Just like Olympics, animal breeds from around the world show off their skills

Residents can feel like a champion when they bring an animal home from the shelter. "Besides getting a new best friend, for every animal adopted between now and the closing ceremonies, the adopters will receive their own gold medal from King County Animal Care and Control," explains Communications Specialist Nancy McKenney. The handmade medals were donated to the shelter.

"The summer is a busy time for most animal shelters and nearly every cage or kennel is filled with animals that were abandoned, lost, neglected or simply born with no place to call home," explains Communications Specialist Nancy McKenney. "The animals at the shelter have been training their whole lives to be your new best friend. All you have to do is give them a chance to compete."

With the proper training and home environment, some dogs and cats can be very athletic, if not entertaining. Cats and kittens can play soccer with a crumpled piece of paper or do "gymnastic style" leaps to a window sill. Many cats will also "track" the beam from a laser pointer aimed at the floor.

Dogs that are part Labrador Retriever, with origins in Newfoundland, Canada, can be good swimmers or jogging partners for their new owners. German Shepherd mixes have roots in Germany where they were bred for herding and other physical activities, and American Pit Bull terriers can play ball too! Besides being good working dogs around farms, they can excel at flyball, Frisbee competition, agility training, and have been featured as service dogs for the disabled and on Search and Rescue teams.

As with any animal, the more time you spend with them, the more you learn about their unique personality and skills, and the better your bond.

Animals available for adoption can be viewed on line at www.kingcounty.gov/pets. For directions and hours of operation for the Kent and Bellevue animal shelters, also visit www.kingcounty.gov/pets.