PORT ANGELES — A secret Santa visited the Olympic Peninsula Humane Society the week before Christmas and paid for the adoption of 21 pets.
Among the families who were surprised with a free adoption was Jessica Peterson and her 12-year-old son, Skylar.
They adopted Lady, a dog who had been at the shelter for just over a year.
Peterson told the humane society that the dog, adopted before Christmas, “is a wonderful companion” for her son.
“Thank you so much to this wonderful donor,” she is quoted as saying.
“Our family is now complete.”
The anonymous donor provided $1,425.50 for adoptions, according to humane society officials.
Fees vary for the type of animal.
Cats, dogs, one gerbil
The adoptions funded by the donor were of 13 cats, seven dogs and one gerbil.
The donor initially had offered to fund donations up to a certain amount until Christmas Eve and then extended the date to New Year’s Eve, officials said.
Adopters did not find out that their fee was already paid for until they had completed all paperwork and were ready to pay for the adoption.
Special surprise
“It was really special for our staff to be able to surprise people with the free adoptions,” said Mary Beth Wegener, executive director of the humane society.
“We were really excited to work with this donor to provide such a nice gift to our adopters.”
The Olympic Peninsula Humane Society has maintained an active presence in the community since 1947.
