Instead of vowing to hit the gym more often (and giving up mid-March, for the third year in a row), make an attempt at a resolution you can commit to—one you can really keep this time. Adopting a new furry friend isn’t just a good deed, it’s a life improvement that, at the right time, can provide you company, inspire you to get outside, and even improve your mental health. Start 2018 off with cuddles by checking out these area adoption events:

January 13: Life Is Better Rescue Dog Adoption Event
Life Is Better Rescue, an all-breed, all-species rescue organization, will host its first adoption event of the year with 12 to 15 adoptable dogs (yes, some are puppies) and 20 cats waiting for a forever family. Adoption applications will be reviewed on site, so, if approved, some families could leave with a new friend in tow. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Petsmart, 5285 Wadsworth Bypass, Arvada

January 13: Colorado Puppy Rescue Adoption
Head to the Hopeful Hound Adoption Center from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (or until all the doggos find homes) to meet adorable, adoptable puppies. 16780 E. Iliff Ave., Aurora

January 20: Denver Dachshunds Rescue and Transport “Meet Your Co-Pilot” Event
Head to the Unser Karting center between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. to meet and greet with these lovable Dachshund pups between go-kart races. If you meet a furry friend who you want to take home, apply for adoption and get the process started—but all adoption applications will require a home check, so you won’t be able to take them home that day. 7300 Broadway, Denver; 720-282-5000

January 21: Metro Denver Parrot Rescue Adoption Event
For a pet of a chattier variety, check out this bird adoption event at Chuck & Don’s in Aurora. While you can’t take your new dream bird home with you on the day of the event, you can apply for adoption, and pick your new friend up when you’re approved (the process for adopting larger parrots, like Quakers or Conures, can take two to four weeks, but adopting a smaller bird won’t take quite as long). At the event, you’ll find birds of all kinds, from finches to macaws. Check out some of the adoptable birdies ahead of time here. 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; 6380 S. Parker Rd., Aurora

January 27: MaxFund Paws & Read Storytime Adoption
Take your kids to Second Star to the Right bookstore for a cuddly storytime session, where you can meet adoptable pooches, and if you fall in love, you take one home. 10:30–11:30 a.m.; Second Star to the Right, 4353 Tennyson St.

Denver Dumb Friends League Adoption Specials
Can’t make any of the adoption events? Head to one of the Denver Dumb Friends League shelters, where there are always animals waiting to head home. Plus, they’re currently running specials that could chop your adoption fees in half. Click here for a list of their locations.

  • Double the Love – Adopt two adult cats for the price of one
  • Current Military & Veterans – 50 percent off one adoption fee (one-time discount)
  • Senior Citizens (65 & older) – 50 percent off one adoption fee (one-time discount)