Florida's First-Ever 24-Hour Dog Adoptathon Begins Friday, Aug. 22 at 6:00 p.m. in Tampa

Tampa, FL, August 19, 2008 --(PR.com)-- You’ll have the pick of the litter at the inaugural 24-hour dog Adoptathon beginning Friday, August 22 at 6:00 p.m. at the American Legion Hall, 2105 North Jamaica Street in Tampa. Hillsborough County Commissioner Rose Ferlita, an avid supporter of animal rescue and member of the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, will “break the chain” to mark the start of the dog adoption marathon; a first-of-its-kind event here in Florida. Using bolt cutters to break through the metal chain link is symbolic of the Adoptathon partnership’s heavy task of breaking the chain of irresponsible pet ownership, a primary cause of most animal abuse and neglect. The Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners is proclaiming August 22 and 23, 2008 “Responsible Dog Ownership Days.”

During the Adoptathon, more than 100 dogs from area pet shelters will be available for adoption. In addition to the wide variety of dogs available for adoption — big, small, cute, ugly, long-hair, short-hair, and more — the event features on-site dog grooming, free training DVDs provided by Animal Planet Pet Video, dog training demonstrations, and educational information provided by The Brandon Kennel Club such as responsible pet ownership and the importance of spay or neuter for your pet. Plus, Little Pet Project, in cooperation with the Animal Coalition of Tampa are conducting a talent search for local dog owners who have spayed or neutered their dog to “star” in an upcoming advertising campaign.

“In addition to the Adoptathon’s goal of connecting dogs in need of homes with people that will love them forever, we are also promoting spay and neuter for pets as a means to help curb Hillsborough County’s pet overpopulation,” says Connie Johnson, volunteer event co-organizer and member of the Hillsborough County Animal Advisory Board and active with Florida Big Dog Rescue.

“Just because a dog or cat ends up in a shelter, does not mean it cannot make a good pet,” says Art Fyvolent, “father” of three adopted dogs, two adopted cats and volunteer event co-organizer. “The original owner may have fallen on hard times or simply picked the wrong type of pet for their lifestyle.”

Eight local shelters and rescues are Adoptathon participants — Florida Big Dog Rescue, Heidi’s Legacy, Hillsborough County Animal Services, Pet Pal Animal Shelter, PIT Positive, Southern States Mastiff Rescue, Lost Angels Animal Shelter and Tampa Bay German Shepherd Rescue — in addition to the Humane Society of Tampa Bay.

Fyvolent says that each participating agency has its own rules about whether you can take the animal home that day and what criteria you must meet as an adopter. Each participating agency will have representatives on hand to guide you through the adoption process.

The Adoptathon is sponsored in part by Hill’s Pet, Makers of Science Diet Dog Food and Mercantile Bank, with support from Florida Big Dog Rescue, IDEAS4.com, PitPositive.com, and Little Pet Project.

For more information visit www.adoptathon.org or contact info@adoptathon.org.

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