National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week

In this month's book pick, Long May She Reign by Ellen Emerson White, main character Meg has a bit of separation anxiety when she leaves home for college and has to leave her cat Vanessa at home. Meg's family being the animal lovers that they are, readers know Vanessa's being taken care of, along with their other cats and dogs - and Meg's home being the White House means Vanessa has plenty of room to roam!

I loved the scenes with Meg and Vanessa because they showed a softer side of Meg. I could tell that Ellen Emerson White was a pet owner - especially when she made Vanessa alternately attention-seeking and aloof! I've been the proud human mom to three very beautiful cats.

November is Adopt-a-Senior-Pet Month, and November 2nd - 8th is National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week. I discovered this while I was reading the book, told the readergirlz, and - no kidding - the very next page I turned revealed a mention of this. What are the odds?

Here's the scoop on National Shelter Appreciation Week from the Humane Society:

In 1996, The HSUS launched National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week (based on an idea from the Capital Humane Society in Lincoln, Nebraska). This campaign was designed to acknowledge and promote the invaluable role shelters play in their communities and to increase public awareness of animal welfare issues and shelter services. During National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, the first full week of every November, The HSUS promotes and celebrates animal shelters across the country through media and public outreach.

- from AnimalSheltering.org

Isn't the Shelters Rock logo adorable? It was created by Patrick McDonnell, beloved not only for his comic strip MUTTS and his many beautifully illustrated books (such as his newest release, SOUTH) but also for his fervent support of critters, pet adoption, and animal shelters. Check out Shelters Rock to see which recording artists are supporting the efforts.

I've written about saving stray and sheltered animals before. Feel free to read that article, if you're so inclined.

Visit the NASA Week section of AnimalSheltering to download an event planning guide and a list of ways to support your local shelter. At that site, you'll also get Patrick McDonnell's special National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week Shelter Stories comic strips and additional treats!