Why Shelter Pets Make the Best Pets; Real Shelter Pets Of OC

MISSION VIEJO, CA—Just take a moment and look at that sweet face. This is Banjo, and yes, an "awww" moment is in order. That's the face of a shelter pet who has made a new home with Orange County, Mission Viejo mother, Liz Wagner.

"We adopted 'Banjo' from the Orange County Animal Shelter in 2007," she said.

Banjo, like the over 100 dogs who entered our "Faces of Orange County Pet Shelters" request, was just another animal in need of a home. But what he's become, according to Wagner, is family.

Whether a family is looking for a four legged friend, or just has a heart for animal rescue--many homes open their doors to animals in need.

Torri Zimmon brought home "Bogie" from a rescue in Costa Mesa.

What's the best part of owning a shelter dog?

Liz Wagner stated that shelter dogs are amazing in so many ways.

"I love being able to show everyone around me the amazing dogs that are just waiting for homes," she said. "Everyone who meets my dogs loves them, and they are a testament to the sweet little fur babies you can find at the shelter."

Pet owner Katie Kistner feels that her shelter dog--a Shih Tzu-Poodle mix, is extra tolerant of her child.

"People told me having a little dog and a baby was a bad idea, but we have had zero issues," she said. "The dog lives to please."

Why adopt one pet when you can have two? Nancy Brunstetter brought home Lexie and Chloe, both rescue pets.

"Lexie is almost 9 years and Chloe just turned 5 months," she said. "They are best friends and both rescued. Will never get a non shelter pet!"

There is no better time to "clear the shelters" as this year, across Southern California, Orange County Animal Shelter, and shelters across California, will be offering drastically reduced adoption fees.

Cats, Dogs, Rabbits and other exotic animals are available for adoption in the event that lasts all day Saturday. But if you have a heart to adopt a pet, there are opportunities that go far beyond the "Clear the Shelter" event.

Leann Ochoa adopted her black cat, Phoebe, from the Friends of Orange County Pet Rescue. Most, if not all shelter pets have a story to go along with them.

Mother Nicole Flores discussed her pup, Furfessor Watson.

"He was saved his on his last hour," she said. "Now, age 5, he loves to eat, likes walks and just being with us at all times. What we call a stage 5 clinger! but we love him and his silly ways."

Why adopt? and what if an animal comes with issues? Our Orange County moms have discussed dogs that were rescued from "high kill" shelters and situations where they were labeled as dangerous, only to discover the opposite was true.

Owner Debi Amicay shared her view of the dogs she adopted before and after.

Both Sugar Miss and Bruiser were both found over facebook posts, according to Debi Amicay.

"Bruiser was an owner surrender at age 8," she said. "It broke my heart, but they have the good life now!"

Pet lover Natalie Hugins of Aliso Viejo found her rescue pet in May of 1997. Literally. "The little stray jumped in my car, and that was the beginning of the end for me. The doctor said he was about one year old, and no one was looking for him," she said.

"I found him in Chino Hills, and he was the child I never had," she said. "It's been three years since he died, on Good Friday of 2013 and I still miss him beyond belief. That little guy changed my life for the better. I have no regrets."

The void left in your heart after losing a pet, it is said, can only be healed by another pet.

Remember to visit the Orange County Animal Care and "Clear the Shelters" on July 23, and beyond.

Find a shelter near you, and tell us about your rescue pet on Patch.com. Send your shelter pet photo to ashley.ludwig@patch.com to be featured on Patch!