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Ad Council x Autism Speaks
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These adorable shelter pets are eager to prove that adopting is the way to go.

When you're ready to get a pet, why not make adoption your first choice?

True
Ad Council + The Shelter Pet Project

There are tons of reasons to adopt when you're looking for a pet.

Before you make your decision, though, these adopted pets would like to weigh in.

[rebelmouse-image 19527181 dam="1" original_size="1200x654" caption="Image courtesy of Lucky and Doxie, via Angela Maria/Instagram." expand=1]Image courtesy of Lucky and Doxie, via Angela Maria/Instagram.

Did you know that if just 10% of the families who plan to get pets in the next year choose to adopt, all the dogs and cats currently entering shelters will have homes? You could help make a big difference!

And if that's not enough to convince you, why don't you hear what the adopted pet community has to say? Lots of pets are adopted through The Shelter Pet Project, which is a joint effort between The Humane Society of the United States, Maddie's Fund, J. Walter Thompson New York, and The Ad Council to make shelters and rescue groups the first place that potential pet-owners turn to when looking to add a friend to their family.

When the rescue pets heard what The Shelter Pet Project was doing, they wanted to help. They even made a video! Watch:

Yup, shelter pets are definitely social media-savvy.

[rebelmouse-image 19527182 dam="1" original_size="480x478" caption="GIF courtesy of Meatball via David Minkin/Instragram." expand=1]GIF courtesy of Meatball via David Minkin/Instragram.

And ready to hang out with you, whether you want to stay in all day...

[rebelmouse-image 19527183 dam="1" original_size="589x590" caption="Image courtesy of Harvey/Instagram." expand=1]Image courtesy of Harvey/Instagram.

...and all night...

[rebelmouse-image 19527184 dam="1" original_size="565x465" caption="Image courtesy of Ruby via Barbara Davis/Instagram." expand=1]Image courtesy of Ruby via Barbara Davis/Instagram.

...or if you want to hit the town!

[rebelmouse-image 19527185 dam="1" original_size="479x599" caption="Image courtesy of Andy the Pomeranian/Instagram." expand=1]Image courtesy of Andy the Pomeranian/Instagram.

Want a beach bud? Your rescue pup is by your side:

[rebelmouse-image 19527186 dam="1" original_size="590x590" caption="Image courtesy of Jelly the Frenchie/Instagram." expand=1]Image courtesy of Jelly the Frenchie/Instagram.

Or perhaps you'd rather be on the water?

[rebelmouse-image 19527187 dam="1" original_size="601x599" caption="Image courtesy of Bea and Emmylou via Leeann McCollum/Instagram." expand=1]Image courtesy of Bea and Emmylou via Leeann McCollum/Instagram.

Or you can stay on land and stretch out in the sun!

[rebelmouse-image 19527188 dam="1" original_size="384x380" caption="GIF courtesy of Barry via Emma White Turle/Instagram." expand=1]GIF courtesy of Barry via Emma White Turle/Instagram.

How about a gardening buddy?

[rebelmouse-image 19527189 dam="1" original_size="479x592" caption="Photo courtesy of Bonnie." expand=1]Photo courtesy of Bonnie.

Or a dinner date:

[rebelmouse-image 19527190 dam="1" original_size="441x441" caption="Photo courtesy of Holly/Kellyanne Lark." expand=1]Photo courtesy of Holly/Kellyanne Lark.

You'll always have a buddy to keep you from getting bored:

[rebelmouse-image 19527191 dam="1" original_size="590x589" caption="Image courtesy of Butters McGillicuddy/Instagram." expand=1]Image courtesy of Butters McGillicuddy/Instagram.

[rebelmouse-image 19527192 dam="1" original_size="386x480" caption="GIF courtesy of Ella/Instagram." expand=1]GIF courtesy of Ella/Instagram.

...or to make a gloomy day a little brighter.

[rebelmouse-image 19527193 dam="1" original_size="510x500" caption="Photo courtesy of Henry." expand=1]Photo courtesy of Henry.

Even if you already have pets, why not consider adding an adopted pet to the family? Many adopted pets are eager to make friends!

