TRENDING

According to the ASPCA, more than 8 million pets enter shelters in the U.S. every year, and nearly 22,000 animals are abandoned per day. Just think of the difference we could make if we all adopted our future pets from shelters—that’s a lot of lives we could be saving, and a lot of new furry family members to make our lives a whole bunch more fun.

See that adorable kitty up top? That's my cat, Gracie. She is a tortoiseshell cutie and was adopted from a local shelter (BARCS) here in Baltimore when she was a little over a year old. I remember the day like it was yesterday. I walked into the shelter and had one of the volunteers take me around and show me all the cats. The first room had a ton of younger kittens (which were all super cute), but I told the volunteer I wanted to see the little guys that had been in there for a while and really needed a home, so she took me to the last room in the back. I remember walking in and looking at all the cats, and for a second I thought I wouldn't be able to make up my mind...until I saw Gracie. She was in the bottom cage on her back (just like in this picture) looking at me, ready to play. 

It was at that very moment that she stole my heart. I knew at that instant she was mine and turned to the volunteer and said, "This is my cat." The rest is history. Gracie now owns the house and acts like a dog (she might think she is one since she was around them at the shelter!). She runs up and down the stairs and follows me wherever I go (seriously). I can't even take a bath without her sneaking up to keep me company. She is very curious, which is one of the traits I have quickly learned to love about her (among all of her other adorable qualities). And while I might have been happy with any little kitten, knowing I gave her a second chance makes our relationship even more special.

So, you wanna adopt a new furry friend? Be sure to visit aspca.org for more info or check out a local shelter in your area!

Have you adopted a pet? What was your experience? Share in the comments below.

by Jossie Carbonare | 2/1/2016