Adopt, Don't Shop! Caturday Special: Clear the Shelters Day 8/19

Owning a pet is an expensive endeavor. They're like children - you need to feed them, toilet them, take them to the doctor's, buy them toys.... it all adds up. So why on earth would someone want to dole out more money by buying a pet when you can get great pets through adoption!?

And it just so happens that today is National Clear the Shelters Day! NBC and Telemundo owned stations are teaming up with hundreds of shelters across the country to host Clear the Shelters, a nationwide pet adoption drive on Saturday, August 19 to help find loving homes for animals in need. Over 50,000 pets found their forever homes in 2016.

Based on the available data, American Humane estimates the following startling statistics about animal euthanasia:

• In 1997, roughly 64 percent of the total number of animals that entered shelters were euthanized — approximately 2.7 million animals in just 1,000 shelters that responded to a voluntary survey. These animals may have been euthanized due to overcrowding, but may also have been sick, aggressive, injured or suffering from something else.
• 56 percent of dogs and 71 percent of cats that enter animal shelters are euthanized. More cats are euthanized than dogs because they are more likely to enter a shelter without any owner identification.
• Approximately 3.7 million animals were euthanized in the nation’s shelters in 2008.

If you are even the slightest bit considering adding a fur-baby to your family, remember: 

Adopt, Don't Shop!

Some shelters are even waiving adoption fees in honor of Clear the Shelters Day!

If you happen to pick up a cute and fuzzy squish, like my nugget above, Zoe, and don't want to spend a half hour in the food aisle of the pet supply store trying to figure out which type is the best, check out Reviews.com.

The fabulous team at Reviews.com researched 1,759 cat food formulas, spent months analyzing the cat food industry, and surveyed 97 veterinary professionals, as well as hundreds of devoted cat owners. Despite felines’ complicated dietary needs, they ultimately put together a guide that identified 9 formulas that contained high-quality, risk-free ingredients.

Looking more for dog food? They put in just as much time and effort analyzing that too! Ten people on their team dedicated full-time work to this project, investing over 1,400 hours!!

Feel free to send me a snapshot of your beloved furry!

Happy Couponing!
-Coupon Mama Massachusetts


This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may make money if you click them.

Adopt, Don't Shop! Caturday Special: Special Needs Hurley

I started volunteering at the Seekonk Animal Shelter back in December. I've always wanted to save the kitties - one kitty at a time. But since my husband put the kay-bash on my kitty-saving efforts after two kitties, I must devise a different plan for saving them!

This is a new series I plan on continuing as long as there are cats available for adoption at the Seekonk Shelter. Although called Caturday, it will also include dogs available for adoption too.

Owning a pet is an expensive endeavor. They're like children - you need to feed them, toilet them, take them to the doctor's, buy them toys.... it all adds up. So why on earth would someone want to dole out more money by buying a pet when you can get great pets through adoption!?

I can't stress to you the importance of keeping your pets' vaccinations up to date. We're so diligent about bringing our children to the doctor's for routine visits, so why do we become so lax when it comes to our pets? There are so many illnesses and diseases that are highly contagious yet highly preventable with the appropriate vaccines and precautions.

And this week's Caturday is dedicated to this friendly fellow, Hurley, who is positive for feline leukemia (FeLV) but can still make an amazing companion!

Handsome Hurley is a 2-year-old tiger and white male kitty who is super affectionate and loves to play! Unfortunately he tested positive for feline leukemia which means he must be kept in a home with no other kitty friends or with other FeLV positive kitties. We are truly hoping someone will open their heart and home to this beautiful guy. Hurley has no adoption fee. Please spread the word and help us find a fur-ever home for him!

A little about FeLV:

Humans cannot contract FeLV, nor can dogs. However, other cats can contract it through "moist contact," such as infected saliva (grooming, licking, biting, sharing dishes, litter boxes, etc.). FeLV cannot be cured, however, kitties who are FeLV positive can live happy lives.


If you're interested in adopting any animal from the Seekonk Animal Shelter, here is the application for adoption.

