This article was featured in WYDaily on 12/22/23.
The Heritage Humane Society welcomed some special guests this holiday season as Santa and Mrs. Claus made a heartwarming visit to spread joy and compassion to the shelter’s animals in need. The festive visit took place on Dec. 14, where the North Pole duo spent the afternoon playing and socializing with the dogs and cats at Greater Williamsburg’s largest homeless pet shelter.

Holiday magic leads to adoptions, many more needed

During Santa and Mrs. Claus’s festive visit with the shelter pets, the couple met a particularly special dog named Faline. Touched by her charm, they decided to sponsor her adoption fee, leading to a heartwarming adoption on Dec. 16. Faline was not the only fortunate pup to find a forever home this holiday season. Laird, another canine companion, also found a loving family that same day, adding to the joyous atmosphere at The Heritage Humane Society.
Laird and Faline

Limited time holiday adoption savings

To encourage more adoptions during the holiday season, The Heritage Humane Society is running a special holiday adoption promotion through Dec. 31. 2023. All adult pets aged 10 months and older are now available with 25% off their adoption fee.

Meet a few adoptable pets waiting for their magical holiday moment

As part of the holiday festivities, The Heritage Humane Society introduces a series of pet spotlights, featuring pets that Santa and Mrs. Claus personally met. They include:
  • Dak. This smart, playful two-year-old Labrador Retriever Mix comes with a bonus gift beyond being a fabulous dog – his adoption fee has been sponsored by an anonymous donor. Treats, toys, and attention are all ways to get debonair Dak to learn and show off his tricks. He already knows ‘sit,’ ‘down,’ ‘shake,’ and ‘stay,’ and loves to learn because he’s easily motivated. Dak is a people pleaser and adores being around people.

  • Sammi. Warming hearts with her affectionate nature, three-year-old Sammi is a domestic shorthair cat. She warms up quickly, flopping to her side for affection, and loves head scratches. She really doesn’t ask for much, just a soft bed, a sunny window, and a full belly. This dilute calico gal is full of purr-sonality and she’s been patiently waiting for a forever home since June.

  • Jonesie. Jonesie is a lovable and happy two-year-old mixed breed dog who also has his adoption fee sponsored by an anonymous donor. With his playful nature and love for long walks, Jonesie is the ideal companion for an active individual or family. While he is undecided about his feelings towards kids and cats, he has shown some hesitation around other dogs and is currently unsure about how to play or interact. However, with the help of an easy-going teacher dog, he has the potential to learn and thrive. Jonesie is quite smart and is quickly learning proper leash manners. He enjoys indulging in pig ears and tough chew treats.

  • Duffy. This six-year-old mixed breed dog is currently in foster care as she awaits her forever home. Duffy’s foster family says, “Duffy is a wonderful dog! She was hesitant at first, but she quickly warmed up to my family and me as soon as we arrived home. She enjoys taking walks and giving lots of kisses. She also loves to cuddle a lot! She would be an excellent addition to any family.”

  • Dutch. This charming four-year-old American Pit Bull Terrier Mix has a love for simple pleasures. Dutch has been searching for his forever home since December 2022. This brindle beauty has lots of love, energy, and snorts to offer his new family. He knows his basic commands and loves to go on walks. There’s not much that you need to do to make this boy happy. Dutch enjoys a tennis ball, belly rubs, a treat or two, and lots of opportunities to be by someone’s side.

  • Rio. This five-year-old American Staffordshire Mix as described by his favorite volunteer, “Meet Rio, the vibrant and lovable Staffordshire Terrier mix residing at HHS. This energetic canine  exudes a zest for life that is simply contagious. Watch in awe as he darts around the yard, joyfully expressing his exuberance through playful sprints, leaps, and rolls. His lively antics are guaranteed to keep you entertained and on your toes. Rio can spring over three feet high from a standing position so he would benefit greatly from a securely fenced yard. He will play fetch, and return the ball each time. He loves squeaky toys. He knows to sit, stay, come. Most importantly he is an excellent walking companion. He walks well on a leash, eagerly exploring his surroundings. Rio prefers older respectful children and has lived with cats. He is completely housebroken. If you’re searching for a dog that brings an abundance of energy, playfulness, and a zest for life, look no further than Rio. Swing by The Heritage Humane Society today to meet this bouncy bundle of joy and find out why he’s the perfect match for your home and heart.”

Other ways to spread holiday cheer

For those unable to adopt permanently, The Heritage Humane Society offers alternative ways to make a difference. Consider fostering a pet for the holidays and in the new year. Additionally, volunteering, making an end-of-year donation, and doing some last-minute holiday shopping at the shelter’s ReTAIL Store are all ways to support The Heritage Humane Society’s mission within the local community.

Open up a kennel and open up a fur-ever heart this festive season

The Heritage Humane Society has many homeless pets ready to open their hearts to a forever family this holiday season. Nearly 180 dogscats and small pets are currently in their care.
Adoptable pets are available to meet during The Heritage Humane Society’s visiting and adopting hours from 12 to 4:30 p.m., Tues. through Sun.
To learn more, visit HeritageHumane.org, call 757-221-0150, or visit The Heritage Humane Society located at 430 Waller Mill Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23185.

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