Animal Groups Promoting Animal Appreciation Week

They beckon us with their pleading eyes, probing paws and tiny criesdemanding to be heard. They are shelter animals looking for homes. GwenBeebe is the assistant manager at an area shelter. She says they alwaystry to make people understand that adopting a pet is a long-termcommitment.

People don't always think about the commitment of pet adoption. That'swhy thousands of animals are abandoned every year. Two thirds of shelteranimals will be put to sleep because there is nowhere to keep them. Beebesays when people adopt animals they not only get a pet, they also savelives.

Thanks to people like Rekiya Miller, some animals will find a home.Miller says she wishes she could take more than one.

When someone adopts at the Durham County shelter, for a fee they also get vaccinations and a spayed or neutered pet. Pets are fixed to preventunwanted litters.

North Carolina Law dictates that animals be held just five daysbefore being euthanized. That's why shelter employees say time is of theessence.

This Saturday shelters everywhere will open their doors for extendedhours to promote pet adoptions. To find out about events in your area callyour local animal shelter. And,even if you already own plenty of pets, you can still help.

One way is to donate food or old blankets ortowels. You could also volunteer your time. Assistants typically bathe,walk and play with the pets.

Photographer:Mark Copeland