HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Looking for something more for this year's Thanksgiving celebration? Huntsville Animal Services has an unconventional solution: dozens of four-legged houseguests, ready to provide companionship during the holiday weekend.
The shelter's holiday fostering program offers local residents the chance to host a temporary canine companion, providing a welcome break for shelter dogs while adding an extra tail-wagging dimension to traditional Thanksgiving celebrations.
"Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, and what better way to show it than by opening your home to a dog in need?" asked Animal Services Director John Fischer.
He emphasizes that even a brief foster stay can significantly impact a dog's well-being.
"For our dogs, even a few days in a home can make a huge difference by decreasing their anxiety, ultimately increasing their adoptability," Fischer said.
The shelter notes the "tasting" skills of its residents, but do keep in mind that many experts advise not to feed certain table foods (including turkey) to canines.
Foster dogs can join families for classic holiday activities, from watching football games to taking post-feast walks. These experiences give the animals a precious glimpse of family life –- and sometimes lead to permanent adoptions.
Prospective foster parents must be at least 21 years old, provide identification, and complete an application process. Renters need landlord approval before participating in the program.
The shelter maintains regular hours Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours until 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Saturday operations from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. While the facility will close for Thanksgiving on November 28-29, interested participants can contact 256-883-3782 or visit HuntsvilleAL.gov/Animal for more information.
