'Marley & Me' Raises Awareness of Shelter Adoptions

'Marley & Me' Raises Awareness of Shelter Adoptions

A Lab like Marley Could Be the Pet for You, But Do Your Research First and Consider Adopting from a Shelter, Urges the American Humane Association

DENVER, Dec. 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The upcoming feature film for animal lovers, 20th Century Fox's Marley & Me, hits theaters on Christmas Day. Recent history indicates the popularity of "Marley" will lead to an increase in Labrador retrievers being acquired. Unfortunately, many of them might soon be surrendered to shelters and breed-rescue groups nationwide as families find out this particular breed just wasn't the right fit for their lifestyle. Similar upticks in animal acquisitions happened after films such as Beethoven, 101 Dalmatians and even the more recent Beverly Hills Chihuahua.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070521/LAM095LOGO)

The American Humane Association and 20th Century Fox have launched a public-awareness campaign about the increased relinquishment of specific breeds of animals after they have been featured in blockbuster movies. Too many dogs are given up after reality sets in about how much responsibility or care they require, or that their needs are diametrically different than the person or families who acquired them.

American Humane and 20th Century Fox want people to know that when it comes to getting a pet, they should consider adopting from the millions of animals that end up in shelters each year.

"American Humane is working collaboratively with 20th Century Fox on vital animal issues and we're particularly excited about our combined efforts to raise national awareness about the importance of adopting animals from shelters and breed-rescue groups," said Marie Belew Wheatley, president and CEO of American Humane.

The main dog that plays "Marley" in the film is, himself, a dog from a rescue - proving that great dogs can be found at our nation's shelters. In the movie, "Marley" chews, shreds and wreaks havoc, but his unconditional love inspires.

American Humane points out that the antics in the movie Marley & Me are not far from the truth for most puppies and young adult dogs.

"In the case of the dog in Marley & Me, what you see is what you might get," said Wheatley. "It's important for potential pet owners to keep this in mind when deciding whether to adopt a dog."

When adopting an animal, American Humane suggests people research specific dog breeds to ensure the new pet will fit their lifestyle. Before adopting a Labrador, American Humane encourages people to determine whether a Lab is right for them.

   Just the Lab Facts:   --  Labs are the most popular breed in the U.S.   --  They can develop slowly and continue puppy-like behavior even past age       two.   --  Labs can be wonderful companion dogs for active families.   --  Many animal shelters and rescues have a large variety of Lab mixes       available for adoption.   --  Black Labs and Lab mixes tend to be adopted less often than other       dogs.   --  Labs are multi-talented and can excel in animal-assisted therapy,       swimming, retrieving and much more.   

American Humane is designated by the Screen Actors Guild as the only animal welfare organization with on-set jurisdiction. Throughout the filming of Marley & Me, an American Humane Certified Animal Safety Representative(TM) monitored the animal action. The movie's safe use of animals has earned it American Humane's "Monitored: Outstanding" rating and the "No Animals Were Harmed"(R) end-credit disclaimer.

Marley & Me stars Owen Wilson, Jennifer Aniston, Eric Dane and Alan Arkin. It was directed by David Frankel, from the screenplay by Scoot Frank and Don Roos, based upon the best-selling book by John Grogan. The producers are Karen Rosenfelt and Gil Netter.

About American Humane

Founded in 1877, the American Humane Association is the only national organization dedicated to protecting both children and animals. Through a network of child and animal protection agencies and individuals, American Humane develops policies, legislation, curricula and training programs to protect children and animals from abuse, neglect and exploitation. The nonprofit membership organization, headquartered in Denver, raises awareness about The Link(R) between violence to people and violence to animals, as well as the benefits derived from the human-animal bond. American Humane's regional office in Los Angeles is the exclusive authority behind the "No Animals Were Harmed"(R) end-credit disclaimer on film and TV productions, and American Humane's office in Washington, D.C., is an advocate for child and animal protection at the federal and state levels. The American Humane Certified(TM) farm animal program is the nation's original independent certification and labeling program for humanely raised food. (www.thehumanetouch.org) American Humane meets the strong, comprehensive standards of the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance, has been awarded the Independent Charities of America's "Best in America" Seal of Approval, and has met the stringent standards for financial efficiency and accountability required by the American Institute of Philanthropy to qualify as a Top-Rated Charity. Visit www.americanhumane.org to learn more.

   Contact: Kelley Weir   (303) 925-9418   kelleyw@americanhumane.org  

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070521/LAM095LOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk photodesk@prnewswire.com

Source: American Humane Association

CONTACT: Kelley Weir of American Humane Association, +1-303-925-9418,
kelleyw@americanhumane.org

Web Site: http://www.americanhumane.org/

---

Profile: International Entertainment