A lucky pup got a 'home for the holidays' but not all animals get this fairy 'tale' ending.
Hundreds of pets are being surrendered to local Humane Societies because their families can no longer afford them.
Hadley is a happy pup who gets to spend the holidays with with the people she loves. But she didn't always have a holly jolly lifestyle. Hadley came from the Henderson County Humane Society. Just a few weeks ago she was in a cage awaiting adoption. But Brittany Metzger says as soon as she looked into Hadley's big brown eyes it was love as first lick. “I didn't expect to take home an animal. But as soon as I saw her and knew she could be put to sleep if I left her I had to take her with me," said Metzger.
The Vanderburgh County Humane Society has had 300 more animals brought in this year compared to last. Many of those, like 8-year-old Pokey the owner didn't want to give up.
"When it comes to deciding to put groceries on the table or pay for dog food and vet bills there's no other choice," said Miranda Knight with VHS.
So, if you're looking for a new pet this holiday season you may consider adopting. "Older animals are great because they won't chew everything up and you know their temperament. With puppies and kittens you don't know what their personality will be like and grown animals you know," said Knight.
The more animals surrendered the more animals likely to be euthanized. Around 1,800 were euthanized so far this year at VHS. That number is up slightly from last.
The Humane Society does not endorse pets as gifts they say it's a decision the whole family should make. If adoption is right for your family, you could give an animal like Hadley the gift of life.

If you're interested in adopting from the Vanderburgh County Humane Society click here.