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PARKERSBURG — While individuals at home celebrated the holidays, the animals at both the Humane Society of the Ohio Valley in Marietta and the Humane Society of Parkersburg were left in the shelter waiting for homes.

Luckily for these animals, there are several programs to ensure that all the cats and dogs don’t spend their holiday alone.

At the HSOP, according to Shelter Manager Samantha Tannous, the shelter animals had an opportunity to be fostered over the holidays. The program is called Home for the Holidays.

“They can take them home and either return them after Christmas or after the New Year,” said Tannous. “Or adopt them, whatever works for them.”

HSOP had volunteers on site to take care of the animals throughout the day. According to Tannous, all the dogs receive individual walks at the end of the day and the cats are either held or petted to ensure they are taken care of, too.

This holiday season, the HSOV celebrated Christmas in the most heartwarming way; with a surprise visit from “Santa Paws.” Santa brought festive cheer to the shelter, where 15 lucky dogs and cats were able to play and interact with Santa Paws.

The animals, each waiting for their forever homes, took turns sitting on Santa Paws’ lap, posing for photos, and even offering a few affectionate doggy kisses and kitty headbutts.

While these furry friends received plenty of treats, blankets, toys, and beds, thanks to the generous donations from HSOV supporters, the shelter said its biggest wish remains the same: To find loving families who will give them the homes they deserve.

According to a post from HSOV, the event was made possible by Santa Paws’ hardworking “elves,” a group of dedicated HSOV staff and kennel technicians who dressed the animals in festive costumes and helped them put their best paws forward for their special day.

To learn more about adopting a pet or supporting HSOV or HSOP, visit their websites or stop by the shelters. The shelters are currently in need of cat supplies including non-clumping litter and Purina One cat and kitten food. Additionally, both shelters are always in need of foster parents for all of their animals. Applications for fostering, volunteering and adopting through HSOP can be found on their website www.hsop.org. To volunteer or adopt for HSOV check their website at www.hsov.org.