FAIRHOPE, Ala. — Giving back to the community is as much a part of the holiday tradition as the Christmas tree for many Baldwin County families. Now there’s a way to inject that kind of love into the season while getting it back tenfold.

The Haven for Animals, a no-kill animal rescue group headquartered in Fairhope, is taking part in the ‘Foster a Lonely Pet During the Holidays” campaign. Inspired by the best-selling novel by Greg Kincaid, “A Dog Named Christmas,” in which a developmentally challenged boy fosters a dog during the holidays, Petfinder.com has launched the nationwide effort to encourage fostering lonely pets this Christmas season.

“Hopefully these animals would be better socialized and find a (permanent) home quicker,” said Michael Graham, Haven executive director. “Some of the animals we transfer (from animal shelters) may have been exposed to various levels of stress. Although we try to enrich their time while they’re here (at the Haven), those who have abuse in their background do better when they get that one-on-one attention in a home.”

By taking part in this drive, Haven volunteers hope local families will celebrate the Christmas spirit by giving a cat or dog a temporary home. Organizers say that even though the Haven gives the best possible care to animals passing through the facility on their way to a permanent home, there is no substitute for the affection of a family in rehabilitating a homeless animal.

Graham pointed out that even pets that in the past have been starved of food and attention are resilient, and have a better chance of finding a forever home with even a brief period of socialization. Once they’re placed, others get a new “leash” on life.

“When we have an increase in adoptions, that means the more we can transfer from our partnering shelters,” Graham said.

On average, 50 to 100 healthy, adoption-ready animals must be euthanized due to lack of space in shelters throughout Baldwin County. By signing up to foster an animal, not only does a family save a life by freeing a space at the shelter, they also increase the animal’s chances at success in a new home by providing socialization and training.

As part of the program, all food, medical care and equipment are provided for fostered animals by the Haven, and although ideally a family will foster an animal until he or she is adopted, foster commitments can be flexible depending on a family’s needs.

Graham said the downturn in the economy has reduced the number of successful adoptions at on-site events, as more consideration is given to the overall economic responsibilities of being a pet owner. But the more deliberate adoptions seem to be holding. He noted, “They’ve had time to think about adding a pet to the family That’s actually giving us more long-term adoptions. This will foster that experience.”

Many families regularly foster a few animals at a time, take a break, then foster more, Graham said. He hopes more folks will take the time during the holiday season to become a part of the fostering experience.

Signing up is easy. Graham said just drop by the Haven at 559 S. Section St. in Fairhope, call the office there or go online to obtain an application. A background screening and a interview are conducted to determine if an applicant may foster a pet. Once accepted, an hour-long orientation must be attended.

“That benefits the individual and the animal,” Graham said. “It better matches them up with an animal that fits them and their lifestyle.”

The Haven program is made up of both long- and short-term fostering. He said the longer term can be up to six months while short periods allow time for dogs and cats to be assessed for diseases, spayed or neutered, and receive follow-up veterinary care.

Graham said, “If you have a dog you decide to foster, it might have a human bond, but is not leash trained. It needs more socialization and needs to learn boundaries. Eventually that dog is going to blossom and become a more adoptable dog.”

The Haven also plans an adoption event on Saturday and Sunday, from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., at PetSmart in Spanish Fort. “Santa Claws” will be on hand to pose with your pet during the event, with $5 of each purchase going to the Haven.

For more information, visit the Haven Web site at www.havenforanimals.org, or call (251) 929-3980. You may also make a Christmas donation to the Haven by sending them a check to P.O. Box 1063, Fairhope, AL 36533.