Colleen Paige, animal behaviorist and advocate, founded National Pet Day in 2006 to raise awareness about overpopulation in shelters and to encourage people to adopt.

National Pet Day is April 11 and is a day to both celebrate the love you have for your own pet and help one in need.

Animal rescues and shelters are bursting at the seams with homeless animals looking for forever homes. Cats and dogs (especially large dogs or those with special needs) spend months waiting for someone to pick them.

Photo: Everett Animal Shelter

A friendly, one-eyed pup named Pepe has been waiting for over 75 days at the Everett Animal Shelter to be adopted. He is the definition of resilient and has been through so much already.

He arrived in dire condition at the beginning of the year after being hit by a car. The shelter brought him to their vet for emergency surgery to remove his ruptured eye. He continued to heal from his scrapes and bruises under their expert care.

Pepe is not letting his limited sight keep him down. His caretakers shared, “He’s adjusting to life with one eye pretty quickly. This spunky pup loves to play, snuggle, and soak up all the love from his favorite humans despite his traumatic experience. He’s now looking for his forever home.”

Pepe is our spokes-dog for this year’s National Pet Day where we hope to help countless shelter pets get ready for adoption with care packages. Each care package will provide nutritious food, vaccinations, a toy and a comfy bed.

Be sure to share Pepe’s story to help him find his special someone.

All shelter pets deserve to find the love like we have for our furry companions. Donate today to help shelter cats and dogs get ready to find the love of their lives.