provide your family with its most loyal member," Mike Arms, founder of Iams Home for the Holidays said.
All new adoptive families will receive an Iams adoption kit containing food samples, coupons and tips on pet care, behavior, training and nutrition.
The adoption drive runs through Jan. 2, 2007.
Staff Writer Kimberly Jordan can be reached at 444-3952 ext. 16 or by e-mail at kimberly.jordan@lebanondemocrat.com.