Santa with "Snickers" Castellucci.

"Spike" waits to see Santa.

"Pickles"

"Monty" is available for adoption.

Plenty of cute cats and kittens available for adoption.

This rascal is ready for adoption.

"Nunook" with Santa, owned Loraine Piccoli of Wildwood Crest.

People from left: Schaffer, Leonard and Carmela Desiderio.

From left: Schaffer, Davies-Dunhour and Desiderio.

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CREST HAVEN — We treat our dogs like they are our children. Bringing your pooch to have a photo taken with Santa must be the ultimate example.

The Cape May County Animal Shelter and Adoption Center held an open house Sun., Dec. 11 that offered free photos for pets with Santa Claus and refreshments for two-footed and four-footed visitors.
At one point, a line of people and dogs stretched into the parking lot. While the dogs seemed to like Santa, they were more interested in socializing with each other.

The shelter is offering special deals for the holiday season. Adopt a cat and get a second feline without an adoption fee, said Leslie Riedel, assistant shelter manager.
Adoption fees for military families have been waived through January 31. Barn cats are also free. The Cape May County Animal Shelter Alliance is picking up the tab for the free services.
Riedel said she like to see 40 cats adopted by the end of the year.

Shelter Manager Judith Davies-Dunhour said the county shelter, beginning in January, will offer free microchipping of dogs for county residents for 30 days. An appointment will be needed.
The shelter celebrated its 7th anniversary last summer.

Sheriff Gary Schaffer said the goal was to adopt more animals, especially more cats this year.

Freeholder Leonard Desiderio said he was thrilled to see so many residents bringing their dogs to the shelter for a photo with Santa.

“I know the animals have all been good this year,” he said.

He said Davies-Dunhour and the shelter staff have done an excellent job and were recognized across the state for the caliber of their work.

“The staff is very dedicated and compassionate,” said Davies-Dunhour. “I’m proud of them every day.”

She said cash donations allow the shelter to provide veterinary care to pets of county residents. Dog and cat food is always needed particularly wet dog and cat food.
The shelter has a “wish list” on its web page. See www.capemaycountygov.net and click on the shelter icon.

Davies-Dunhour said volunteers give over 2,500 hours per year to the shelter. A satellite adoption program is held at the PetSmart in Rio Grande operated by 25 volunteers.

“It’s incredible what this place does between volunteers and staff,” said Davies-Dunhour.

The shelter is located in the Crest Haven Complex at 110 Shelter Road in Cape May Court House (Exit 11 off the Garden State Parkway). The facility is open Monday through Friday 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays – closed on legal holidays. Call 465-8923.