You know what's great about rescue pets? They're always a little bit off, like they are terrified of the vacuum cleaner or they hide under the couch whenever an ambulance goes by. That and playing with a dog is pretty much the only way an adult who has already earned their bachelor's degree can look cool while throwing a frisbee. So, should you be in the market for a new frisbee companion, or just a furry creature who will hang out with you around the apartment, then this weekend's SF SPCA Adopt-a-thon would be a great time to find one, rescue it from countless months of shelter living and make it your new best friend. You'll be a hero!

This weekend, Pleasanton-based nonprofit Maddie's Fund will help you carry out your heroic act of animal ownership by covering the usual adoption fees. For every animal adopted this weekend, Maddie's fund will also be donating a grant to the shelter they came from, so think of it as also helping out all the little guys you sadly couldn't take home with you. In San Francisco, the event will have pets from the SF SPCA, Animal Care and Control and six other rescue organizations in the city.

If you're not in San Francisco, the adopt-a-thon will be going on at 80 shelters and locations around the Bay Area, so there should be plenty of opportunities to find a new pal. Last year, Maddie's Fund sent over 2,300 pets to new homes. This year, they're shooting for 3,000.

Of note: adopters will still be screened for appropriateness and landlord permission, so don't try picking up your sit-lie panhandling accessory. Also, if you want a puppy rather than an adult rescue, you'll need to take a Puppy Parent Orientation class. Which shouldn't be a problem because: puppies!

Full Details on the San Francisco SPCA's event here.
Details for the rest of the Bay Area here.