In the spirit of the holiday, Gipper, Diva and the Shelby Humane Society are exceptionally thankful this Thanksgiving – thankful for second chances to find loving homes and families.

Gipper is a 2-year-old, 43-pound coonhound mix. He arrived to SHS in May and is still waiting for his forever home. His journey has been a long one. From terrified and anti-social, he has now flourished into a stronger and happier version of himself thanks to the love and patience of his foster home.

Gipper is currently in Shelby Humane’s Adoption Ambassador Program, where the foster family takes home an adoption-ready pet to keep it out of the stressful shelter environment and helps it find a new forever home. Meet and greets with this special fellow can easily be arranged by the adoption team.

Diva is an endearing 7-year-old calico cat eager to find a place to belong. She came to SHS as a stray and the animal care staff has been working hard to help her gain some much-needed weight. She is a quiet, passive girl, very unlike what her name implies. But her bright round eyes, her humble head bumps to get your attention and her sweet nature make her every bit of a star. If a lifetime commitment sounds like more than you are ready for, how about a foster vacation for this sweet girl to help her gain weight and feel safe?

For more information on these two amazing pets, contact an adoption counselor by email mwayman@shelbyhumane.org or call 205-669-3916 ext. 22. To see the large variety of adoptable cats and dogs at Shelby Humane Society, visit Tuesday through Saturday from 12-5:30 p.m. You can also follow SHS on Facebook and at Shelbyhumane.org.