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INTERSVILLE -- Every day, an animal living inside a shelter is waiting. Waiting for someone to come along and say, "That's the one."
Those at the Jefferson County Humane Society and Jefferson County Animal Shelter are hoping more of its animals will be given a home in time for Christmas.
The nonprofit organizations are wrapping up the final days of a new program, entitled, "25 Adoptions of Christmas."
The event began Dec. 1 and will conclude Christmas Eve, according to Brandi DeNoon-Damewood, development manager at the humane society.
She said of the newly-developed program, "This is out take on the advent calendar counting down to Christmas."
"The concept came up when Lightning Lizard Auto Sales in Wintersville offered to pay for one adoption each day leading up to Christmas," DeNoon-Damewood continued. "But, how do we choose who gets the sponsorship and who doesn't?"
So officials came up with this: "Each day at 6 a.m., a cat, dog, kitten or puppy is selected and posted on our Facebook page, announcing the next sweetheart. Then, Lightning Lizard pays the entire adoption fee of that sweetheart. Since we are closed to the public on Christmas Day, there will be two pets selected on Christmas Eve. In total, 25 adoptions will be fully paid by the auto dealer."
To date, 13 animals have been adopted and placed into loving, forever homes, she noted.
However, there are many animals which still need to be placed with a family.
"Once the pet has been selected, his or her adoption is fully sponsored until the adoption -- even if it is after Christmas or however long it takes to find that loving, forever home," DeNoon-Damewood stated. "This is such a beautiful gift Lightning Lizard has given -- the gift of love, compassion and companionship. And we are 'furrever' grateful," she concluded. In total, Lightning Lizard gave the Humane Society $4,500 to pay for the adoption fees.
All adoptions include being spayed or neutered, core vaccinations, being flea treated, dewormed and given a checkup from a veteranarian. In addition to these services, dogs are heartworm tested and receive a microchip.
Those interested in seeing which animal is the day's sweetheart, can visit the organization's Facebook page or call the shelter at (740) 314-5583.