FROM STAFF REPORTS

COLUMBIANA – Those who purchase an ornament from the Shelby Humane Society this holiday season can make a difference in the life of a homeless dog.

The shelter’s annual Ornament Sale will be held until Jan. 3, 2016.

Purchasing an ornament for $60 enables Shelby Humane Society to continue to save lives by transporting dogs from the shelter, where there is heavy over-population, to near-empty partner shelters in northern states that have legislation to control their pet populations including spay and neuter and enforcement of leash laws.

Each ornament features a picture of a Shelby Humane Society dog awaiting transport in a decorative frame.

The Shelby Humane Society Shelter Partner program has transported 8,000 dogs north since 2006.

Most dogs transferred are placed with adoptive families within a few days of becoming available for adoption at partner shelters.

Shelby Humane Society volunteers drive the Shelter Partners van up to two to three days to deliver the pets to the waiting shelters.

Go online and purchase an ornament at Shelbyhumane.org/shelter-partners.php or at Whole Foods Market in Cahaba Village or Hollywood Feed stores (Lee Branch and Cahaba Village locations), Roverchase, Pampered Pet Resort, Patton Chapel Animal Clinic, Oak View Animal Hospital and Valleydale Animal Clinic.

Sponsorship opportunities for a Shelter Partners transport are also available for $1,200.

Sponsorships will help cover the costs of preparing dogs for transport including boarding, medical care and spay and neuter surgery.

Shelby Humane Society receives more than 5,000 animals annually and relies heavily on individual donations and fundraisers to continue its mission and life-saving work.