The hard-working employees and volunteers at Shelby Humane Society in Columbiana work tirelessly throughout the year to help the adoptable animals that come through their doors find a home.

The truth is, however, there aren’t enough homes in the area for the adoptable dogs and cats at the SHS.

That’s where the Shelter Partners Program comes in. Through the program, the SHS sends adoptable dogs and cats to near-empty shelters in the northeast, where their chance of adoption is much higher.

Over the last six years, that partnership has benefited approximately 7,000 animals.

Maintaining that partnership, however, is expensive. The SHS relies on proceeds from its annual ornament sale, along with donations, to cover the costs of medical and transportation expenses.

SHS volunteers spend hours creating festive ornaments featuring photos of ready-to-adopt dogs, which are sold for $60 at Whole Foods Market in Cahaba Village, Hollywood Feed in Cahaba Village, Hollywood Feed in Lee Branch, the Shelby Humane Society in Columbiana and online at Shelter-partners.org.

“It’s a great gift for yourself or for someone else, and you know you’re helping a great cause,” SHS board member Lacey Bacchus said.

We at the Shelby County Reporter agree, and we hope county residents help these dogs find a home for the holidays.

The SHS has seen great successes over the last five years. Its total intake is down from 5,875 in 2008 to 4,107 in September 2013. The number of adoptions has soared from 898 in 2008 to 1,479 in 2013. It’s also spayed and neutered more animals, from 613 in 2008 to 1,102 in September 2013.

We would also like to say thank you to the SHS employees and volunteers. They do heartbreaking and exhausting work, but this county wouldn’t be the same without them.

Help make their holidays a little brighter by purchasing an ornament or donating money or supplies, such as cat or dog food.

Of course, if you’re ready to welcome a pet into your life, visit Shelbyhumane.org or call 205-669-3916.

The editorial is the opinion of the Shelby County Reporter editorial board.