If you have a pet, you know how a friendly dog or curled-up kitty enhances your life and becomes a member of your family. Shelters across the U.S. are overflowing with animals wanting a home. Bradshaw Animal Shelter in Sacramento is the county’s main holding facility for cats, dogs and other critters who were abandoned, abused, neglected or left homeless after their guardian died or was hospitalized. (Shelter workers urge you to have a plan for your pet in case of emergencies.)

On average, more than 13,000 animals come into the shelter each year. During our Comstock’s photo shoot, we were told 72 animals came in on one day alone! We were overjoyed to meet some of the residents, such as Angel, Graham Cracker, Cheetos and others who hoped to get adopted. It takes $12 million to run the shelter, but the real heart is the 300 volunteers who care for the animals. We photographed on two Mondays when the shelter was closed, and we saw them cleaning cages, mopping floors, feeding, walking and caring for the “guests.”

Brittani Peterson, the spokesperson for the shelter, teamed us up with animals who had been there the longest. Volunteer Joanie, dubbed the “Cat Whisperer,” has a special way with felines and helped us during our shoot. There were also the regulars who not only sit with the newly arrived animals to calm their fears, but sing to them and even play music to soothe them, especially on the Fourth of July when frightening fireworks are exploding.

If you have it in your heart to welcome a new companion, please visit Bradshaw or another animal shelter to give one of these deserving sweet creatures a forever home. You just might be rewarded with a big, sloppy kiss or a grateful purr.

Judy Farah
Editor

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