An Adopted Pet's Love Changes Everything

I adopted Truffles from my local Petco so the store is very special to me. Even today whenever I stop in to pick up a few things I can't help but glance over at the adoption center remembering that day nearly 5 years ago and how excited I was to begin our long, happy life together. Sadly that wasn't meant to be, but even if I'd known the heartbreak that was to come I still would've brought her home that day.

The Petco Foundation is teaming up with award-winning artist and creator of the heart-warming MUTTS comic strip, Patrick McDonnell for the annual “Love Changes Everything” campaign in an effort to raise $3.1 million to support lifesaving animal welfare work nationwide.

The “Love Changes Everything” Campaign runs through April 1, and this year pet adopters can join the Petco Foundation in creating the world’s largest mosaic mural of adopted pets and their people. Adopters submitting photos at petcofoundation.org/snaplove will be eligible to win daily prizes, including a $100 Petco gift card, a signed MUTTS print, and a coupon for a bag of WholeHeartedPets pet food, PLUS a $500 grant award for eligible adoption organizations!

The mosaic, powered in partnership with WholeHearted pet food, will come to life in New York City’s Union Square Park on Sunday, March 25 from noon to 4:00 PM at the All for Love Adoption Rally featuring adoptable pets from more than twenty New York area animal welfare organizations. Attendees can meet MUTTS creator Patrick McDonnell, pose for pictures with the famed MUTTS characters Mooch and Earl and participate in other fun activities centered around celebrating pet adoption.

“Patrick McDonnell has been a champion of pet adoption for years, and we are thrilled to join forces again with MUTTS to promote pet adoption and raise funds to help animals across the country. We hope our Love Changes Everything’ campaign, along with this mosaic mural, inspires everyone to join the lifesaving movement by adopting, donating or volunteering. With six adopted pets of my own, I can confidently say that the love of an adopted pet does change everything,” said Susanne Kogut, president of the Petco Foundation.

Animal lovers can support the “Love Changes Everything" campaign by making a donation in any Petco, Unleashed by Petco store or online at petcofoundation.org/love. Anyone who makes a donation of $10 or more will receive a limited-edition tote bag featuring MUTTS artwork specifically designed for the Love Changes Everything campaign. I got my tote last weekend!