DICKINSON — Pet owners who have adopted from Bayou Animal Services are being encouraged to share how their pets have transformed their lives in the annual Petco Love Stories campaign.

The national initiative, run by the nonprofit Petco Love in partnership with local animal welfare organizations, seeks heartwarming stories about the impact of adopted pets. Submissions opened on August 11 and will remain open until 11:59 p.m. CST on September 29.

Participants can submit stories in written form or as a link to a public social media video, with each entry limited to 500 words or less. Adopters must be 18 or older, or have parental consent.

Bayou Animal Services Shelter Manager Nina Baker said the program not only celebrates the bond between pets and their families but also helps the organization secure lifesaving investments to continue rescuing and rehoming animals. “When you adopt, you’re giving a pet a new beginning — and they end up changing your life in ways you never expected,” Baker said.

Petco Love has awarded $8 million in lifesaving investments since the campaign began in 2013, helping organizations nationwide improve adoption programs and animal care. The 2024–2025 winners received $500,000, with the grand prize-winning organization receiving $100,000.

Pet owners interested in participating can submit their stories online through the Petco Love submission form. For more information, contact Nina Baker at NBaker@DickinsonTexas.gov or Crystal Bugary at media@petcolove.org.

_{Bayou Animal Services, a no-kill municipal shelter serving Dickinson and surrounding communities, focuses on rescuing, protecting, and finding permanent homes for animals in need. Petco Love is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting animal welfare organizations and promoting pet adoption nationwide.}

_{Photo credit: Pixels, Creative Commons}