[rebelmouse-image 19527194 dam="1" original_size="589x404" caption="Image courtesy of Chowder, Buddy, and Jackson via Elise/Instagram." expand=1]Image courtesy of Chowder, Buddy, and Jackson via Elise/Instagram.

"Most pets end up homeless through no fault of their own ... meaning shelters and rescue groups are full of wonderful, family-ready pets," writes Kenny Lamberti, acting vice president of the companion animals department at The Humane Society of the United States in an email.

Rescue pets are every bit as cuddly, lovable, and ready to fit into your home as any animal out there.  And, says Lamberti, "whether you want a dog, cat, rabbit, parakeet or hamster, shelters often have the best selection of animals anywhere."

See for yourself: Use The Shelter Pet Project's site to find adoptable dogs and cats or shelters near you and see who's out there looking for a new home. (And even if you're not ready to adopt, lots of shelters need fosters and volunteers, so there are plenty of ways to help out.)

[rebelmouse-image 19527195 dam="1" original_size="1200x715" caption="Image courtesy of Cali and Oscar/Instagram." expand=1]Image courtesy of Cali and Oscar/Instagram.

Pretty soon, you could be snuggling with an adopted pet of your own!

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Prudential
Prudential
Sponsored

Meet the 18-year-old advocating for teen mental health, one inspiring podcast at a time

All images provided by Prudential Emerging Visionaries

Collins after being selected by Prudential Emerging Visionaries

True

A changemaker is anyone who takes creative action to solve an ongoing problem—be it in one’s own community or throughout the world.

And when it comes to creating positive change, enthusiasm and a fresh perspective can hold just as much power as years of experience. That’s why, every year, Prudential Emerging Visionaries celebrates young people for their innovative solutions to financial and societal challenges in their communities.

This national program awards 25 young leaders (ages 14-18) up to $15,000 to devote to their passion projects. Additionally, winners receive a trip to Prudential’s headquarters in Newark, New Jersey, where they receive coaching, skills development, and networking opportunities with mentors to help take their innovative solutions to the next level.

For 18-year-old Sydnie Collins, one of the 2023 winners, this meant being able to take her podcast, “Perfect Timing,” to the next level.

Since 2020, the Maryland-based teen has provided a safe platform that promotes youth positivity by giving young people the space to celebrate their achievements and combat mental health stigmas. The idea came during the height of Covid-19, when Collins recalled social media “becoming a dark space flooded with news,” which greatly affected her own anxiety and depression.

Knowing that she couldn’t be the only one feeling this way, “Perfect Timing” seemed like a valuable way to give back to her community. Over the course of 109 episodes, Collins has interviewed a wide range of guests—from other young influencers to celebrities, from innovators to nonprofit leaders—all to remind Gen Z that “their dreams are tangible.”

That mission statement has since evolved beyond creating inspiring content and has expanded to hosting events and speaking publicly at summits and workshops. One of Collins’ favorite moments so far has been raising $7,000 to take 200 underserved girls to see “The Little Mermaid” on its opening weekend, to “let them know they are enough” and that there’s an “older sister” in their corner.

Of course, as with most new projects, funding for “Perfect Timing” has come entirely out of Collins’ pocket. Thankfully, the funding she earned from being selected as a Prudential Emerging Visionary is going toward upgraded recording equipment, the support of expert producers, and skill-building classes to help her become a better host and public speaker. She’ll even be able to lease an office space that allows for a live audience.

Plus, after meeting with the 24 other Prudential Emerging Visionaries and her Prudential employee coach, who is helping her develop specific action steps to connect with her target audience, Collins has more confidence in a “grander path” for her work.

“I learned that my network could extend to multiple spaces beyond my realm of podcasting and journalism when industry leaders are willing to share their expertise, time, and financial support,” she told Upworthy. “It only takes one person to change, and two people to expand that change.”

Prudential Emerging Visionaries is currently seeking applicants for 2024. Winners may receive up to $15,000 in awards and an all-expenses-paid trip to Prudential’s headquarters with a parent or guardian, as well as ongoing coaching and skills development to grow their projects.

If you or someone you know between the ages of 14 -18 not only displays a bold vision for the future but is taking action to bring that vision to life, click here to learn more. Applications are due by Nov. 2, 2023.
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