By John Lamb
Unleashed! reporter@large
Just as a classified ad for a
"cozy" apartment likely means "cramped," the search for a new family
pet can be frustrating and time-consuming if left to the vague offerings of the local
newspaper. And everyone knows how distressing a trip to the local animal shelter can be.
Thats where a new publication, the ANIMAL SOURCE, comes in handy. Youd
be hard pressed NOT to find the pet of your dreams in this free, twice-monthly magazine
its chock full of descriptions AND photographs of just about any animal
thats suitable as a pet, from dogs, cats and fish to snakes, lizards, horses and
livestock.
"Theres never been a magazine that encompasses all
animals," notes Sharon Smith, a former mortgage banker who started the publication
earlier this year. "And the great thing is, you get to see the animal."
Smith said her biggest source of pride is the growing interest from
San Diego County animal shelters and local pet-rescue organizations. Each edition
showcases dozens of adoptable pets from these hard-working agencies, which ANIMAL SOURCE publishes for free. The proof is
in the pages, which have doubled since the first edition hit the streets. Sponsors
Smith says she can always use more help offset the cost of the adoption pages.
In addition, the magazine devotes sizable space for prospective pet
owners searching for a specific breed of pet. "We offer pages of purebred and
thoroughbred animals for sale from reputable sources," Smith says.
Owners seeking a new home for their pets Smith says the
magazine has a large military following also advertise in the ANIMAL SOURCE.
A photo ad costs $12 ($25 if a large picture is requested) and can include a photo (taken
by the owner or, if needed, by Smith herself using a state-of-the-art digital camera) and
25 words or less, 25 cents for each additional word. The ad runs for two issues.
The ANIMAL SOURCE also contains a lost-and-found section
(those ads are also free, Smith says, because "there is no greater reward than the
reunion of a child, family or person with an adored pet"), a more traditional
classified-ad page, cost-saving coupons, and helpful articles to ensure the well-being of
your pet.
So pick up a copy of the ANIMAL SOURCE and check it out!
Youll find the free magazine at all Petco shops, Circle K stores and many other
outlets. Contact the ANIMAL SOURCE at (619) 444-3525 for more information.

copyright 2006 Unleashed!
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