Shelter dogs in Habersham County got a special Christmas treat this year; volunteer Madison Dorminey delivered cheeseburgers to the canines.
“I’ve seen other people do it where they go to the animal shelter and give ’em out. We have a lot of dogs here that are really sweet, so I thought they would enjoy a Christmas cheeseburger,” Dorminey told Now Habersham.
“For one day, it’s good to be a shelter dog, I guess,” she added.
Dorminey not only volunteers at the shelter, but she’s also a shelter dog mom. She adopted her dog from the pound a few months ago and says, “she’s great!”
Habersham County Animal Shelter volunteers Donna Yarbrough Stephens and Stephanie Durinda helped Dorminey feed the dogs their K9 treats on December 15.
“Anything we can do to make them happy,” said Stephens.
The shelter has been overrun this winter with more dogs than there’s room to keep. As of mid-December, there were over 50 dogs in the shelter’s care. Some have been adopted, others sent to rescues, but still, the shelter has run out of room.
“It’s been a rough week for us at the shelter,” Habersham County Animal Care and Control Director Madi Nix said heading into Christmas weekend. “It’s been a rough year.”
Animal Control Officers Olivia Whitfield and Floyd Jones were with Nix at the shelter the day Dorminey delivered the cheeseburgers. It was clear her kind gesture was a nice break from the sadness and stress they often deal with.
For Dorminey, playing Santa to the canines was something she felt led to do. She hopes others will feel led to adopt them.
“We have so many great dogs here that are available for adoption, so if you’re looking for a dog or thinking about adding a dog to your family, this is a great place to check out,” she said.
The Habersham County Animal Shelter is located at 4231 B Toccoa Highway in Clarkesville, Georgia, behind the Habersham County Fairgrounds.
Hours of Operation:
Tuesday – Friday
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Closed for lunch from 12 Noon until 1 p.m.
*Animals are not accepted after 4 p.m.
Saturday
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Adoptions Only
For more information about adopting a dog or cat from the Habersham County shelter, call 706-839-0195. The shelter will reopen after Christmas.
