This was great to see come across the wires today:

SALEM, Ore. — The Humane Society of the United States commends Gov. Ted Kulongoski for signing a resolution declaring October 2009 as "Adopt a Shelter Pet Month" in Oregon. The resolution urges Oregonians to adopt dogs, cats and other companion animals from the state's animal shelters and rescue groups.

"Adopting a shelter pet not only saves the lives of wonderful animals, it also helps reduce the amount of money taxpayers currently spend to shelter abandoned pets," said The HSUS' Oregon state director Scott Beckstead. "With October designated  as 'Adopt a Shelter Pet Month,' Oregonians are encouraged to make animal shelters and rescue groups their first choice when bringing new pets into their homes."

Not only does adopting a shelter pet save lives, but it can also save you from becoming a victim of puppy scams!