Hans has spent most of his life indoors. In spite of that he eagerly greets all of his visitors hoping they will take him outside to play.

Hans has been waiting for someone to adopt him since he was very small, Now he is 8 months old. He, like so many other dogs at the Humane Society of Northeast Georgia, have lived there far too long.

The Humane Society hopes many of its dogs will find homes within a month through a special promotion called Dog Days of Summer.

“We’re really hoping that this special will encourage folks to come out and look at the larger dogs and larger puppies, rather than the cute, small puppies, which are easy to adopt,” said Julie Edwards, director of development and marketing for the Humane Society of Northeast Georgia.

The promotion attempts to get people to give larger dogs and older puppies a second look by offering adoptions for $50 rather than the regular price of $100.

 The dogs are current on all vaccinations, have had their health checked and have been spayed or neutered. The promotion starts today and will continue until Sept. 4.

The Baker family stopped to look for a dog on their way home to Atlanta. They live in an apartment and want to make sure they find the right dog for their family.

“We’re looking for a playfully calm dog,” Wendy Baker said.

The family took a medium sized black and white dog for a walk outside. She said her son is excited about getting his first dog. Her daughter is a bit more hesitant.

“The calm part is for her, but she’s holding the leash so that’s a good thing,” Baker said.

Edwards encourages people not to make a hasty decision when considering adoption.

She said it’s a good idea to spend time with the animal before adopting. People with another dog at home are encouraged to bring it along and let the dogs meet each other to see if they will get along.

Pet owners who find their new pet just isn’t the right choice can bring it back and choose a new animal for up to a year after the adoption.

“It’s a commitment to own an animal and it does take time to get them acclimated to your house. Be it a large dog, puppy, cat or kitten there is an adjustment period there for you and the animal,” Edwards said.

Adopting from the Humane Society is good in two ways.

“I always tell people when they adopt they’re not just saving one animal. You’re giving that animal a new life but you’re also giving another animal a chance at a new life because you’re making space,” Edwards said.

The Humane Society offers several resources to help ease the transition. A monthly training class helps new owners and their pets to understand one another and build trust.

“We want this to be a successful adoption and be a great thing for the new owner and the pet,” Edwards said.

Pet ownership can be a rewarding experience. It has been said that pet owners are happier, suffer fewer health problems and have less stress.

“I truly believe in my heart there is nothing like the unconditional love of an animal. They have a tendency to forgive and forget that I wish humans had,” Edwards said.