Puppies gladly gave kisses in exchange for attention Saturday morning at the Hall County Animal Shelter’s open house in honor of its new facility, which officially opened its doors Oct. 15.

The open house celebration included dog demonstrations and activities for kids as well as lunch and a ribbon-cutting ceremony. People were welcome to tour the new facility and adopt a pet. Adoptions are $65, which includes spaying or neutering, shots, deworming and combo test for cats.

Mike Ledford, the director for animal services, said that when you find a pet that is friendly and has social skills, it finds a way of getting into your heart.

Ledford, who has two dogs and a cat of his own, said he wants everyone to know what the shelter is there for.

“We’re here to help these animals and find them a good home and hopefully get as many out of the shelter as we can,” Ledford said.

“We want to let everyone know that one, we are here now, and we are separate from the Humane Society — we’re a standalone entity.”

Hall County Animal Control and the Humane Society of Northeast Georgia agreed earlier this year to separate their operations to care for more animals. Construction delays at the new facility moved the date from mid-summer to fall.

Kim Davis, a visitor from Jackson County who has three dogs and three horses, believes the open house can increase public awareness of the shelter and the need for volunteers.

“We take in the community’s animals if they are no longer able to care for them, and we adopt them out to the community if they want a pet,” kennel supervisor Tina Crowe said.

Crowe, who has a dog, a cat and some reptiles, explained that by going to the Animal Shelter for a pet, people can be sure that their animal has been vaccinated.

So why is it so easy to form a bond with a dog or cat? Davis believes that is it because animals are honest, friendly and loving, and don’t hold grudges.

Jay Ivey, a canine handler with the Hall County Sheriff’s Department, said that dogs are loyal and faithful; they’re always glad to see you no matter what kind of day you’ve had.

Ivey believes it is important for kids to have pets.

“It teaches them responsibility and a lot of values, to care for that animal and make sure that all its needs are met, such as going to the vet and making sure it stays in the fence,” Ivey said.

Davis believes that it is important to educate children about animals when they are young so they will be more responsible with them as adults.

But no matter your age, Crowe said love for a dog or cat is unconditional.

“They want the love and they want the attention, but there are no conditions to it,” Crowe said.