Don't shop, Adopt!

Happy Couponing!
-Coupon Mama Massachusetts

Adopt, Don't Shop! Caturday Special: Kittens Galore!

I started volunteering at the Seekonk Animal Shelter back in December. I've always wanted to save the kitties - one kitty at a time. But since my husband put the kay-bash on my kitty-saving efforts after two kitties, I must devise a different plan for saving them!

This is a new series I plan on continuing as long as there are cats available for adoption at the Seekonk Shelter. Although called Caturday, it will also include dogs available for adoption too.


Owning a pet is an expensive endeavor. They're like children - you need to feed them, toilet them, take them to the doctor's, buy them toys.... it all adds up. So why on earth would someone want to dole out more money by buying a pet when you can get great pets through adoption!?

I'd like to think that it's plain common sense not to leave your pet in the car while you run into the grocery store or the post office or the bar or anywhere else for that matter... you wouldn't leave your infant in the car, would you? Despite what I think is common sense, I frequently see pets, especially dogs, left in unattended cars even during these exceptionally hot days. 

The temperature in a car rises much quicker than the temperature outside. It takes mere minutes for the temperature to become fatal for an animal. In the state  of Massachusetts, causing an animal to be subjected to any sort of unnecessary cruelty or suffering can be punishable by up to one year of imprisonment or a fine of $1000. If you're planning to run errands, leave your pet at home!

And this week's Caturday is dedicated to our many kittens!

In the last several weeks, the Seekonk Animal Shelter has taken in at least two separate litters of kittens. These little ones are just now turning about 8 weeks old and are ready to be adopted! We have a mixture of males and females. The gingers above (orange) are all males. The very patriotic looking sweetpea on the bottom is a female as is the other tiger/striped kitty.

Each will come dewormed, with initial booster vaccines and microchipped. If they are not spayed or neutered prior to leaving the shelter, you will be required to have this done by a given deadline as part of your adoption contract. How can you resist these tiny, fuzzy faces?!


If you're interested in adopting any animal from the Seekonk Animal Shelter, here is the application for adoption.

Don't shop, Adopt!

Happy Couponing!
-Coupon Mama Massachusetts

Adopt, Don't Shop! Caturday Special: Patrick the Pup & Affordable Vet-Care for Low-Income

I started volunteering at the Seekonk Animal Shelter back in December. I've always wanted to save the kitties - one kitty at a time. But since my husband put the kay-bash on my kitty-saving efforts after two kitties, I must devise a different plan for saving them!

This is a new series I plan on continuing as long as there are cats available for adoption at the Seekonk Shelter. Although called Caturday, it will also include dogs available for adoption too.


Owning a pet is an expensive endeavor. They're like children - you need to feed them, toilet them, take them to the doctor's, buy them toys.... it all adds up. So why on earth would someone want to dole out more money by buying a pet when you can get great pets through adoption!?

Have or your spouse recently lost a job? Are you experiencing tough times and have to choose between putting food on the table or seeking vet care for your beloved four-legged family member? There are organizations out there that can offer assistance with veterinary care for your pet if you are in a tight financial situation. It is important to note that, just like you would squirrel away money for your child's college education, you should also budget money for your pet's routine veterinary care. However, things beyond our control happen and sometimes we need a helping hand. The Humane Society of the United States has put together a list of organizations available to offer assistance with spaying/neutering as well as veterinary care. Check out the state-by-state listing for your area.

And this week's Caturday is dedicated to Patrick!

Patrick is one lucky boy! On Friday the 13th, Patrick was discovered emaciated, covered in sores and shivering in the snow. The good folks at the Seekonk Animal Shelter rescued him and have made him as good as new!

Patrick is a white male bull terrier with some brown spots, one most noticeably around one eye. He was found starving to death and shivering from the cold on a wooded back road near a cow farm. Patrick was dehydrated, very thin and covered in urine, manure, urine-burns and sores. It is possible he had been lying in cow manure to stay warm. Despite all of this, he licked the staffs' faces the entire way tot the veterinary hospital!

