By DONNA CAMPBELL / Guest Columnist

North Shelby County Animal Hospital on Highway 31 in Pelham will support the Shelby Humane Society’s Shelter Partners Program by selling ornaments this holiday season. Each $60 ornament sold will sponsor one dog to travel to New England or New Hampshire to be adopted.

“We’ll have a wreath displayed with the ornaments for sale,” said Brooke Jordan, DVM, North Shelby County Animal Hospital. “Central Alabama has an overpopulation of dogs, and the transport to another state’s shelter gives these dogs the opportunity to find a new home with a loving family. People can also visit the program’s website and purchase an ornament online.”

According to the program’s website (shelter-partners.org), more than 7,000 dogs have traveled elsewhere to be adopted in the last seven years, and volunteers do the driving.

In addition to this worthy cause, the North Shelby County Animal Hospital has a kitten adoption program with a 100-percent success rate.

“We treat between 1,200 and 1,500 patients a month and greeting each patient and human caretaker is Oliver, the cat in charge,” Jordan said. “We’re a modern animal hospital with three veterinarians and a support staff of approximately 15. We have two licensed technicians and we’re always seeking ways to increase excellence in pet health. Along with medical care, our services include grooming and boarding.”

North Shelby County Animal Hospital offers a free wellness visit for pets adopted from shelters in the area.

“The first visit for a newly adopted pet is free at our hospital,” Jordan said. “This fits into our mission to promote preventive care, which is a top priority for us.”

When Jordan was asked about pets for presents this season, she continued: “Pets require attention, training, daily care and love. When considering a pet for your family, please remember the time commitment; we want happy pets and happy owners.”

Donna Campbell is a community columnist for the city of Pelham and can be reached at dcampbell45@att.net.