A Valentine’s Day animal adoption event on Friday will bring adorable pets in need of a home to Capitol Hill. Hosted by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, “Paws for Love” features 11 animal rescue groups from the surrounding area.  

The fourth annual “Paws for Love” will take place at 11 a.m. on Friday in Cannon 345. Longtime advocates for animal welfare issues, such as former Sen. Bob Dole, R-Kan., and his wife, former Sen. Elizabeth Dole, R-N.C., will be there. Also advocating for dogs and cats to be adopted for Valentine’s Day are co-chairmen on the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, Reps. Earl Blumenauer, D-Ore., and Michael G. Fitzpatrick, R-Pa.  

Blumenauer does not have an adopted pet himself. “The constant travel demands as a member of Congress would not enable me to be a responsible pet owner. Someday, I hope to,” he told HOH.  

“I have long been a cat person. They tend to be quiet, contemplative, and independent,” he said. As the Democratic chairman of the caucus, he said there is much to be done for animal protection.  

“Animal welfare is a unifying issue. It isn’t partisan,” he said. “Not only does promoting animal welfare create a better world for our animals and communities, it provides a space for us to work together in Congress and build trust and relationships among those who may not normally work together.”  

At last year’s event, for instance, a staffer Rep. Ander Crenshaw, R-Fla., staffer adopted a dog named Finnegan.  

For those who cannot attend Friday’s event, the ASPCA has a few events surrounding Valentine’s Day, including an eCards fundraiser and a Twitter initiative . The group also hosts a summer adoption event on the Hill, Paws for Celebration, which launched in July 2012.  

The ASPCA was founded in 1866 and was the first animal welfare organization in North America.  

Contact Gangitano at
AlexGangitano@cqrollcall.com
and follow her on Twitter at 
@AlexGangitano.

See photos, follies, HOH Hits and Misses and more at Roll Call’s new video site.


Get breaking news alerts and more from Roll Call in your inbox or on your iPhone.