Adoption Event Focuses on Harder-to-Place Animals

Three Downriver-based animal rescue groups are coming together in Wyandotte this weekend to share the same heartfelt message.

Love Me Because…

I am older

I am overweight

No one taught me better

I have medical issues

I have attitude

I am special

I need you

The fourth annual "Love Me Because ..." pet adoption event is being held from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday at Hood's Do-It Best. It's geared specifically toward animals that are harder to adopt because of their unique traits or behaviors.

“Sometimes animals just have their own attitude,” Terra Muscat, co-chair of the event, said in a press release. “They all need someone who will love them because they are this way, who will accept them and cherish them just the way they are.”

Although some of the dogs and cats who will attend the event have health or behavioral issues and need special homes, many are healthy, friendly animals who have been overlooked for nothing more than a plain coat or a few more years under their collars, event organizer Sara Dean said.

"We all have our quirks, and so do animals," she said. "Unfortunately for the four pawed, when they are different they are often unwanted, as well. Their own individual distinctions and identities sometimes cause them to live in cages far longer than their smaller, younger, counterparts. Kittens, calicos, the very sweet natured, the well behaved, all get adopted first, leaving behind the overweight, the older animals, the Plain Jane’s and Tabby Tom’s; the ones with health problems, the animals with behavior problems, who really only have behavior issues because no one took the time to teach them better manners in the first place.”

Twenty animals were placed into new homes which also raised $5,300. (Check out our photo gallery from last year's event.)

The event is a collaboration between Shelter to Home and P.A.W.S. of Michigan.

In addition to adoptable animals, there also will be a bake sale, animal ID tags available for purchase, raffles and a silent auction, including Detroit Red Wings tickets and other prizes. Bids for the silent auction can be placed in store on online at www.facebook.com/LoveMeBecausePetAdoptionEvent.

“P.A.W.S. of Michigan is very grateful to Hood’s Do-It Best, as well as to the many, many other generous merchants and individuals who have donated wonderful gifts and prizes for our raffle and auction,” Muscat said. “Even if you aren’t ready to add a new furry member to your family, please stop by and join in the fun, or enjoy some of our incredible donated baked goods at our bake sale.  Every penny raised goes directly to help the animals.”

For more information, contact Dean at sara@pawsofmichigan.com or 269-599-9352.

Check out what past "Love Me Because ..." participants had to say about the special day:

“Year Three for the LMB event was all we had hoped for and more.  It is such a great feeling to know that so many difficult to adopt animals are now in loving homes because of this event!  Can't wait until next year! Thanks to Hoods do it Center ... an odd match made in heaven for our groups!”

-Rose Darin, Wyandotte Animal Pound volunteer and P.A.W.S. of Michigan member

“Words cannot express the overwhelming appreciation to everyone who contributed to the LMB event!  Volunteers, rescue groups, vendors, employees, local businesses, people near and far, friends and family supported the event to make it the success it was!  Placing some of the harder-to adopt animals in "furever" homes gives them a second chance at a happy, fulfilled, loving life and we are elated to be a part of making that happen!  Thank you again to all who participated!”

-Patti Christie, Hood's Do-It Best employee and P.A.W.S. of Michigan volunteer

“A very emotional & successful Love Me Because event has given me a extremely proud feeling, to be a part of something so amazing & wonderful. The local businesses, the supporters, the volunteers, the donors, family & friends, the employee's of Hood's Doit Best have all come together to save the lives of animals & support their well being. 20+ animals have been given the 2nd chance they have been dreaming of, a loving & forever home where they will be cherished as a member of the family. Thank you doesn't seem enough but please know you have touched my heart & the hearts of many people & animals. I can't wait to see what the dedicated group can do in 2013!!”

-Terra Muscat, P.A.W.S. of Michigan member and co-chair of the Love Me Because Committee