Big Weekend for Pet Adoptions in Houston

​We're going to go ahead and make a terrible "raining cats and dogs" joke because there's simply no other way to describe the mondo pet adoption opportunities Houston's Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care is sponsoring this weekend.

Astoundingly, the bounty of cats up for adoption was, in part, made courtesy of 50 freakin' cats left behind in a single apartment this week, according to BARC. The apartment managers brought the cats over, giving them the chance for a good home, so don't be a terrible, horrible, no-good person by passing up the chance to adopt one (or two) of the critters for five bucks.

This hefty delivery brings the total number of BARC cats to 400, and a bunch of them will be available at a "tent sale" outside Kroger at Sabo Road and the Beltway, Sunday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The cats have been spayed/neutered and vaccinated, so all you have to do is feed 'em and love 'em. (We dig BARC's promotional flyer for the event as well and hope to see more of this creative and funny spirit.)

BUT WAIT -- THAT'S NOT ALL!

Purina is hosting a "Walk and Wag" one-mile dog walk Saturday at T.C. Jester Park (kicking off at 9 a.m.). Lauren Doak, a staffer for Houston City Councilman Mike Sullivan, "challenged Purina to host a benefit and donate the proceeds to BARC," according to info we got from BARC Spokesman Chris Newport. Purina will present a check to BARC after the walk.

Following that, from 12-2 p.m., BARC rescue partner Buster's Friends will hold the grand opening of its adoption center in the West Ave shopping center in the Upper Kirby District, 2800 Kirby. Pondicheri will offer "light bites, champagne and gift bags for event guests."

If you want to adopt but can't make it to either event, then go straight to BARC for Friends of BARC's Wags to Whiskers adoption events Saturday, 12-6 p.m., and Sunday, 12-4 p.m.

Or maybe you have a full house and can't adopt, but still want to help. Then you should consider donating online at the Houston BARC Foundation.

Or...maybe you're more in the mood for a horse or pig? No, BARC doesn't handle those, but the Houston SPCA does, and it's holding an "Open Barn Day" Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Horses range from $100-$400, and piggies are a mere $30! Make sure to fill out an equine and farm animal application on the HSPCA Web site, and also check out the other requirements.

Now go do something good for the animals!