August signals the tail end of summer for some — but it could also be the beginning of a new chapter with a furry best friend. This month marks the return of Clear the Shelters, a national campaign that helps rescue pets find their forever home.
Led by NBCUniversal, the monthlong campaign has facilitated nearly 1.2 million adoptions since its inception in 2015, including a record 170,000 last year alone, and raised over $5 million in donations. The aim is to turn the spotlight on pets in need through adoption events and media coverage, with many participating shelters reducing or waiving adoption fees throughout August to encourage more people to open their homes (and hearts) to rescue animals.
Take it from Joe Manganiello, who will host NBC’s upcoming Clear the Shelters TV special on Aug. 8: “Pet adoption is one of the best things I’ve ever done in my life,” the actor told People magazine of his experience adopting rescue pup Bubbles. He added, “This little dog is the light of my life.”
When Manganiello first met the chihuahua-pomeranian mix at an adoption event for the rescue Dogs Without Borders, he wasn’t planning to become a pet parent — and the then 6-year-old pup was sick and in need of surgery. But Bubbles “chose” the actor as soon as he walked into the room, he explained in a video for Clear the Shelters.
“The dog perked up and it was almost like the dog was like, ‘Oh wait, you’re my owner. You’re the one I’m here for,’” he said, adding, “I really think that rescue dogs, they know and they understand when they’re being rescued.”
Bubbles — who recently celebrated her 12th birthday with a Starbucks pup cup — has since tagged along to premiere parties, show sets, and Manganiello’s favorite Paris eatery. His goal with the television special is to inspire others to form similar bonds with adopted pups.
“I hope people can feel my honest enthusiasm and that it encourages them to experience an ounce of what I have if they are in a position to welcome a shelter pet into their lives,” he said in a news release. “These animals have been abandoned and the shelters taking care of them need help.”
The August campaign is sponsored by pet food company Hill’s Pet Nutrition, which is also donating food and adoption kits for new pet parents. Virtual adoptions are made possible by the app and website WeRescue, and apparel company The Black Dog has released a limited edition collection with plans to donate 100% of the proceeds to Clear the Shelters.
So if you’ve been thinking about adopting a pet, there may be no better time than right now to make it happen. But if you’re not quite ready to bring a furry friend home, you can still support the initiative by volunteering, donating, or showing your pride with some new swag. Learn more and check out the map of participating shelters.
RELATED: Meet the “Doggie in a Diaper”: A Special Needs Rescue Pup Whose Legacy Is Promoting Animal Adoption
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