Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Department of Homeland Security to Take Shelter Dogs

Taking a cue from the Penn doctors who rescue shelter dogs with mammary tumors, perform the surgery and help adopt them out to human breast cancer survivors and others, the Department of Homeland Security announced that it will start accepting homeless shelter dogs into its canine program.

The decision came at the urging of PETA founder Ingrid Newkirk, who urged Janet Napolitano to consider using dogs who needed a home, if they were of the breeds used in homeland security. The Department of Homeland Security is now urging shelters to submit applications for eligible dogs, making it a win win situation for the dogs and for the taxpayers.

Breeds that are requested included Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, German shepherds and other large dogs that are people-friendly, intelligent and alert. In addition the shelter dogs must be at between 12 and 36 months of age, alert, active, outgoing and confident and able to pass a series of tests for courage and toughness.

It is a wonderful opportunity for shelter dogs who meet the requirements to get a literal new lease on life, complete with a job. Please spread the word to your local shelter(s).

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