October is Love-A-Dog month at the Hawaiian Humane Society. Lucky dogs and puppies that are adopted this month go home with a gift bag of canine goodies from Bark Avenue and free food from Nutro.

The adoption fee of $60 for a dog (or cat) comes with a huge investment in each pet's health and future. The Hawaiian Humane Society spends hundreds of dollars in pre- and post-adoption healthcare, sterilization, microchipping and vaccinations.

Adopters also appreciate that behind every pet is a team of people who care deeply about each animal's life. Led by Carlene Takushi, the society's veterinary staff ensures that each pet meets certain health standards and that ailments are treated. Behavior trainers work with the animals to instill good manners and basic training. Adoption counselors guide potential adopters through the multitude of important considerations before making a commitment. Counselors ensure a smooth shelter-to-home transition. And the society's helpline team supports adopters for the pet's life.

Thousands of families every year choose adoption for a number of reasons — one of which is the society's large selection of adult animals. Skipping the early years can be a huge plus for busy families with little energy and time for puppies. There are many unknowns with pups such as how large they'll grow to be, their adult temperament and their energy level. With adult animals, there are fewer surprises. And families get to bypass the frustrations of housetraining their pets and the destructive chewing that comes with teething.

For more than 25 years, Crazy Shirts has created a new Adopt-a-Dog T-shirt for October. This year's design, by staff artist Garret Kojima, features three pooches and the sentiment, "Dogs Arf Friends Forever." Crazy Shirts donates a portion of the proceeds from this design to the society. The T-shirts are available at all Hawai'i Crazy Shirts stores (including Neighbor Islands) this month, as well as at the society's shelter shop for the next 12 months.

If you're considering adoption, the society's counselors will help you fill out a pet profile so you can be matched with a particular adult breed on request.

ADOPTABLES

Rocky

Tag No. 104757 Rocky is an impressive male cat with gorgeous coloring. His coat is orange with darker stripes and a dusting of white around his chin, chest and his prominent paws. He has a microchip and has been vaccinated and neutered, so Rocky is ready to move to his new home today.

Coco-Tan

Tag No. 102964 This lanky terrier mix is waiting to meet her new family and get a loving home. Coco-Tan is a fairly small gal with good manners. At 7 years of age, she qualifies for the Seniors for Seniors program. If you are older than 60, the adoption fee is waived for cute little Coco-Tan.

These animals already may have found homes. The Hawaiian Humane Society and McInerny Dog Park at 2700 Wai'alae Ave. are open weekdays from 11 a.m.-7 p.m., weekends and holidays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. For directions, special events and to see more pets available for adoption, visit www.hawaiianhumane.org or call 946-2187. Call immediately to report lost or found animals, ext. 4.

PETS ON THE NET: AN ONLINE COMMUNITY

Our new Web feature, Pet Project, is for people who love their dogs, cats and other animals so much they want to show them off to everyone. At Pet Project, you can submit a photo of your pet, read the latest news about pets, learn about new books on pets or join a discussion group with other pet owners in the community. Go online to http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/section/petproject.