Tartaglia to Speak Up for Humane Society's 'Proud 2 Adopt'

Broadway and TV star John Tartaglia (Avenue Q, "Johnny and the Sprites") has volunteered to spread the word about pet adoptions and is now a spokesperson for The Humane Society of the United States' Proud 2 Adopt campaign. The New York-based actor shares his home with four of his own shelter-adopted pets. 

The HSUS offers Proud 2 Adopt "care packages" at no charge to new "pet parents" who send in their adoption certificate from their local shelter or rescue group. The package includes: an HSUS certificate, a P2A t-shirt, bumper sticker, pin, pen, brochures, and a coupon for Hill's Science Diet pet food. Information about getting the free package can be found at humanesociety.org/adopt.

According to Stephanie Shain, director of outreach for companion animals for The HSUS, "We were thrilled when John told us he was interested in getting involved with The HSUS and educating people about adopting pets from shelters. He is a talented and generous man who is recognized and respected in the Broadway community and adored in homes across the country where preschoolers -- and their parents -- see him on 'Johnny and the Sprites.'  Pets have been an important part of his life and we are excited about our collaboration to spread the word. He will be a great educator for this issue."

Tartaglia added, "I believe that there is no organization as powerful and knowledgeable about animal issues as The HSUS and it's an honor to be linked with them on this project.  I consider my own dog Dora and cats, Sebastian, Mia and Keisha – all from shelters – to be part of my family, and I am a proud dad to have them in my life."

Tartaglia, best known for his Tony Award-nominated performance on Broadway in the original cast of Avenue Q, is star, executive producer and co-creator of the hit Disney Channel series "Johnny and the Sprites."  As a puppeteer, he was one of the youngest actors to ever appear on "Sesame Street," where he worked for 10 years starting at the age of just 16.  In addition, he appeared earlier this year as Lumiere on Broadway in Beauty and the Beast.

There are at least five reasons to be Proud 2 Adopt: you are saving two lives (the pet you adopt and the homeless animal who can be rescued because of the space cleared up), your pet will be healthy, you will save money, you will feel good and you won't be supporting the "puppy mill business" - "factory style breeding facilities that put profit above the welfare of dogs."

Shain adds, "By adopting instead of buying a pet, you can be certain you aren't supporting cruel puppy mills with your money. Puppy mills will continue to operate until people stop purchasing their puppies. Instead of buying a dog, visit your local shelter and area breed rescue groups where you will find healthy, well-socialized animals—including purebreds—just waiting for that special home."

Visit www.humanesociety.org/adopt for more on pet adoption.  For more on The HSUS' Stop Puppy Mills campaign, visit www.humanesociety.org/puppymills.

Photo by Robert Milazzo