From Kimberly L. Keith,
Your Guide to Parenting of K-6 Children.
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Broadway and TV star John Tartaglia (“Avenue Q,” “Johnny and the Sprites”) has volunteered to spread the word about pet adoptions and is now a spokesperson for The Humane Society of the United States’ Proud 2 Adopt campaign. The New York-based actor shares his home with four of his own shelter-adopted pets.

The HSUS offers Proud 2 Adopt “care packages” at no charge to new “pet parents” who send in their adoption certificate from their local shelter or rescue group. The package includes: an HSUS certificate, a P2A t-shirt, bumper sticker, pin, pen, brochures, and a coupon for Hill's Science Diet pet food. Information about getting the free package can be found at humanesociety.org/adopt.

According to Stephanie Shain, director of outreach for companion animals for The HSUS, “We were thrilled when John told us he was interested in getting involved with The HSUS and educating people about adopting pets from shelters. He is a talented and generous man who is recognized and respected in the Broadway community and adored in homes across the country where preschoolers -- and their parents -- see him on ‘Johnny and the Sprites.’ Pets have been an important part of his life and we are excited about our collaboration to spread the word. He will be a great educator for this issue.”

Tartaglia added, “I believe that there is no organization as powerful and knowledgeable about animal issues as The HSUS and it’s an honor to be linked with them on this project. I consider my own dog Dora and cats, Sebastian, Mia and Keisha – all from shelters – to be part of my family, and I am a proud dad to have them in my life.”

Tartaglia, best known for his Tony Award-nominated performance on Broadway in the original cast of “Avenue Q,” is star, executive producer and co-creator of the hit Disney Channel series “Johnny and the Sprites.” As a puppeteer, he was one of the youngest actors to ever appear on “Sesame Street,” where he worked for 10 years starting at the age of just 16. In addition, he appeared earlier this year as Lumiere on Broadway in “Beauty and the Beast.”

Five reasons to be Proud 2 Adopt

You are saving two lives: Approximately 3 to 4 million dogs and cats in the U.S. are euthanized because too many people give up their pets and too few people adopt from shelters. The number of euthanized animals could be reduced if more people adopted pets instead of buying them. By adopting from a shelter or breed rescue group, you will save the lives of two animals - - the pet you adopt and a homeless animal who can be rescued because of space you helped free up.

Your pet will be healthy: Animal shelters are filled with happy, healthy animals just waiting for someone to take them home. Most shelters examine and give vaccinations to animals when they arrive, and many spay or neuter them before adoption. In addition to medical care, many shelters screen for specific temperaments and behaviors to make sure each family finds the right pet for their lifestyle.

You will save money: Adopting a shelter pet is less expensive than buying one at a pet store or through other sources. In addition, animals from many shelters are already spayed or neutered and vaccinated, making the shelter fee a real bargain.

You will feel good: Not only do animals give you unconditional love, but they also have been shown to be psychologically, emotionally and physically beneficial. Caring for a pet can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment, as well as help your physical health -- spending time with an animal can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and dog walking provides increased physical activity.

You won’t be supporting the puppy mill business: Puppy mills are "factory style" breeding facilities that put profit above the welfare of dogs. Puppy mill dogs are housed in horrid conditions with little veterinary care, and the parents of the puppies are kept in cages to be bred for years, without human companionship. After they are no longer profitable, breeding dogs are simply discarded -- killed, abandoned or sold at auction. Puppy mill puppies are sold to unsuspecting consumers in pet stores, over the Internet and through newspaper ads to whoever is willing to pay for them.

Shain adds, “By adopting instead of buying a pet, you can be certain you aren't supporting cruel puppy mills with your money. Puppy mills will continue to operate until people stop purchasing their puppies. Instead of buying a dog, visit your local shelter and area breed rescue groups where you will find healthy, well-socialized animals—including purebreds—just waiting for that special home.”

Facts:

• Nearly 8 million dogs and cats enter U.S. shelters each year.
• Approximately half are euthanized annually.
• One in four shelter dogs are purebred.
• Responsible shelters and rescue groups screen animals for sound health and temperament.
• Shelters often receive an influx of kittens in the springtime, which is often a result of roaming dogs and cats who are not spayed or neutered.

Visit humanesociety.org/adopt for more information on pet adoption. For more on The HSUS’ Stop Puppy Mills campaign, go to humanesociety.org/puppymills.

The Humane Society of the United States is the nation’s largest animal protection organization – backed by 10 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education, and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty -- On the web at humanesociety.org.