In an effort to find safe, loving homes for abandoned area dogs and cats, the Selma Times-Journal is offering to pay all adoption fees through the Selma Animal Hospital until Jan. 1.

As of Friday, three healthy and happy dogs remain at the hospital.

“One of them we took out of the shelter and brought here,” said Rebekah Wilson of the animal shelter. “The other two we just found.”

Two of the three dogs that remain are fully grown, while one is 4 months old. All are healthy and playful pets, Wilson said.

Time-Journal Publisher Dennis Palmer said the free adoption program began after viewing the animal hospital’s Facebook page and noticing a dire need for pet adoptions.

“Part of our responsibility as the community’s newspaper is to find ways to improve the quality of life for those who we serve, and I believe that extends to the many animals in the community who need to find loving homes,” Palmer said.

Since the free adoption program began Christmas Eve, two dogs have been adopted.

“I understand one of the challenges of animals being adopted out is the fee associated with it, I thought the newspaper sponsoring adoptions for the week between Christmas and New Years would be a good way to overcome that challenge,” Palmer said. “I hope next year we’ll be able to work with other veterinary offices who offer adoption services in the same way.”

The animal hospital will be open and ready for adoptions Saturday and Monday from 8 a.m. until noon.

Wilson said she along with the rest of the animal hospital staff hopes all remaining dogs get adopted and move in to loving, caring homes.

“They’re all sweet dogs,” Wilson said. “They just need a home.”