Hallmark Hall of Fame Television Movie Inspires National Pet Fostering Program

“A Dog Named Christmas” premieres Sunday, Nov. 29 on CBS (photo credit: Erik Heinila)

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (Nov. 11, 2009) — This holiday season Hallmark Hall of Fame and CBS are partnering with Petfinder.com to launch the first-ever “Foster A Lonely Pet for the Holidays” program inspired by the movie A Dog Named Christmas, premiering on Sunday, Nov. 29, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CBS Television Network.

Based on Greg Kincaid's popular novel, the movie tells the story of a developmentally challenged, kind-hearted young man who sets out to convince his family – and their whole rural community – to participate in a local animal shelter's inaugural “Foster a Dog for Christmas Program.” Bringing this inspiring tale to life, Petfinder.com is working with more than 2,000 shelters and rescue groups across North America to give families the chance to welcome an adoptable pet into their home for the holiday season.

This effort will help ease the burden on shelters, give homeless pets some attention and affection, and provide families an opportunity to experience the joys of having a pet in their home.

Interested individuals can visit http://www.petfinder.com/foster-a-lonely-pet to find participating shelters and rescue groups near them. Staff and volunteers at the participating organizations will be available to answer questions about the fostering process and help select a pet who will be a good match for the foster family.

To learn more about fostering with Pet Haven email dogs@pethavenmn.org and check out our website.

On Sunday, Nov. 29, on CBS at 8 CST, television viewers will learn about this pet fostering program on the Hallmark Hall of Fame world premiere of A Dog Named Christmas during a PSA at the end of the broadcast.

For more info on the movie checkout the Hallmark Hall of Fame website.