In celebration of National Adopt¿A¿Shelter-Dog Month this October, the Humane Society of Harford County is asking prospective pet owners: What can an adopted dog bring to your life?

"There are as many responses to that question as there are dogs in this world," Mary Leavens, executive director, said in a press release. "Whether you want an exercise buddy, a best friend for your child, a partner in agility competitions, a constant companion for an aging parent or simply a fuzzy face to greet you after a hard day at work, an adopted dog can be all of these — and more."

To encourage dog adoption, the Humane Society of Harford County is offering prospective pet owners a free microchip and a free toy with every dog adopted from the shelter during October.

"It's especially important to remember shelter dogs this year, when the lingering recession has put many shelters in a bad position, with pet relinquishment up and adoptions and donations down," Leavens said.

If you know someone who is planning to get a dog but hasn't decided to adopt, the Harford shelter asks this list of reasons to adopt a shelter dog be shared:

• You will make a difference. By adopting from the shelter or a breed-specific rescue group, you'll help save the lives of two animals — the pet you adopt and a homeless animal somewhere who can be rescued because of space you helped free up.

• You will find your perfect match. The Harford shelter is brimming with happy, healthy animals just waiting for someone to take them home. It is a common misconception that animals end up in shelters because they've been abused or done something "wrong." Most animals are given to shelters because of "people reasons," not because of anything they've done. Things like a divorce, a move, lack of time or financial constraints are among the most common reasons why pets lose their homes.

• You'll save time and money. The Harford shelter's adoption fees include vaccinations, spay or neuter surgery, de-wormer, a general health exam, flea and tick presentative, and a free bag of starter food. If you were to pay for those services yourself, you'd spend much more.

• You will receive unconditional love. Ask anyone who's adopted: rescued dogs just seem to know you saved them (especially older dogs), and they repay that act of kindness a thousand times over.

• You will not be supporting cruelty. Each dog adopted rather than purchased means less of a market for unhealthy, inbred puppies produced under cruel conditions in puppy mill operations throughout the country.

To share your own adoption story, email Kim Aumiller at kim@harfordshelter.org. Please include your name and a recent photo of your pet.

To learn more about adopting a pet from the Humane Society of Harford County, visit http://www.harfordshelter.org. The Humane Society has dogs of every type, size, age and personality and is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Visit during October during National Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month!

The Humane Society of Harford County, Inc., is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to the welfare and well-being of the approximately 4,500 animals that come to the shelter each year. The organization promotes the kind treatment of homeless, stray and abandoned animals by providing shelter, care, adoptions, and community education. It is not a county agency nor is it affiliated with any national or regional organization. Tax-deductible donations, bequests, and proceeds from events are crucial to the organization's life-saving efforts on behalf of the animals, according to the organization's leaders.

Though the Humane Society of Harford County is not a county agency, its shelter serves as the county's de facto animal shelter.