We are all adopted rescue cats. Ashton was found on the road, and both Pierre and Newton came from local rescue organization that kept them in foster homes until they were adopted. They were all rescued, but none of them came from actual shelters. The Humane Society of the United States says that only 30% of pets in US households come from rescue facilities.
3.4 million shelter pets lose their lives in the shelter system every year while waiting for forever homes. To try to make that number smaller, today is Remember Me Thursday, for shelter pet adoption awareness.
From the Remember Me Thursday web site:
Animal lovers and organizations across the globe unite on the fourth Thursday of September to light a candle in remembrance of the millions of orphan pets who lost their lives without the benefit of a loving home and to shine a light on the millions of orphan pets still waiting for their forever homes.
You can check to see if your local shelter or rescue organization is participating, and join them in lighting candles for adoption awareness. None of our local shelters are involved, so we are going to light a virtual candle instead.