The vast majority of Americans – over 90% – purchase gifts for their pets on holidays, and collectively we spend over $60 billion annually to care for our fur babies. There is no doubt that our pets are a cherished part of our lives.

National Puppy Day, observed on March 23, was established with two primary goals in mind.  The first is to celebrate the companionship and joy that puppies add to our daily lives. But the main reason that Colleen Paige began this initiative was to advocate for puppy adoption from shelters – and to discourage prospective owners from dealing with notoriously inhumane puppy mills.  National Puppy Day affords us a wonderful opportunity to recognize those who have opened their hearts and homes to a shelter puppy, as well as to honor those who work in the Rowland Heights and Glendora area to rescue and rehome the most vulnerable of animals.

It is estimated that 7.6 million domestic companions arrive annually at animal shelters nationwide. Approximately 55% of those animals are dogs. Of the canines entering the rescue shelters, only about 35% will be adopted. Puppies born in the shelters do have a better chance of being placed in a new home as opposed to more mature dogs, but still, only 26% of new puppy placements each year involve shelter dogs. There is a lot of work to be done to solve the overcrowding issue which plagues shelters across the country.
When you adopt a puppy from a shelter, you are truly saving a life. When adopting an older dog, many are concerned that the dogs may have been surrendered due to behavioral problems – this is almost never the case. In fact, over 90% of shelter dogs were surrendered due to the owner’s inability to continue care.

Did You Know? Shelter animals are often well socialized and eager to integrate into a new home with other animals and children. They have grown accustomed to living among other pets – not to mention, they have been showered with love by dedicated volunteers and workers.

If you know someone who has been a hero to Whittier and Glendora.animals, National Puppy Day is the perfect time to have a beautiful floral creation delivered to thank them for their efforts. Ron and Alicia Robinson Florist is your source to celebrate all occasions, all year round – with plants and flowers they are sure to love.