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Hempstead Town Shelter Waives Adoption Fees During Holiday Season

WANTAGH, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) - Are you thinking about buying a family pet for the holidays, but worried about your budget?

TV 10/55's Richard Rose has some good news on Long Island where a local animal shelter is offering free adoptions through the holidays.

Hundreds of energetic, healthy dogs and cats fill the Hempstead Town Shelter; but soon, many of them will be headed to loving, new homes.

"Today through January 4, 2015, the shelter is celebrating the spirit of the season with free pet adoption," Town Supervisor Kate Murray said.

The town's waiving of hundreds of dollars in adoption fees amazed Grace Freund of Westbury when she came in to adopt a 2-year-old Schnauzer-Terrier that she's yet to name.

"How could you beat that deal? If you go to buy a dog you're going to pay thousands, $1,500, $2,000, that's crazy and here you get a beautiful little dog," she said.

As Rose reported, you don't have to be a town resident to take home an adorable kitty or a lovable puppy. And there's no charge for making sure they're healthy, have had all their shots and can be quickly found if lost.

"We of course provide all rabies vaccinations, spay and neuter dogs and cats and we also micro chip," Murray said.

Feeding Carter is just one of the delights now for the Ra family. They adopted Carter from the shelter and say he helps them manage the stress from their busy, two-career life.

"Carter, he gives you unconditional love. You can come home after a tough day, he comes and greets you. He's not worried about what stresses you've gone through. He's a very calming influence on me and my wife," Edward Ra said.

Meanwhile, Freund is still stumped for a name for the new love of her life, but she has some ideas.

"It could be Oreo," she said. "I'm going to see what his personality is first!"

There's sure to be a lot more new names for the many eager pets still waiting for their future family.

Local merchants are also offering free grooming and physical exams for any adoptions made before January 4.

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