Thanks to pet lovers in communities near and far, adoption rates have steadily increased since 2011. That's why on this National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day, we want to celebrate proud pet adopters across the country. Pet adopters like Marley whose love for animals is making a big difference for shelter pets.

When she was merely 4-years-old, Marley began saving her money so she could one day have a dog of her own. Now, at age 9, she has spent countless hours reading about various breeds to narrow it down to her perfect dog.

After years of research, she was sure that rescued was her breed of choice. So she went to the Humane Society of Tampa Bay where she found and adopted her perfect pet. The pup, named Chief after Marley’s grandfather who was a Deputy Sherrif and loved K9’s, was the best friend she had waited her whole life for.

As a lover of all furry friends, the addition of a few more four-legged family members was inevitable. A few weeks after adopting Chief, Marley and her mom were on a PetSmart run when two kittens at the PetSmart Charities 7-Day Cat Adoption Center captured Marley’s heart.  

The kittens were available for adoption through Tampa Cat Crusaders rescue. Thanks to Marley’s love for pets, three shelter animals now have a loving family of their very own.

Are you a proud pet adopter? Share your #iadopted story with us!