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For every pet living with a happy family, there is an animal in a shelter waiting to find a loving home. So today, in honor of Adopt-A-Dog Month, we'd like you to meet Major, a sweetheart of a shepherd mix living in Santa Fe, N.M.

The 1-year-old came to the Santa Fe Animal Shelter in mid-September, after he was hit by a car. "Despite the trauma, he was still bright and alert when he came to us — a testament to his fabulous temperament," says Bill Hutchison, the director of communications at the shelter. Sadly, Major lost his right eye and the use of his front paw due to the accident, but it doesn't stop him from "running and bounding around. He just melts your heart when he tilts his head to get a good look at you," shares Hutchison. Major does need some basic obedience training, but shelter volunteers are confident he'll make a great play buddy in an active home.

Founded in 1939, the Santa Fe Animal Shelter serves 6,000 animals a year, adopting out around 200 a month. Working out of a 30,000-sq.-ft. facility near the New Mexico mountains, the organization runs a humane education program, low-cost spay/neuter clinic and a "seniors for seniors" adoption drive, which allows senior citizens to adopt older pets at no cost. The Santa Fe Animal Shelter also operates a hospice foster program, letting animals that would normally be euthanized live out their final days with a loving family in a happy home.

As with any shelter, the organization is always in need of donations, so visit their Web site to learn how you can help!

Meet more adoptable dogs on PEOPLEPets.com:
Adopt Me! Foster Dog Lion Will Smile Back at You
Adopt Me! Sadie Wants to Keep You Warm at Night