If you live in the Denver, Colorado area here is a great way to help out some very needy dogs.  It doesn’t cost much, only a can/bag of food or a blanket, and will make a big difference for these homeless animals.

The drive is in conjunction with American Humane Association and runs from December 1st to the 12th, so you have still have plenty of time to donate.

Hard economic times are taking their toll on everyone — including pets. Shelters and rescue groups are overcrowded and in even more need of basic supplies.

To help, the American Humane Association and 20th Century Fox’s new movie “Marley & Me” — based on the best-selling book about a family and its rambunctious Labrador retriever — are teaming up this holiday season to support Denver area animal shelters and rescue groups through the “12 Days of Marley — Dog Food & Blanket Drive.”

The Denver area community is urged to drop off unopened bags and cans of dog food or clean blankets at one of 65 participating locations, including Denver metro area Suncor Energy/Phillips 66 sites and independently owned pet stores. Suncor Energy/Phillips 66 sites will also host a donation drive at the cash registers of its Denver area locations, so patrons can opt to make monetary donations as well. The pet food drive will run Dec. 1-Dec. 12, 2008. Select locations will participate throughout December.

To learn all the details on how to help and participating drop off locations visit the American Humane site. Thanks in advance to all the generous Dogsters out there.

This is a very sad report out of Orange County, CA where the kill rate has skyrocketed as the housing slump worsens.

Just as the County of Orange rejected a mandatory spay/neuter law for pets, statistics show a 21 percent leap in the number of unwanted animals killed at the Orange County Animal Shelter over the past year, and a 3 percent drop in adoptions.

The terrible economy is partly to blame, said shelter spokesman Ryan Drabek. When money gets tight, the expense of a pet can be hard to justify. And when people lose their homes, it can be hard to find pet-friendly new digs. It’s not just a phenomenon here; it’s happening all over the place as the economy tanks, Drabek said.

* In 2006-07, the county euthanized 12,068 unwanted animals.
* In 2007-08, the county euthanized 14,642 unwanted animals.

As it mentions in the article, this is a national phenomenon, happening around the country.  There are so many wonderful dogs in shelters around the country waiting for their forever home.

October is American Humane’s Adopt-A-Dog Month, so if you’ve ever thought about doing so this would be a great time. Isn’t it time to add a furry tail wagging bundle of unconditional love into your household?

If any Dogsters have adopted a new best friend because of American Humane’s Adopt-A-Dog Month give us a bark and share your story.