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Derek Hough Talks About His Rescue Pets, Encourages Pet Adoption

Derek Hough, the Dancing with the Stars judge, is talking about his rescue animals and is helping spread the word about shelter pets with Purina ONE. The dancer spoke to PEOPLE about his love of animals and why his rescue pets are so special.

Hough and girlfriend Hayley Erbert share two rescue dogs and two rescue cats. Palo is an orange tabby cat, Lily is a grey cat with green eyes. Their dogs are both german shepherd/ husky mixes. Romi is older and Luna is one year old.

“No matter what’s going on in your life, there’s this, there’s this love and look on their face which says, ‘It’s going to be okay,’ he says of his animals. “Taking care of them, loving them, and playing with them remind me to be present. They’re the loves of our lives.”

For his partnership with Purina, Hough explained the 28-Day Challenge. Between June 18 and August 31, for every pet owner who registers, the company will Donate $1 to the Petfinder Foundation. The donations will waive adoption fees and help rescue groups with animals finding homes.

To participate in Purina ONE’s 28-Day Challenge, pet parents can register online.

“I know the joy, firsthand, that comes with the companionship of a rescue pet,” Hough says. “Picturing an animal sitting in a shelter waiting for a home just breaks my heart, and that’s what I love about this program because they’re making it easier for pets to find their forever homes.”

We encourage everyone thinking of getting a pet to adopt instead of shop. Read more resources about adopting animals on One Green Planet, including 7 Reasons to Adopt Your Next Furry Best Friend, 5 Reasons Why Everyone Should Adopt a Pet, and These Heartwarming Before and After Pictures of Adopted Rescue Animals Will Make Your Day! Read tips for pet adoptions and what to consider before adopting an animal. We recommend using these apps to find shelter dogs near you!