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You know, animal shelters have gerbils too.

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celebrityviplounge / CC

Well, Jessica's thinking about opening her heart and home to a new pooch and word on the street is that she "wants a rescue dog."

We're thrilled to hear that she's thinking about rescuing a dog instead of buying one from a breeder. Today, we wrote to the star to urge her adopt her new friend from an animal shelter, pointing out that millions of dogs are euthanized at shelters every year simply because there aren’t enough homes for all of them. Even if she has her heart set on a particular breed, there are many purebreds at open-admission animal shelters and certainly many who are in the care of breed-specific rescue groups.

We hope, hope, hope that Jessica Simpson will join the long list of caring celebrities, including Charlize Theron, Katherine Heigl, Kyra Sedgwick, Audrina Patridge, and Alicia Silverstone, who have saved a life (or two or three) by adopting homeless animals.

Posted by Karin Bennett

Remember when Al Roker suggested to Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt that there are some people who believe that they just might be "everything that is wrong with celebrity in this country"?

thesebootsaremadeforstalking / CC

It looks like the dreaded "Speidi" are proving Mr. Roker's point for him. Much like other famous airheads, "Speidi" have shown their total disregard for the plight of homeless animals by buying themselves a "designer dog."

When the duo first expressed an interest in adding a canine member to their family, PETA sent them a letter clueing them in to the importance of adopting dogs and cats from shelters—but, apparently, Heidi and Spencer are too caught up in themselves to care about the 6 to 8 million dogs and cats who are turned over to animal shelters every year.

We probably shouldn't be surprised, though. Here's a question for you: What happened to Bella the Chihuahua?

Posted by Amanda Schinke

thewe / CC

Two years ago in Bangalore, a man named Vijay took a shine to one of India's numerous needy, homeless dogs. Vijay named the dog Johny and started feeding and caring for him. Johny quickly became a popular member of the neighborhood.

Little did Vijay know that his good deed was destined to lead to another.

When a thief snatched jewelry from a woman who was walking down Johny's street, it was Johny to the rescue! Johny chased the man down, caught him by the pants, and refused to the let the man go until police arrived and arrested the bandit.

With the perp in custody and the jewelry returned to its rightful owner, Johny has been promoted from favorite neighborhood dog to local hero, which just goes to show how a simple act of kindness keeps on giving.

Posted by Jeff Mackey

As a dedicated Chelsea Lately fan, I was thrilled last night when Chelsea Handler opened her show with the announcement that she had adopted a mutt she has named Chunk from an animal shelter.

Chelsea has joined the growing list of celebrities who are showing the world that the era of the "purse pup" is so over—compassion is the new trend. Chunk is definitely one lucky pup to join the Handler brood, because Chelsea is obviously as kind as she is hilarious.

Now, with a faithful new companion by her side, I've got to ask the question that's on everyone's mind—what's going to happen to Chuy?!

Posted by Christine Doré