Animal Shelters Host Santa Paws Pet Adoption Events: Watch Golden Retriever Gobble All The Goodies! [Video]

When it comes to pet adoption decisions, golden retrievers are known for their people-loving personalities and desire for affection. But when one golden retriever was entered in a dog event that required ignoring tempting plates of food in order to race to the finish line, he took a “paws” from the action to treat himself to all the delicious goodies (below).

Whether you’re searching for a big, hungry golden retriever or a tiny purring kitten, animal shelters are hosting holiday-themed adoption events across the nation in search of “furever” homes for abandoned pets. Some pet rescue organizations are even offering the purr-fect opportunity for your furry friend to meet Santa Claus. Among them is Woods Humane Society in San Luis Obispo, California, reports the New Times.

Held on December 6, the annual holiday open house features a Santa Claus who truly loves animals, says Executive Director Cory Karpin.

“People just love getting a photo of their pets with Santa,” commented Karpin. “It’s amazing, we have a line out the door all day long.”

Located in no-snow-here Central California, Woods will truck in snow for kids, families, and dogs at the open house. And while Fido may arf at finding himself wearing antlers on Santa’s lap, he’ll get his reward at the end of the day when he can play in the snow, said Karpin.

“Having a yard full of snow for the kids and families, and even for the dogs is really exciting,” added Karpin. “Most California dogs have never seen snow, so we’re all pretty excited about opening up the yard at the end of the day and letting the dogs come in.”

Karpin emphasized that the focus of the day is simple. It all revolves around providing homeless pets an opportunity to meet their new families. All adoption prices are half price or less, he added.

“More than anything, the goal of everything we do is to showcase these incredible adoptable animals. And at the open house, our goal is to send as many home as possible.”

These types of holiday events, held at animal shelters across the nation, began for many pet adoption organizations on Black Friday, as the Inquisitr reported.

Because black-coated cats and dogs often are overlooked in shelters, many groups offered special reduced prices for these pets.

Marty Bertera, animal control officer, urged prospective adopters to consider looking at these often-unwanted pets.

“[Black cats and dogs] are the least likely of all the animals at any shelter to be adopted. We believe in the open your mind, open your heart policy.”

In addition to visiting with Santa Paws, some organizations are offering holiday-themed pet adoption events such as Ugly Sweater Day, reported the Arizona Republic. Little chihuahuas showed off their ugliest pet attire as part of the occasion.

[Photo By China Photos/Getty Images]