Like a True Champ—Olympian Christen Press Rescued Her Best Friend, Morena

Being a World Cup champion, a member of 2016’s Olympic women’s soccer team, and a part of the 2016 body issue of ESPN magazine, star forward Christen Press has likely seen her life change, but nothing quite altered it like her pup Morena, who was rescued from a recycling center in Oakland, California. When Morena was welcomed as part of the family, everything changed. Christen says that her rescued dogs “ended up saving us.” She continues, “You know, who rescues who?” The dogs have brought her family closer together. “They’ve literally changed our entire life,” she says.

Christen knows that having a dog changes everything and that rescuing or adopting is the way to go. Whether you’re looking for puppies or adult dogs, both are available. Every time someone purchases a dog or cat from a pet store or breeder, one home fewer is available for an animal desperately waiting in a shelter or roaming the streets.

Every year, more than 6 million dogs and cats enter animal shelters—and half of them must be euthanized because there aren’t enough good homes for them. Christen is working to combat the companion-animal overpopulation crisis by starring with Morena in an ad for PETA.

Watch the exclusive behind-the-scenes interview in which she talks about the love that she has for Morena and the importance of adopting animals:

Are you ready to add a companion animal to your home? Take Christen’s advice: Always adopt. Head over to your local animal shelter, where you’re sure to find numerous eager pups of all ages who would love to become a member of your family!

If you know of anyone shopping for an animal from a pet store or breeder, remind him or her that every time a dog or cat is purchased, an animal in a shelter loses a chance to find a loving home.