Martha Speaks, and she says to adopt a shelter dog

On Saturday, our family will welcome a new addition. It's a girl, and she's black, furry and rescued from the streets of Indiana. So it seems entirely appropriate (if oddly coincidental) that one of our favorite PBS Kids' cartoons, Martha Speaks, would help us celebrate our rescue of a 2-year-old black lab with a special week of programming this week in anticipation of National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week in early November.
All week, Martha Speaks will feature special episodes around animals in shelters, keeping pets safe in your home, and even Martha's own early days as a shelter pup. Since the show is written for young kids, I won't worry about the subject getting too heavy. And since Martha is the spokesperson (spokesdog?), I know the tone will be light and not too preachy.

I'm so happy that this week of episodes will gives us a good starting point for when my own kids start to ask about why we chose to adopt an adult rescue dog versus the irresistible puppy in the window of the mall pet store. -Christina

Check out Martha Speaks this week on your local PBS station for special programming for National Shelter Animal Appreciation Week. And check out the special Helping Animals page for a list of this week's episodes, ways for your family to get involved, and tips on pet safety.