PET OF THE WEEK

Many amazing pets are available for adoption every day at your local animal shelter, and at least once a month you can find a team of Louisiana SPCA volunteers at adoption events around town.

LA/SPCA volunteers and many animals available for adoption will head to Clearview Mall in Metairie Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The mall has proved to be one of the more successful offsite adoption spots. The events shine a light on good reasons to adopt from a shelter. For as little as $100 for a puppy or kitten, or $75 for an adult pet, you'll be adopting a pet that's already been spayed or neutered, has received all of its vaccinations and is microchipped.

If you still have doubts about the amazing purebreds that can be found at animal shelters, consider the story of Petra. She was adopted by a New Orleans family from the LA/SPCA and may be the most beautiful Great Dane I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. She is the textbook description of all that defines her breed: elegant, noble, sweet and affectionate, dignified, playful and patient. In short, a regal and gentle giant.

In the words of her human companion, "Petra is beautifully trained, totally housebroken, very social and the most well-behaved dog ever." Petra also had no problem bonding with her canine housemate Roscoe, a German shepherd mix who also was adopted from a shelter.

Roscoe and Petra affirm that when you adopt a companion animal from a shelter you are saving a life that will enrich your life.

The adoption event at Clearview Mall also will feature a bake sale and raffle to help raise money for the HEAL A HEART heartworm fund.

. . . . . . .

Celebrate the grand opening of Canine Connection at 4920 Tchoupitoulas St. Saturday from 4-8 p.m. with Barktoberfest, featuring games, live music and a Canine Costume Contest and Trick or Treating for dogs. For information, visit www.canineconnectionnola.com on the Web....