DUBLIN, Ga. — As we're getting closer to the holidays, some people may wake up to new pet under the Christmas tree! Gifts can come in all shapes and sizes, and some come with four paws a tail.
"Everyone of them has their own little personality, they're just the sweetest things you, you've ever seen. And you have to get in there to get to know 'em, to learn their little personalities and what makes them work," Jennifer Anderson with the Dublin Laurens County Humane Society said.
She started volunteering there in 2017, and is on the board of directors today. Anderson's worked with dozens of dogs and cats over the years, and said the most important thing to remember before gifting a pet is who you're gifting to.
"First of all, make sure that the person you're giving it to has the time to spend with the pet. Sometimes they get returned to us after the holidays, because the person that they were gifted to didn't have time," she said.
Anderson said it's also important to make sure the person you're gifting for has a fenced backyard, or the space to walk the dog outside with a leash. And each dog comes with it's own unique personality, so that's something to keep in mind as you pick out the perfect pet for somebody else.
"There's some that are hyper and that need a kid. They need a kid to run and play with. Like to burn off some of that energy. But then there's like ones like Ernie and he just wants to chill out," Anderson said.
And remember — dogs are like children. They come with commitment!
Kim Taylor is the director at the humane society, and said different dogs have different life expectancies.
"Your larger breeds of dogs they don't usually live as long as the smaller breeds, which are approximately 10- to-12-years on the large breeds and the small ones can live up to 17, 18 years," Taylor said.
Right now, Taylor said they have 59 dogs and about 16 cats and kittens up for adoption. She said each pet need time to adjust and settle into a new home, because it's a big change for them to leave the shelter.
That's why she gives new pet owners her cell-phone number, so they can reach out to her anytime with questions, or if they need support through the process.
"We work with people and you know, we're there to help them that love dogs and cats. You know, to, to make it, to make their home a forever home," Taylor said.
The Dublin Laurens County Humane Society relies completely on donations and adoption fees to keep running. They prices their adoptions at $150 for dogs, $175 for puppies, and $125 for cats and kittens.
They are a no-kill shelter, and are always looking for more volunteers. You can find more information about how to volunteer, or give back at their Facebook page.