My husband wants a new puppy. And of course I can't blame him. After all, my dog is pretty terrific and pretty spoiled. Of course, he more than gives back to us the love and affection we heap on him. But it didn't have to turn out like that for him or me. Like countless other dogs he started out in an animal shelter, where I found and rescued him.

I've had "pound puppies" for most of my life and have found them to be some of the very best pets. That's why I have to mention a cause that's near to my heart. Tomorrow, January 24, is Change a Pet's Life Day. Shelters across the country are offering free pet adoptions for both dogs and cats. And with shelters overflowing with animals that have been abandoned after their owners lost their home to foreclosure, there's no better time to pick out a new member of the family.

So visit a shelter. You may find that adopting a new pet will change both your lives for the better. My husband and I may even see you there.