Have you ever loved a cranky kitty, taught an old dog new tricks, adopted a painfully shy pet, or cared for a specially-abled animal? If so, Nevada Humane Society would love to hear your story.

In conjunction with Nevada Humane Society’s “Less-Adoptable, But Still Lovable” adoption promotion, now through April 8, NHS is hosting a writing contest where you can share your story about why you gave a challenging, perhaps less-adoptable pet, a home and what it has meant to your life.

Stories must be 500 words or less and fall into one of five “less-adoptable, but still loveable” categories including: “Shy,” “Sassy,” “Overly Energetic,” “Old,” or “Special Needs.” To enter, simply submit your story to info@nevadahumanesociety.com by April 8.

Judges will review the stories and one winner from each category will be awarded a special prize. Judges include: Tom Jacobs of the SPCA of Northern Nevada, Becky Goodman of Pet Network Humane Society, Barry Brode of Washoe County Regional Animal Services, John Murphy of Reno News & Review, and Bonney Brown of Nevada Humane Society. Stories will be judged on content and style. Winners will be announced by April 15.

This writing contest is in conjunction with Nevada Humane Society’s current adoption promotion for “less-adoptable” pets. The NHS shelter is open seven days a week for pet adoptions. All dogs and cats are spayed and neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped.

Nevada Humane Society is located at 2825 Longley Lane in Reno. The shelter is open daily for adoptions from 11:00 am until 6:30 pm and an hour earlier on Saturday at 10:00 am. For more information, call 775-856-2000 or visit www.nevadahumanesociety.org.