Sabra, the black lab with her new adopter Sara Djamin and Adoption Ambassador Katie Grillo with Teen Ambassador Noah Grillo

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – The Humane Society of Broward County's Adoption Ambassador Program, in conjunction with the ASPCA, has reached a milestone with 117 dogs being adopted, since the first dog was placed with an Adoption Ambassador in late August of 2012. Being an Adoption Ambassador is a lot like fostering, but goes a step further. Ambassadors "market" the dogs through social media, going to events, making flyers and posting at work, and networking with their friends and family. The dog's photo also remains on the Humane Society of Broward County's website and dogs in the program are identified with a border around their picture. In addition, each dog is fitted with a bright orange vest that says "Adopt Me" so that while they are out-and-about with their temporary families others will know the canine is looking for forever home. The Ambassadors interview potential adopters and complete all necessary paperwork once the perfect home is found.

Currently there are 54 active Ambassador Families including 22 which are Teens Ambassadors. (Teens can earn their required high school community service hours for participating in the program.) The average stay for a dog with an Ambassador Family is just 22 days, but for some dogs it was shorter...there have been eight dogs that were adopted by their Ambassador Families.

According to Linda Sanders, manager of the program, "I get to work with amazing families every day who are dedicated to finding the perfect home for their Ambassador dogs. The program continues to grow and the more Adoption Ambassadors we have, the more dogs we can help. I encourage anyone who loves animals and wants to make a difference to get involved."

For more details call Linda at 954-266-6839 and sign up for one of the upcoming orientations which will be held on: Saturday, April 6 10:30 – 12:30; Thursday, April 18 5:00 – 7:00; Saturday, May 4, 10:30 – 12:30; Thursday May 16 5:00 – 7:00; Saturday June 1 10:00 – 12:00 or Thursday June 13 5:00 – 7:00.

The Humane Society of Broward County is located at 2070 Griffin Road, just west of I-95 on the south side of the street. For information or to see who is looking for a home visit www.humanebroward.com. The HSBC is a private, non-profit organization that relies on donations from people and companies who want to help us help the animals.