Scottsdale woman's message for people to "Adopt, Don't Shop" goes viral

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (FOX 10) -- A Valley woman is hoping to encourage more people to "Adopt, Don't Shop", when it comes to bringing home a four-legged friend during the holiday season.

Little did Marika Meeks know, however, that her campaign would go viral.

Each day, Meeks goes out with a sign that says "Adopt, Don't Shop" in Scottsdale with her pit bull, Stella. Meeks says one day, her husband filmed her, and so she posted the video on Instagram last month.

Then, a celebrity dog whisperer named Cesar Millan re-posted it, and the rest is history.

"It was like, 'oh my gosh! Cesar Millan re-posted our video!" said Meeks.

In total, the video received almost half a million views.

"Our videos are being seen around the world, and that way, we can make the most amount of impact," said Meeks.

Meeks, who lives in Scottsdale, has been standing out at the corner of Shea and Scottsdale since November, and she plans to do it, everyday, until Christmas. Her message is clear.

"Our shelters here in Phoenix are completely over capacity. Almost double the amount of dogs they can handle on a daily basis," said Meeks. She went on to say her four-legged friend has helped her through her most darkest moments of her life, including when she was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer.

"Really brought our family back together," said Meeks.

Meeks' dog, Stella, was adopted.

"She's a rescue dog that was dumped in a field," said Meeks. "These dogs have so much potential."

Potential to bring some christmas joy to families across the valley.

While Meeks does encourage more people to adopt, she also suggests that people don't buy puppies or animals as Christmas presents, because a lot of them get returned.
She says families should pick out the perfect pup together.