The Humane Society will host an open house throughout October

AUBURN – The Greater Androscoggin Humane Society is teaming up with the American Humane Association to urge residents of Androscoggin County to celebrate Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month by stopping by the shelter this month to meet some of the dogs and puppies waiting for loving families.

The American Humane Association’s Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month is a national effort to help find homes for the many dogs that fill shelters all over the country.

There are 5.5 million dogs euthanized every year in shelters across the country because there are not enough homes.

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita left many of the nation’s shelters filled to capacity with abandoned animals and those waiting to be reunited with their families. The American Humane Association encourages everyone considering bringing a dog into their home to adopt from their local shelter or animal placement group.

For people who already have dog companionship, the Greater Androscoggin Humane Society and the American Humane Association encourage all dog owners to celebrate Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month in other ways, such as contributing time, money or needed supplies to the Greater Androscoggin Humane Society; equip pets with a reliable form of ID; and spay or neuter their dog.

The Humane Society will celebrate Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month by hosting an open house throughout October. Everyone is invited to stop by the shelter and visit with the animals.

The shelter is located at 3312 Hotel Road. Those interested in learning more about what kinds of donations the shelter needs, volunteering or adopting an animal should call 783-2311 or visit the Web at www.gahumane.org.