October is right around the corner, which means one of our favorite times of the year is officially here! Starting October 1st, animal lovers across the country come together to celebrate both Adopt a Shelter Dog Month (promoted by the ASPCA) and Adopt-a-Dog Month® (created by American Humane).
Before we jump into all the tail-wagging fun planned for the weeks ahead, let’s look at why this month means so much to animal rescues everywhere.
A Tradition of Giving Dogs a Second Chance
While they share a similar goal, these two national campaigns have rich histories rooted in animal advocacy:
- American Humane’s Adopt-a-Dog Month®: Launched back in 1981, American Humane designated October as a national call to action in response to the growing numbers of homeless dogs and puppies entering shelters each year. Their goal was simple yet powerful: raise public awareness about shelter animals and encourage families to choose adoption over buying from breeders or pet stores.
- ASPCA’s Adopt a Shelter Dog Month: The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) joined the movement to dedicate October to shelter dogs, focusing on highlighting the unique personality, resilience, and unconditional love that rescue pups bring into a home.
Both observances serve as a vital reminder that millions of incredible dogs are sitting in shelters right now, just waiting for someone to give them a chance at a forever home.
Supporting Local Shelters and Rescue Networks
Saving lives takes a village, and we are so lucky to have wonderful organizations right here in our region working tirelessly to care for animals in need. If you are looking to adopt, foster, volunteer, or donate supplies, here are fantastic local shelters and rescues nearby:
- Animal Ark (Hastings, MN) – Minnesota’s largest no-kill shelter right here in our hometown, providing sanctuary, medical care, and rehoming services.
- Animal Humane Society (Woodbury, MN) – Serving Washington and Dakota counties with adoption services, veterinary care, and community outreach.
- Ruff Start Rescue (Princeton, MN) – A large foster-based rescue serving central Minnesota and the Twin Cities metro area to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome pets.
- Saving Tails Animal Rescue (South St. Paul, MN) – A dedicated rescue network operating nearby to rescue and rehome animals in need.
- Northwoods Humane Society (Forest Lake, MN) – Providing shelter, compassionate care, and placement services for homeless animals across the region.
Whether you adopt from a local shelter or support community distribution programs like our foundation, every bit of help keeps pets healthy, safe, and loved.
Meet Our Ready-to-Adopt Dog: Cinnamon!
Speaking of dogs looking for a home, we want to highlight a sweet pup from our community placements who is looking for her forever family: Cinnamon!
Cinnamon is a 2-year-old intact female pit bull who steals the heart of everyone she meets. With her beautiful tan coat, expressive eyes, and classic “pit bull smile,” she is a total ambassador for her breed.
It is important to note that Cinnamon’s placement is a private adoption, facilitated directly through our community adoptions rather than through a shelter or rescue group.
Pit bulls and pit mixes often spend longer times waiting for homes due to unfair stereotypes, but dogs like Cinnamon prove that with love, patience, and understanding, these dogs make some of the most loyal, affectionate companions imaginable. She is ready to find a cozy couch to stretch out on and a family to go on autumn walks with. If you or someone you know has been thinking about adding a four-legged friend to the family, reach out to us today to learn more about Cinnamon and how to meet her!
Let’s make this October count! Share this post, drop a comment with a picture of your own shelter pup, or get in touch with us if you are ready to open your heart and home.
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