By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

CLANTON — The Chilton County Humane Society has received an unexpected helping paw.

The Greater Birmingham Humane Society stepped in to help, not with a donation, but by relocating 39 dogs from the Chilton County shelter to its facility in Birmingham.

Chilton Humane Society president Katherine Reece said the Birmingham shelter came and picked up the dogs on Friday.

“This is something they do a lot with rural shelters because they have more resources,” Reece said.

She commented that the Greater Birmingham Humane Society could afford to offer the animals more services than the Chilton County shelter.

“The animals have a lot better chance up there, they have a higher adoption rate than we do here,” Reece said.

Staff member Brandi Murr said it was good to know the dogs were being taken to a place they will be well cared for.

Having these dogs out of the shelter will also save the local shelter the cost of caring for them.

The Chilton County shelter had recently announced financial struggles and efforts to pay off a mountain of $18,000 in debt.

Since the shelter’s most recent announcement of need, donations to the organization’s Pay Pal account from its website have increased.

One family donated $2,000 after their daughters said helping the shelter was what they wanted for Christmas. The donors have asked to remain anonymous, Reece said.

In an effort to raise additional operating expenses, Chilton County Humane Society is holding its third annual Santa Paws on Dec. 3 at the Y in Clanton from 5 to 9 p.m.

“People can bring their pets and children to the Y and get their picture made with Santa. Pictures will be $10 and will be burned to a CD while you wait, children visiting Santa will be given a small present from Santa’s gift bag,” Reece said.

She said dogs must be on leashes or in carriers. Cats and other pets must be in carriers.

During the event, children can create a Christmas ornament for $5.

“Adults can shop at the $5 Paparazzi Jewelry sale,” Reece said. “We will also have baked goods for sale and unique upcycled and handmade items for sale and raffle.”

For more information, contact Reece at 294-2197.