Pet adoption program set

Donations aid in finding homes and saving animals.
YOUNGSTOWN -- The first pet adoption program is set to sweep through the Youngstown area in celebration of the American Humane Association's 125th Anniversary.
Angels for Animals in Greenford is partnering with AHA, Purina PetCare Co. and 2,700 Wal-Mart stores to launch the "Very Best Pet Network," an adoption program looking to find homes for up to 125,000 pets in 2002.
By mobilizing 2,500 animal shelters nationwide, the network hopes to raise consumer awareness for local shelters.
Wal-mart bulletin board
Wal-Mart shoppers are encouraged to visit an adoption bulletin board, located in the pet department, displaying local adoption information and pictures of dogs and cats looking for a new home.
To celebrate June as Adopt-A-Cat Month, the network features free supplies of Purina pet food to new adopting families.
The same support is offered for October, national Adopt-A-Dog Month.
Grant for spaying
PetSmart Charities, Inc., a nonprofit organization in Phoenix, Ariz., awarded Angels for Animals a $10,000 grant for its Spay-A-Stray program.
The funds are used to spay and neuter stray cats, preventing pet overpopulation.
To further support the efforts of participating shelters, Purina donated $125,000 to the Very Best Pet Network.
Bob Roth, American Humane Association's vice president of marketing, said the program will provide shelters and AHA with the critical resources to unite and save thousands of animals this year.