It's Time To Help Others #SeeTheLight About Pet Adoption #RememberMeThursday

I have a cousin who worked for our local humane society back in the 1980s, and I will never forget the day she told me that on the day a dog was to be euthanized they would go out and get them a hamburger from McDonalds as one last special meal. If that doesn't simply gut you I just don't know what to say. I can't even type it without crying. Those innocent little angels deserved the kind of life your own cherished pets enjoy, but they were never given that chance.

We've come a long way since then - this same shelter now adopts out animals so quickly we're able to partner with shelters down south to save even more lives - but as a nation we still have a long, long way to go. The sad truth is, for over a million healthy, adoptable animals each year, help never comes. Thanks to awareness that number has consistently decreased in the last decade, but just one animal dying alone, forgotten in a shelter, is one too many.

That's why animal-lovers and animal welfare organizations across the globe will unite today with a Remember Me Thursday pet candle-lighting ceremony. The candles, which will be lit on the exact same day across the world, will honor the millions of pets who lost their lives without the benefit of a loving home and shine a light on the millions of healthy pets who are still awaiting adoption. The Remember Me Thursday global awareness campaign encourages individuals to light a candle this day (literally or virtually) and to opt to adopt, reducing the millions of orphan pets euthanized each year.

Since this is a cat blog we put together a list of  just 5 purr-fect reasons to adopt a cat at your local shelter, but these same reasons hold true for dogs, rabbits, and pocket pets too!

1) You're saving TWO lives. Every time a cat is adopted, you're actually saving the lives of 2 cats, the adopted cat and the next one who will take their place in the shelter.

2) Choices, choices, choices. Are you looking for a Persian or a Siamese? A tabby or a tortie (YAY!!!)? Every breed and color pattern can be found at your local shelter or breed rescue group. Do you want a kitten, an older cat, a special needs baby? Each spring during “kitten season,” thousands of newborn kittens join the millions of cats already in shelters across the country. That means your local shelter has tons of cute, cuddly newborns, in addition to all the mellow, older cats and everything in between.

3) Spay/neuter, vaccinations, deworming...oh my! All of these things are taken care of before you leave the shelter with your new pet. Some shelters even send you home with a certificate for a free first visit to the vet, a microchip and a goodie bag! Trained shelter staff also evaluate each cat for any possible behavioral issues.

4) Encourage friends and family to adopt. Many people fear that shelter cats are feral or not very friendly or well-adjusted. Nothing could be further from the truth. Most are happy and healthy, well socialized, and house-trained. They are also much less expensive than purchasing a cat from a breeder. By adopting a shelter cat and talking about your positive experience, you'll encourage others to do the same thing. Changing just one mind can save a life.

5) Adopting a cat can benefit your health. Studies have indicated that people who live with a cat have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. This includes lowering the risk of having a heart attack. Cats are also credited with helping to reduce stress levels, helping to reduce blood pressure, helping to lower cholesterol levels, and helping to reduce the risk of depression. It turns out money CAN buy health and happiness...in the form of an adoption fee :)

Shelters are full of animals who are in need of a second chance. They are homeless due to no fault of their own. If you have room in your heart and your home for a new best friend, one is as close as your nearest shelter. If you're not in a position to adopt right now, share some of their stories on social media. They are counting on us...let's not let them down.

Orphaned pets can't speak for themselves. We are their only voice. Spread the word about Remember Me Thursday on Facebook, Twitter and other social media channels. Don’t forget to use the hashtags #RememberMeThursday and #SeeTheLight to share your thoughts and feelings about the importance of pet adoption.

CONTEST: Win life-saving funds or food for a rescue or shelter of your choice! Take a photo of your rescue pet and tag the picture with #RememberMeThursday and #SeetheLight on social media to be entered into the challenge!