Kyle wrote last week about how adopting a homeless animal instead of buying from a breeder really ties into a green way of living — you’re essentially bringing something into your life that was already there, rather than creating another life, which consumes more resources. I couldn’t agree more — I’m a big believer in pet rescue. There are so many animals in need of good homes, and while many shelters are working to become no-kill, there are still dogs and cats dying every day because there simply aren’t enough resources to care for them all. But, you don’t have to take my word for it. Plenty of celebrities are fans of the mixed breed rescues! Drew Barrymore is one of my favorite examples. She rescued her yellow lab mix, Flossie, from a flea market, and it’s a good thing she did — in 2001, Flossie alerted Drew and her then-beau Tom Green to a fire in their home. It was 3:30 in the morning and they were sound asleep — had Flossie not banged on their bedroom door, they might not have made it out in time. Drew has made sure to give back to the pet rescue community by helping out The Rescue Train. Oprah Winfrey has recently jumped aboard the shelter dog bandwagon after doing an undercover investigation on the horrors of puppy mills. She’s always had purebreds, but after witnessing the cruelty the dogs in puppy mills experience, she said, “I would never, ever adopt another pet now without going to a shelter to do it. I am a changed woman after seeing this show.” Broadway star Bernadette Peters, along with Mary Tyler Moore, founded Broadway Barks, a yearly dog and cat adoption event benefiting animal shelters throughout New York. It’s become a celebrity favorite, but her work doesn’t stop there — she rescues and finds homes for dogs on her own, too. You can find out more about it in her interview with Glenn Close on Glenn’s dog blog, Lively Licks. Glenn is a bit of an animal lover too, you know — don’t judge her by her 101 Dalmatians character! Lots of other famous faces have gotten involved in the paws cause. Lauren Conrad recently helped out at “Paws for Style” to benefit the Humane Society. Sure, there was some controversy over whether she fulfilled her obligations, but at the end of the day, the Humane Society got loads of press. Mya was involved in this year’s North Shore Animal League Tour for Life. If you can’t adopt a furry friend now, make sure any animals you have are spayed and neutered, and spread the message — Bob Barker certainly does. If you want to do more, contact your shelters or rescues in your area. They’re always in need of money, blankets, and other donations, as well as volunteers and people to foster and help rehabilitate animals. And, when you are ready for a dog or cat, pick a rescue pet! Photo Source: petsdo.com
