Dickens is one of several cats available for adoption at the Fayetteville Animal Shelter.

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The Fayetteville Animal Shelter will host its 2012 holiday open house event on Saturday, Dec. 8 inside the shelter at 1640 S. Armstrong Road.

Aside from $10 dog adoptions and free cat adoptions, the event offers other activities including shelter tours, photos with Santa Claus for kids and pets, and painting sessions where pets can create a one-of-a-kind piece of art.

The open house runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with Santa available for pictures until 2 p.m.

Painting sessions are by appointment only, so make sure to call the shelter at 444-3456 to schedule an appointment. A $20 donation is suggested to cover the costs of supplies for the painting.

“This is a busy time of year for everyone, but we want to encourage people who are thinking about adopting a pet for the holidays to do so now when they have more time to commit to training and bonding with their new pet,” said Justine Lentz, the city’s animal services superintendent.