Need a Best Friend? It's National Adopt-a-Shelter Dog Month

National Adopt-a-Shelter Dog month got underway today, and the San Diego Humane Society and SPCA will host a month of "Barktoberfest" events that include reduced dog adoption fees.

Throughout the month, the adoption fees for dogs 7 months and older will be $10, and those adopting a dog will receive a free pumpkin, according to the San Diego Humane Society and SPCA. Potential adopters must meet with adoption counselors.

San Diego Humane Society and SPCA President and CEO Gary Weitzman said the promotion would help to bring more awareness to the importance of animal adoption and ultimately get more animals into homes.

"Every animal adopted makes space for another animal that's in need of care, so our goal is to help all animals find a home as quickly as possible," Weitzman said.

Several events are planned to commemorate National Adopt-a-Shelter Dog month, including two "Blessing of the Animals" events, at 11 a.m. Saturday at the agency's central campus at 5500 Gaines St. and on Oct. 19 at the north campus at 2905 San Luis Rey Road in Oceanside.

A lecture entitled "What Is My Dog is Saying at the Dog Park" is scheduled for Oct. 9 at 6:30 p.m. at the north campus.

A dog training and adoption event is scheduled for Oct. 12 at the San Diego location. A "Pit Bull Ambassador Workshop" will take place the same day, and will address the myths about pit bull mixes, officials said.

A "Dare to Bull-ieve" beauty contest is scheduled for Oct. 26 at the north campus, officials said.

-- City News Service