Your local animal shelter! October is National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. This is a perfect time to find that pet you’ve been thinking about. Why not take a girlfriend and go for it? You both may come home with a new furry friend to love. When you think about it, adopting a pet can be a great friendship-strengthening activity for you and your gal pal. Imagine the possibilities:

-You can go to obedience class together

-You can walk your dogs together

-You can go to the dog park together

-You can volunteer at the animal shelter together!

(This gorgeous pup is named Dolla and is a 9-month-old shepherd mix available for adoption at the ASPCA shelter in Manhattan).

Pets are also a great way to make new friends, because they increase opportunities for socializing. And, they are good for your health and well-being. According to the CDC, having a pet can decrease your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels, and feelings of loneliness. It also increases your opportunities for exercise and outdoor activities.

Of course, adopting a pet is not something to take lightly, so be sure you and your friends are ready for the commitment of having a dog. This article at about.com helps you tell if you are ready for a dog. The Humane Society lists things to consider before adopting a pet here.

There are many, many online resources to help you find the perfect adoptable pet. Use the ASPCA shelter database here. You can also use PetFinder.com. Also, Iams has a site here with lots of resources and freebies as they try to get 1 million pets adopted this holiday season.

If you do decide to adopt a bundle of love this weekend, we want pictures! Email us here.

Are you and your girlfriends involved with animals? We’d love to hear about it! Use the comment form below.