The Orcas Animal Protection Society is joining Petfinder.com in celebrating Aug. 12 as Adopt-a-Less-Adoptable-Pet Day.

“We want to call attention to the thousands of homeless pets who, for one reason or another, get overlooked,” Kim Saunders, Vice President of Shelter Outreach and Public Relations at Petfinder.com. said. “It may be that the pet is simply shy and doesn’t put her best paw forward with potential adopters. Or perhaps he is a senior citizen. Some pets may need a bit of training to show their true colors, but adopters should keep in mind that many seniors already have that training.”

Petfinder.com, the largest online database of homeless pets, has designated Aug. 12 as a day for its more than 12,500 member animal welfare organizations to focus on their hard-to-place pets. The Orcas shelter advises its human visitors to take time with each animal, getting the volunteer to bring a senior or shy one out of its cubby, or down from its perch. Moving slowly and talking quietly to the animals will make them feel more relaxed.