Patrick has come a long way in a month - he has gained over 15 pounds back! Despite his ordeal, he has a great personality, is very friendly, enjoys playing with toys and loves his pup treats! He knows some basic commands, is house broken and walks well on his harness. He loves going for walks!

An evaluation has determined that he is food aggressive towards other animals, which is very common in dogs who have dealt with starvation. He is fine with adults and older children, but does not like cats. As a result, he must be the only pet in the house. His ideal home will have no small children because they unknowingly will often tease dogs with food.

Patrick is a healthy weight, up to date on his vaccines, has been neutered and microchipped. He is ready to find a loving home! If you are ready to open your heart and home to this sweet young boy, please stop by the Seekonk Animal Shelter to meet him!

If you're interested in adopting any other animal from the Seekonk Animal Shelter, here is the application for adoption.

Don't shop, Adopt!



Happy Couponing!
-Coupon Mama Massachusetts

Adopt, Don't Shop! Caturday Special: Kitten Season & Easter Toxins

I started volunteering at the Seekonk Animal Shelter back in December. I've always wanted to save the kitties - one kitty at a time. But since my husband put the kay-bash on my kitty-saving efforts after two kitties, I must devise a different plan for saving them!

This is a new series I plan on continuing as long as there are cats available for adoption at the Seekonk Shelter. Although called Caturday, it will also include dogs available for adoption too.


Owning a pet is an expensive endeavor. They're like children - you need to feed them, toilet them, take them to the doctor's, buy them toys.... it all adds up. So why on earth would someone want to dole out more money by buying a pet when you can get great pets through adoption!?

Can you believe Easter is tomorrow?! And with Easter comes all the goodies we remember as a child - chocolate bunnies, lilies, plastic grass, mints and gums, plastic eggs... But did you know that most of these things are toxic or dangerous to your pets? Before you leave your Easter baskets lying around the house to go searching for eggs in your backyard, read this informative article by the ASPCA about Easter hazards for your pets.

And this week's Caturday is dedicated to Kitten Season!

Typically cats do not give birth in the wild during the winter to ensure a greater survival to their offspring. As a result of our excessively long New England winter, kitten season is starting a bit late. The Seekonk Animal Shelter has already brought in 3 kittens in the last week and a half and one has already been adopted! If you're looking to add a kitten to your family, I encourage you to fill out an application and file it ahead of time so you can "beat the crowd" when our Shelter is full of baby kitties.

Last week's kitty, Carmen, is still available for adoption, as is Wynnie. Check them both out and come in to meet our new babies who haven't yet been listed on PetFinder!

This is not a kitten found at the shelter; I just thought this picture was hysterically cute!

If you're interested in adopting Carmen, Wynnie, a kitten, or any other animal from the Seekonk Animal Shelter, here is the application for adoption.

Don't shop, Adopt!

Happy Couponing!
-Coupon Mama Massachusetts

Adopt, Don't Shop! Caturday Special: Carmen & Low-Cost Spay/Neuter in MA

I started volunteering at the Seekonk Animal Shelter back in December. I've always wanted to save the kitties - one kitty at a time. But since my husband put the kay-bash on my kitty-saving efforts after two kitties, I must devise a different plan for saving them!

This is a new series I plan on continuing as long as there are cats available for adoption at the Seekonk Shelter. Although called Caturday, it will also include dogs available for adoption too.


Owning a pet is an expensive endeavor. They're like children - you need to feed them, toilet them, take them to the doctor's, buy them toys.... it all adds up. So why on earth would someone want to dole out more money by buying a pet when you can get great pets through adoption!?

If you adopt a cat or dog from a Massachusetts shelter, it is a requirement that the animal be spayed or neutered. If the animal is old enough, it will be spayed before adoption and the adoption fee may be a bit higher. If the animal is too young, you, as the adopter, are required to sign paperwork stating you will have the animal spayed by a certain deadline. If you do not follow through and provide documentation, the shelter can pursue legal action. If you need to spay or neuter your cat or dog, check out some of these low-cost clinics in Massachusetts. This list has been put together by the Massachusetts Animal Coalition.


