PRESCOTT, AZ--(Marketwire - Apr 17, 2012) - Tiny puppy Beyonce is America's latest sweetheart, but her story is far from unique. Beyonce and her litter were born after their mother was rescued. Veterinarian Kate Freeman and other veterinary professionals hope that Beyonce's story, which is so similar to the stories of many dogs awaiting adoption in shelters, will prompt higher adoption levels.

According to an article by Meghan Barr in The Seattle Times, Beyonce's mother was found wandering the streets of San Bernardino. An ultrasound revealed that she was carrying five puppies, but they believed the smallest, Beyonce, would be stillborn. After being delivered, Beyonce required resuscitation and, to the surprise of those present, lived. Three weeks later, Beyonce has grown from the size of a teaspoon to the size of an iPhone. Her small stature has caught the attention of the nation.

Kate Freeman, DVM, hopes that the attention Beyonce has received will raise awareness of the many adoptable animals in shelters. "Unfortunately, this sweet puppy is not unique and her situation highlights the importance of rescuing and adopting shelter animals," commented veterinarian Kate Freeman. "She is lucky to have been rescued and found a home, but each year there are millions of unwanted and abandoned dogs and cats in need of homes. When considering adding a new four-legged family member, looking first at the local shelter is strongly encouraged."

The need for such adoptions is fueled by the plight of shelter dogs -- which are frequently put down if a shelter becomes overcrowded or an illness breaks out. Euthanizing dogs is a common practice across the country, but the number of dogs put to sleep would be much lower if pet owners opted to adopt, rather than buy, their dogs.

People choose to buy pets for a number of reasons. Although shelters market their services and the dogs they have up for adoption as much as possible, they simply do not have the budget to embark on a large-scale marketing campaign. As a result, many community members may not be aware of shelters' activities or even their locations.

Some families may find themselves looking to breeders because they want a specific kind of dog. Kate Freeman, DVM, notes that "there are breed-specific rescue groups to consider if a potential adopter has a specific breed in mind."

Dogs in need of a home, like Beyonce, are waiting for the right families in shelters across America. It is vet Kate Freeman's wish that Beyonce's popularity will inspire people to start their search for the perfect pet at the local shelter.

ABOUT:

As a veterinarian, Kate Freeman, DVM, provides high quality, accessible care to animals on a daily basis. In addition to her work at educational institutions, Kate Freeman provides veterinary services for organizations that improve the availability of such care. For example, she assists rural and wildlife clinics in treating and preventing illnesses while offering standard examinations and services.