February is Responsible Pet Owner Month and, we here at KCWise want to give local adoption centers and independent pet supply stores a little extra love. There are so many ways to support homeless animals in need in Kansas City. You can foster, adopt, or even just donate or volunteer your time to any of the area shelters and adoption agencies. We only have time to mention a few but we would love to hear more, learn more, and feature more in the future!

Unleashed Rescue & Adoption works with high kill shelters to rescue ‘unwanted’ dogs and connects them with loving, forever homes. This Sunday, January 15^th, they are hosting an adoption event at the Merriam Petsmart at 5810 Antioch Road from 11 am to 4pm. Unleashed will also be holding their Spring fundraising event February 18  at Hamburger Mary’s. Check out their website for more information as well as adoptable pets available now at www.unleashedrescue.com.

Another wonderful organization with a mission to help animals is Love 4 Paws based in Overland Park.  Every Sunday through January and February, Love 4 Paws will hold an adoption event at the 95^th and Quivira Petco from noon to 3pm. Love 4 Paws also provides vet care and pet care education; you can find more information about this organization and available pets at www.love-4-paws.com.

Do you need extra help now that you’ve adopted your new best friend? Wayside Waifs: A No Kill Shelter is very near and dear to our hearts as I adopted my puppy Darcy from here (She’s the best!). They not only have animals available for adoption but they also offer Puppy Training classes every Sunday. Be sure to register with them for future sessions at www.waysidewaifs.org. Wayside Waifs is hosting a private shopping event with Kate Spade at the Country Club Plaza January 22^nd  from 5pm to 7pm. Twenty percent of the proceeds will go to benefit their organization.

Every responsible pet owner loves to take care of and pamper their pet. The Queen of Paws Boutique at Trendz in Leawood offers unique items every time you visit from beds and carriers to collars and apparel! Not only was Queen of Paws and Trendz voted Best Girls Night Out in Johnson County, owner and animal lover Christine Gregory has hopes to host her own poochie parties in the near future!  Queen of Paws is also the only local pet boutique that does not support selling pets in-store or from puppy mills but strongly advocates pets adoptions through rescue agencies,  shelters, and fostering.  You can learn about Queens of Paws at her website www.queenofpaws.com.

We all need a little love in the New Year, why not from a new furry friend! Hundreds if not thousands of homeless animals are at risk it is up to us to help Kansas City! You can make a significant difference even just by volunteering or donating.

P.S. You can find all of these organizations on Facebook too. Woof!