Adopt a new friend at Happy Valen'Tails

This Valentine's Day think about bringing some love into your home in the way of a new pet. 

The Happy Valen'Tails adoption event aims to give these shelter dogs a new loving home and remove the stigma many face. 

According to Eva DeCozia-Bush, co-founder of Panacea Animal Welfare Sanctuary and sponsor of the event, shelter dogs aren't sick, dangerous or undesirable in fact they likely had a home before and need a new one.  

Here are just a few of the most common reasons pets are surrendered.

• Financial - happening more often due to the economy and home foreclosures
• Death of the owner - no family member or friend will adopt. Have a will drawn up.
• Second thoughts - too much work or not the right breed.
• New baby - no time to take care of their pet.
• "Big Black Dog syndrome". Big black dogs (BBDs) are consistently the hardest dogs to place - even if they're friendly, well trained, and in perfect health.  

So, if you are looking to add some love into your life this weekend, think about a furry four legged friend. 

Adoption fees are $55 per dog which includes spay/neuter, current vaccines and microchip. 

There will be plenty of dogs to choose from, DeCozia-Bush says. "We will have between 150-200 dogs who were slated to die that weekend, available for adoption!"

When adopting it is important to keep a few things in mind.

• Make sure you understand the behavior and temperament of the mixed or purebred you are considering. Is it right for your lifestyle or family?
• Stress levels are high in such an environment and dogs tend to exhibit behavior that does not reflect their true personality. Take it outside the kennel and look to see how it recovers.
• Ask more than one shelter personnel about the behavior and medical history.
• If you have another dog, bring it with you to make sure they get along.

Happy Valen'Tails: Adopt a Pound Dog Weekend
February 11 from 9am -5pm & February 12 from 10am - 3pm
Kiwanis Park, 6111 S. All American Way, Tempe at Ramadas #1 and #2
(Mill Avenue South of Baseline)