It shocks many people to know that approximately 4 million dogs and cats were euthanized last year in the U.S, a handful of them right here in New Jersey. And that’s why a group of elementary school students in Monmouth County are taking a light-hearted, yet thoughtful approach to this serious subject with the “Tunes for Tails” holiday campaign.

The Monmouth County SPCA Eatontown put out a challenge to local students: come up with a catchy jingle about how great it is to own an adopted animal, based on personal experiences. With funding and support from Purr’n Pooch Pet Resorts in Tinton Falls and musical guidance by Small Factory Productions in Fair Haven  the first winners of the “Tunes for Tails” campaign were chosen. Individual winners Aine and Lily McDonough from Rumson, Marc Meloni from Oceanport, Hanna Hale from Hazlet and Madelyn Delvecchio from Fair Haven. Along with Mrs. Ilene Brudner’s Third Grade Class from Robertsville Elementary School in Morganville, they will hear their jingles piped through the speakers both at the Monmouth County SPCA shelter and several local retailers.

The message here is clear: Monmouth County SPCA wants New Jersey residents to know that adopted animals are every bit as wonderful as pet shop pups and kittens. And if the toe-tappin’ tunes cheerfully sung by our very own kids in the community inspire even one family to adopt one of these sweet animals (rather than shop at a pet store), then that’s one more dog or cat that will spend the holidays in a warm and loving home. Jennifer Smiga of inBLOOM Communications, whose company coordinated "Tunes for Tails," is proud of the creative teamwork of her clients and hopes to build on the campaign next year: “It’s amazing what the power of partnerships can do to make a difference during the holiday season. The unique ways these businesses, families and schools worked together to promote pet adoption is exciting for the community.”

So maybe you’re not looking to welcome a dog or cat into the family right now. Can you still do your part? Definitely! The Monmouth County SPCA in Eatontown is accepting donations on behalf of the “Tunes for Tails” campaign and the money will be used towards pet supplies and medical costs, such as spaying and neutering. Take it a step further and check out the shelter’s wish list – make a Saturday afternoon out of it and have the whole family pick out goods and personally deliver them. You might even bring along some cookies or other holiday treats for the shelter staff – they work long hours for little pay and showing your support will give them a much-needed energy boost.

It’s never too early to start teaching our little ones about compassion and the community’s furry friends are a great place to start!

Quick clicks:

Watch the winning jingle video!

(If you’re a business owner and want to play the jingle for your shoppers, contact Matt Cook at Small Factory Productions at 732-212-1088)

Get creative – unexpected ways to help your local shelter this holiday season.

Watch this video for tips on introducing a new shelter pet into your home.