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18 Celebs Who've Welcomed Children Through Adoption

Rebecca M Gruber — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 11:03:12 PDT

Jillian Michael's news that she recently added two children to her family - one through adoption and one through her partner - wasn't shocking given her earlier announcement about her plans to start a family. She joins a long line of Hollywood parents who've added to their families through adoption. Babies come into homes in many different ways, and Hollywood homes are no different. Some are born at home, some breathe their first gasp of air from the operating table, and some are born to one mother only to find a home with another. Celebs have traveled the world in search of babies to call their own. Here's a look at 18 who have turned to adoption to help complete their families.

Oldies but Goodies: 5 Reasons to Adopt an Adult Shelter Dog

Morgan Ashley Parker — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 09:29:38 PDT

In honor of the ASPCA's Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, it's high time to address some of the hardest pups to place out there . . . the older dog in a shelter. Stuck with stigmas of "reject," "difficult," or worse, they often get overlooked for the fresh starts of playful puppies. Well, as someone who's raised a few pets from lil ones, it's not all fun and fluff.

Before you head straight for the babes, check out five solid reasons to start with the big guys:

Break-ins - Potty training is no joke, especially for newbies. When you get a dog at an older age, especially one who has spent time in a foster home, much of the most difficult part is already done. Starting with an already housebroken, or almost housebroken, pet is easier than starting from scratch.
Miracle grown - It would be quite the shock to adopt what you expect to be a small pooch and end up with someone more akin to a St. Bernard. If you get a dog as an adult, you know that your teensy pooch is not gonna become large and in charge in a few months.

Get the rest and

Tricksters - While training needs to continue at any age, getting an adult pooch can allow you to have a pup that already knows the basic commands and maybe some tricks, too. Bonus.
Less Mouthy - Adult dogs have their grown-up teeth that can make them better for you, and your beloved shoes.
Chilled out - As dogs get older, they tend to get calmer. Adopting an adult or senior dog lets you have a calmer pal around the house if that's the lifestyle you prefer.

10 Mythbusting Realities About Shelter Dogs

PetSugar — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 04:24:30 PDT

Without a home but not without hope, animals in shelters have to fight uphill battles based on all the myths about their situations. I've come up with 10 common misconceptions about these pups and broken it down into the honest truth - get started and see for yourself in honor of Adopt a Shelter Dog month!

Tough Conversations: Kids' Books to Help Explain Adoption

LilSugar — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 11:38:59 PDT

Kids are naturally curious, and there comes a point when most start asking tough questions. They want to know why the sky is blue, if the moon is really made of cheese, and eventually, most want to know where they came from. For most parents, this is the moment when they must figure out how to best explain the birds and the bees. For parents who've adopted, the question has a whole other meaning. Whether mom and dad have been talking to kids about their adoption from day one, or if it's a brand-new concept for them, these books will help get the conversation rolling.

Couple Receives a $54,000 Tax Refund: Do You Qualify For One, Too?

Emily Co — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 14:20:35 PDT

Even the tax preparer couldn't believe the Ward family was receiving a $54,000 refund and had to check it 10 to 15 times. The couple is receiving the huge sum of money because of the federal adoption tax credit, which came into effect this year.

Since the Ward family adopted five new kids, they are able to cash in on a tax credit of up to $13,170 per child. Although this tax credit was available since 1997, this year is the first time it is refundable. Some things you need to know about the adoption credit:

You're entitled to the full amount if you adopt a special-needs child.
This is a one-time tax credit.
The IRS says it requires a lot of documentation to receive this tax benefit, so don't try to pull one over on Uncle Sam and attempt to cash in on it if you don't qualify!

Did you have any bonus tax credits this year?

Say Yes: 10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Adopting

PetSugar — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 10:29:54 PDT

Tomorrow is Petfinder's Adopt the Internet Day! We'll be featuring all kinds of adoptable animals throughout the day tomorrow, but in the meantime, if you're thinking about getting a pup, make sure you can answer "yes" to the following nine questions first.

Source: Flickr User alicia rae

Shelter Spotlight: Yorkshire Terriers Looking For Love

PetSugar — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 06:00:00 PST

Like Natalie Portman, if you thinking about adopting a Yorkshire Terrier, you've probably been checking your local shelters and rescue groups. There are thousands of dogs in need of owners, so we're highlighting five precious pups around the country who are looking for love - and a warm body to snuggle with. Click through to read about these adoptable pets or start your own search now!

The Cast of Teen Mom Cashes in on Pregnancy: Right or Ridiculous?

Heather Maddan — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 06:00:16 PST

Being 16 and Pregnant isn't an ideal situation, but when you're a girl put in the spotlight by MTV, there may be some benefits. From the latest coverage of Amber's weight loss and tattoo to Tyler and Catelynn's college funds, the young moms featured in the popular program Teen Mom (meant to deter high school students from becoming parents) have gained fame. And, their fifteen minutes is extending to a fourth season! Since the teens have limited resources, does it only make sense that the kids reap the rewards of allowing cameras in?

Photos copyright 2010 MTV

Beyond the Breeder: 5 Places to Rescue a Purebred

PetSugar — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 04:00:00 PDT

Maybe you've already fallen in love with a certain breed, but you really want to give a needy dog a home. Don't think that breeders or pet stores are your only option for purebreds - check out these five other starting spots to get the exact furry face you want, and feel good about the process.

Wear the Change With Much More Than Me

Morgan Ashley Parker — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 04:00:19 PDT

I love a cool shirt and these have a cool cause, too. Much More Than Me supports October's Adopt a Shelter Dog Month and aims to remind people about all the shelter dogs needing homes and the importance of rescuing these pups. Messages with furry-faced reminders are printed on each tee so you can even educate others with your own fashion choices.

Twenty-five percent of shirt sales go directly to shelters and rescues nationwide. In fact, you can choose the organization yourself when purchasing. How cool is that? See some of my favorite designs in the widget below.