Adopt-A-Pet of Miami is a non-profit, non-governmental, privately supported humane organization dedicated to the rescue, care and adoption of homeless pets. The cornerstone of the organization is our philosophy of never euthanizing any animal unless incurably ill.

Featured pets can be seen during the weather segments of the NBC 6 newscast each Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 6:45 a.m. For more information on Adopt-A-Pet of Miami, and on pets you see on NBC 6, check out http://www.adoptapetmiami.org/, or call 305-257-BARK.

Keep in mind, the animals featured on NBC 6's Adopt A Pet are always popular pets to pick. But don't worry -- if the pet you saw on-air has already been adopted, there are many more beautiful animals who hope you'll take them home!

If you'd like to donate money to the Adopt A Pet Program, you can send a check, made out to Adopt A Pet, to:
Coconut Grove Bank
Attention Carol Murphy
P.O. Box 330227
Miami, FL 33233

Slideshow: Christmas Puppies

Important Pet Tips: Identification
Remember, having the proper identification for your pets is extremely important.

Identification such as collars and tags are recommended, so that the general public will be able to identify exactly to whom the pet belongs in case the animal happens to get out of the yard or is otherwise lost.

Some pet owners have microchips implanted into the neck of their animal, so if the pet is lost and the collar is removed they can still be identified and returned to their owners.

If the dog or cat turns up at a shelter the microchip will be scanned and the pet identified. It's a great benefit for both the animal and the owners and helps keep them together.

Keeping Your Pet Cool
Hot weather brings on dangerous temperatures for both humans and animals.

Keeping your pet cool in the heat is a must and Dr. Shelly Rubin explains several pointers that will keep cats and dogs safe from the heat.

Pet owners must take extra precautions when caring for a pet in the heat.

"If you're uncomfortable, your pet is twice as uncomfortable," Rubin says. Dogs do not perspire to stay cool, but pant. But panting is not an effective way to expel excess heat.

Here are a few key pointers to remember when caring for your pet in the heat.

• Double the water: Have two bowls of water out and full at all times to help your pet stay hydrated
• Let 'em Drip: Keep pets wet if at all possible. Cats are more sensitive to temperature changes and moisture and may not adjust to being wet, but dogs can stay cool in water. Have a small child's swimming pool in the backyard or a sprinkler on when pets are outside.
• Give them shelter: Pets can use shade as a way to stay out of direct sun and heat. Go outside during the day and see how much shade your backyard naturally provides. Add a shady spot out of lawn furniture, a porch and trees.

Orienting Your Pet To A New Baby
For some families, pets and parenthood present special concerns.

Here are some things to make it an easier transition if you are expecting a new family addition and already have a pet. If you are going to be changing your dog's routine and lifestyle including any of the following:

• altering sleeping arrangements
• decreasing their number or length of walks
• changing feeding times

Make the changes ahead of time, before the baby comes home from the hospital.

When introducing your dog to a child for the first time, always use a leash.

Prior to introducing them to children for the first time, take your dog to parks, children's sporting events, and activities where children are present, in order to get them used to having children around.

Cat owners may have this orientation process a little easier. When introducing cats to children, they usually only have to get used to the child.

If pets come before kids, socialize them right away. Also, never leave a child unattended with a pet until the child is at least six years old, or is educated about the pet and how to interact with it.

Naturally, caution is always a good idea to keep little ones safe.