Washington County Weekend Post

2A • WASHINGTON COUNTY POST • SUNDAY, MARCH 20, 2022 GMTODAY.COM According to the Ameri- can Society for the Preven- tion of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), approximately 6.5 million companion animals enter shelters nationwide every year, and of the total amount of animals in shel- ters, only about 3.2 million are adopted each year. That means millions of pets are still waiting for their forever homes. When you adopt from your local animal shelter, you're giving a pet a loving home, while also helping to reduce the number of ani- mals still waiting. And the good news is, when you change your com- panion animal's life, you change yours as well. "Providing a shelter pet a forever home is a life-chang- ing experience for both the pet and their human," said Dr. Sandra Lyn, manager, Global Pet Behavior & Wel- fare at Purina. "It will take patience, and a lot of one-on- one time, but as your new family member adjusts to his or her surroundings, a strong bond will emerge." Recently, actor and first- time pet parent Charles Melton teamed up with Puri- na ONE to experience the bond for himself. With this partnership he hopes to inspire and encourage oth- ers to adopt shelter pets. Purina ONE has been com- mitted to supporting animal shelters for over 15 years. Since 2015, the company has donated nearly 6.5 million pounds of dog and cat food, worth over $10 million, to help 49 shelter partners across the country. Melton shares his life- changing pet adoption jour- ney, beginning with the first time he saw his new husky pup, Neya. "The moment I saw Neya, it was love at first sight and I couldn't resist taking her home," said Melton. "Shel- ters are full of pets who have been lost or abandoned, and I'm delighted to help raise awareness of pets, like Neya, who had lived in three differ- ent homes with several dif- ferent owners before finding her forever home with me at 12 weeks old." As a lifelong dog lover but first-time pet parent, Melton experienced firsthand the rewarding impact and spe- cial bond that happens when you bring a shelter pet into your home. They have built an unbreakable bond during road trips, camping trips and at-home quality time togeth- er. "It's important that your adopted pet feels safe, sup- ported and loved during their acclimation period, which Charles has clearly done with his new pup Neya," observed Dr. Lyn. What can you do to help your new four-legged family member feel at home? Here are a few tips: • Create pet-friendly spaces in your home. If you haven't had a pet before, talk to the experts at your local shelter about what your pet may need. Items may include a special bed or blanket. It's also a good idea to put poten- tial breakables, chewables or valuables away - especially if you're bringing home a kit- ten or puppy. Pet-proof your house just as you would child-proof ahead of a new baby, and designate a couple of spots just for them. • Supply fresh water and appropriate food. Cats and dogs need regular access to fresh, clean water. Stock up on age-appropriate pet food such as veterinarian-recom- mended Purina ONE, which helps support your pet's whole-body health with for- mulas that address their changing needs at each life stage. Ask your vet about the right amount of food for your pet's age and size. • Set up regular vet appointments. Dogs and cats need to have regular well- ness exams, as they are unable to tell you what's ail- ing them. They also need to be vaccinated against com- mon diseases, like rabies. • Have fun! Experiment to find out what kinds of toys your new pet enjoys, and have fun playing with them while giving your new fami- ly member - and you - plenty of exercise. Once you bring your new pet home, there's no greater joy and responsibility than establishing a close, loving bond with your pet - which is one of the essential compo- nents to building a healthy and happy life for your new best friend. To learn more about Melton and Neya, or to find a shelter near you, visit Puri- naONE.com/shelterpets. How you can make a difference in an animal's life

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