Adopt Don’t Shop! Saturday Is Clear The Shelters Day🐾

Are you a dog person or a cat person? As for me.. I'm a dog person. That's not to say I don't like cats, because I do, I just have a really bad allergy to their dander. That said, I was the kitty-sitter for my college BFF when she went trekking across Europe for three weeks and my stepdaughter has a cat. I just have to be really careful and wash my hands if I pet a cat.

Over the years, I've adopted from shelters. I've had wonderful dogs throughout my life starting when I was about 6. I wanted a dog and my great-aunt gave me Tuffy, a little Lhasa-Apso mix. Later, I adopted Munchkin, a Cocker Spaniel/Golden Retriever mix.

A few years later, I decided that Munchkin needed a little brother so I brought Jack home. He's a Wire-Haired Terrier mix.

My next adoption was Joey, a Miniature Pinscher mix.

And now? I lost my Mom a few years ago so her dog is with me. Daisy is a Basenji mix.

When I met my husband, he brought along Bella, our English Bulldog.

Providing a loving home to a dog or cat is a rewarding experience. All that's needed is patience, plenty of food, water, a few treats and lots of love. They give back to us so much more.

This Saturday is Clear the Shelters Day, a time when shelters here at home and across the country will try to adopt out every dog and cat currently staying with them. So, bring home a new family member. I promise... the cost is minimal but what you receive in return is priceless.