And this week's Caturday is dedicated to Carmen.

Carmen is a sweet 5-year old short-haired brown tiger with beautiful white markings. He was left behind when his owners moved. He spent a year and a half as a stray near the Seekonk Commons where neighbors took care of him. He loves to be picked up and will make a wonderful lap cap. He is neutered and up to date on all of his vaccinations.

If you're interested in adopting Carmen, or any other animal from the Seekonk Animal Shelter, here is the application for adoption.

Don't shop, Adopt!


Happy Couponing!
-Coupon Mama Massachusetts

Adopt, Don't Shop! Caturday Special: Bumper & Low-Cost Rabies Clinics in MA

I started volunteering at the Seekonk Animal Shelter back in December. I've always wanted to save the kitties - one kitty at a time. But since my husband put the kay-bash on my kitty-saving efforts after two kitties, I must devise a different plan for saving them!

This is a new series I plan on continuing as long as there are cats available for adoption at the Seekonk Shelter. Although called Caturday, it will also include dogs available for adoption too.


Owning a pet is an expensive endeavor. They're like children - you need to feed them, toilet them, take them to the doctor's, buy them toys.... it all adds up. So why on earth would someone want to dole out more money by buying a pet when you can get great pets through adoption!?

It is a Massachusetts state law that all dogs and cats be vaccinated against rabies. This vaccine can be extremely costly if you get it from your vet. There are a series of low-cost rabies clinics that happen all over Massachusetts. Check out the list here to find one near you!

Update! As of 3/27, Bumper has been adopted!

And this week's Caturday is dedicated to Bumper.

Bumper is a young domestic short haired sweetie. He is approximately between 1 and 2 years old. He got his name Bumper because he asks to be pet by bumping your hand with his head. He absolutely loves to be pet! He can be a bit shy and may take a few minutes to warm up to a new face.

Bumper is up to date on his vaccines, is neutered and has been microchipped. This sweetie does have a grade 2 heart murmur, however, it does not require medication at this time.

If you're interested in adopting Bumper, or any other animal from the Seekonk Animal Shelter, here is the application for adoption.

Don't shop, Adopt!

Happy Couponing!
-Coupon Mama Massachusetts

Adopt, Don't Shop! Caturday Special: Mike - Has Been Adopted!!

I started volunteering at the Seekonk Animal Shelter back in December. I've always wanted to save the kitties - one kitty at a time. But since my husband put the kay-bash on my kitty-saving efforts after two kitties, I must devise a different plan for saving them!

This is a new series I plan on continuing as long as there are cats available for adoption at the Seekonk Shelter. Although called Caturday, it will also include dogs available for adoption too.




Owning a pet is an expensive endeavor. They're like children - you need to feed them, toilet them, take them to the doctor's, buy them toys.... it all adds up. So why on earth would someone want to dole out more money by buying a pet when you can get great pets through adoption!?

This is an awesome article about the benefits of adopting adult cats and is totally worth 5 minutes of your time.

And this week's Caturday is dedicated to Mike.

UPDATE: Mike has been adopted as of 3/19/15!!! Yay!!

Mike is my manly, regal-looking buddy. He is a 4-year old domestic short haired black kitty. He was found as a stray chillaxing with a feral colony. However, it's believed he was abandoned because he is super friendly. He is a typical lap-cat who loves to be pet. He is neutered, up-to-date on vaccinations and has been microchipped.

His easy-going personality allows him to get along with other cats well. He's very laid back. And did I mention he's such a manly, rugged fellow? I just love him to pieces!

He does have colitis, so he'll need to be kept on a low-residue diet, but it can be purchased from any pet store.

A wonderful fellow volunteer at the shelter has sponsored Mike, so his entire adoption fee has been paid for. How can you possibly say no to this handsome dude?!

If you're interested in adopting Mike, or any other animal from the Seekonk Animal Shelter, here is the application for adoption.

Don't shop, Adopt!


Happy Couponing!
-Coupon Mama Massachusetts