A secret Santa visited the Olympic Peninsula Humane Society the week before Christmas and paid for the adoption of 21 pets.

Among the families who were surprised with a free adoption was Jessica Peterson and her 12-year-old son, Skylar. They adopted Lady, a dog who had been at the shelter waiting for her forever home for just over one year.

“My son is autistic and Lady is a wonderful companion for him. They’re able to go for walks and Lady is helping him with his social isolation issues,” said Peterson. “Thank you so much to this wonderful donor. Our family is now complete.”

Adopters did not find out that their fee was already paid for until they had completed all paperwork and were ready to pay for the adoption.

“It was really special for our staff to be able to surprise people with the free adoptions,” said Mary Beth Wegener, OPHS executive director. “We were really excited to work with this donor to provide such a nice gift to our adopters.”

The Olympic Peninsula Humane Society has maintained an active presence in the community since 1947. The society shelters and cares for animals of all types. A private, nonprofit  corporation, OPHS is financed primarily by private donations and gifts. OPHS is the only open door shelter on the Olympic Peninsula and does not turn away any animals.

For more information or to volunteer, call the Olympic Peninsula Humane Society at 457-8206.