Families across Franklin County opened their homes to shelter dogs during the Thanksgiving holiday, offering dozens of animals a temporary break from the stress of kennel life. The Franklin County Dog Shelter & Adoption Center saw an enthusiastic response to its annual holiday sleepover program, with people lining up before the shelter opened on Wednesday to pick out a dog to take home for several days. Staff said it was one of the most encouraging sights of the season, as kennel rows grew noticeably emptier by the evening.
According to assistant director Dwayne Young, the holiday period is one of the best opportunities for residents to welcome a dog, even briefly, because people typically have more time to relax with family. With schools closed and many workplaces offering extended breaks, the shelter sees a surge in interest from families who want to offer companionship to a dog and enjoy the experience of fostering during a festive week. Young said that time outside the shelter helps reduce anxiety in the dogs and provides a meaningful reset.
He noted that a common misconception about the program is that temporary placements might confuse or emotionally unsettle the animals. Instead, he explained, the break often leads to better behavior and calmer kennels when the dogs return. Many of them come back more relaxed, sleep better, and bark less because they have had a chance to decompress in a home setting. Young added that this downtime is beneficial not only for the dogs’ wellbeing but also for the shelter staff, who can observe positive changes in temperament and energy levels.
Another important benefit of the sleepover initiative is the additional insight families can provide about each dog’s personality. When a dog is comfortable in a quiet home environment, it tends to reveal habits, behaviors, and traits that may not be visible inside a shelter. Young said that these observations help staff create more accurate profiles, ultimately improving each dog’s chances of finding a permanent family. More than half of the dogs that participate in holiday sleepovers end up being adopted, either by their host families or by others who read the updated profiles.
One of the participants, Mercedes Mead, said she arrived fully aware that she might fall in love with the dog she brought home. She explained that the holidays can be difficult for people without close family connections, and offering companionship to a dog adds a meaningful layer of joy to the season. Mead shared that her blended family appreciates the chance to welcome a pet into their home during a time when both people and animals benefit from extra affection and attention.
The shelter plans to continue the program during the Christmas holiday, giving even more families an opportunity to spend time with a dog while helping reduce shelter crowding. Staff members say the sleepover tradition has become a valued way for the community to support adoptable pets, contribute to their wellbeing, and possibly discover a new family member in the process.
