Dog Month and one more reason for all animal lovers to visit the Save-A-Pet Animal Rescue and Adoption Center and take home a shelter dog waiting to be adopted and brought into a loving home.

Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month was launched by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) to bring attention to dogs in animal shelters that are looking for a home. According to the ASPCA, 10 million animals enter local shelters across the U.S. But due to the current state of the economy and a large number of foreclosures, even more mixed and purebred dogs have found their way into shelters. “Sadly, many dogs have been innocent victims of the economic crisis and have been abandoned by owners who cannot afford to care for them anymore,” said Dori Scofield, Founder and President, Save-A-Pet.

“Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month is about giving a homeless animal the promise of a new life and also about spreading awareness about responsible pet care,” Ms. Scofield commented, adding that it is a common misconception that shelter dogs are there due to behavioral problems. “There are many different reasons dogs end up in a shelter. Most of them are wonderful, built-in family dogs.”

Ms. Scofield said those who already own a pet, or are not yet ready to adopt one, can still support Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month by volunteering at Save-A-Pet, or donating or purchasing an item from Castaways, Save-A-Pet’s specialty retail pet store located in the village of Port Jefferson. All sales proceeds from Castaways will directly support a shelter dog.