San Francisco 49ers Help Shelter Dogs Get Adopted With Adorable Fundraising Calendar

We love when celebrities use their voice to speak up for those who can’t! And the San Francisco 49ers are doing just that. These football players have teamed up with two local San Francisco shelters – the Humane Society of the Silicon Valley (HSSV) and Silicon Valley Animal Care and Control (SVACA) – for a “K-9ers” (how cute is that name?!) calendar that features dogs in need of homes.

“The 49ers are huge animal lovers and many of the players have dogs at their homes,” Rachel Gerston, the development manager, at the HSSV, tells This Dog’s Life, “The calendar features the players’ dogs as well as dogs from HSSV and SVACA.”

49ers including Dontae Johnson, Garrett Celek, and alumni Parys Haralson volunteered their time for the calendar. 

Bruce Ellington

The players loved spending time with the pups but they also got the chance to give back to their community. Win/win!

Jaquiski Tartt

“You bring a dog, a cat, or any type of animal home, it’s just another member,” Johnson, shares. “You grow to love them and cherish them and happy they’re with you. It’s just an amazing feeling. ”

None of the football players took any of the dogs home from the shoot, but we’re happy to report that all of the pups have since been adopted. Sadly, 2.7 million dogs and cats are euthanized every day due to shelter overcrowding and limited funds. If you find this figure shocking, consider the positive fact that by adopting a dog you not only save a life but gain a loyal best friend. Whether you’d prefer a mixed breed or purebred, a young pup or an elder dog, a shelter near you probably has the companion you’re looking for.

We love that the San Francisco 49ers decided to do some good to help shelter dogs in need. The proceeds of the calendar will go to help both organizations save and care for the animals in their care. If you’re interested in purchasing a calendar of your own for $10, click here. And please, always adopt and never buy!

Lead image Source: Bruce Ellington