Author Joanne Wannan, writing at www.InspiringRescueStories.com, announces contest to inspire and encourage animal lovers everywhere.

It would be very difficult to find many people who have not felt the affects of the current global recession. The financial woes of big business and government typically dominate the headlines. However, they are not the only ones having to struggle through this new economy.

Wannan is the author of NEW LIVES: Stories of Rescued Dogs Helping, Healing and Giving Hope. “During the process of writing New Lives I became aware of numerous animal shelters and other organizations who are really struggling right now due to the slow economy. It’s really the small shelters and organizations that are have been affected the most,” says Wannan.

Unfortunately, not only are many shelters facing budget cuts, but they are also seeing an increase in the number of animals they are required to care for.

“We’re also seeing more animals dumped on our properties. People have been leaving dogs in runs, walking through the doors and just leaving animals in the lobby, leaving cats in bags outside our doors — that’s something that’s happening a lot at all our adoption centers. It was happening before, but not at the rate it’s happening now,” says Brian Adams spokesperson for Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

“I want to help raise awareness for pet adoption and rescue,” says Wannan. “I want to encourage others to get involved and share their adoption stories. Hearing peoples’ adoption stories will inspire and encourage others to learn more about animal adoption and rescue.”

Wannan launched a simple contest on her blog www.InspiringRescueStories.com on February 3, 2010. The contest offers huge incentives for people to create a short video explaining their pet adoption or rescue story. There are over $1,000 worth of prizes for a lucky pet owner and their special canine. These include a custom pet portrait by renowned artist Deborah Burdin of www.LuckyOtto.com, a Kuranda pet bed from www.Kuranda.com, a sterling silver charm from www.bellatoccatags.com, and much more.