The Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service (SCRAPS) is having an “Empty the Shelter” adoption special all during December. People can adopt animals for only the cost of a license, which is $15 for cats and $25 for dogs. All the other benefits are still included - the vet check, vaccinations, a micro chip and spaying or neutering.

While it might be tempting to give someone an adorable kitten for Christmas, don't just go out and get someone a furry friend for Christmas unless you are sure the person wants a pet and would be able to take care of it. Or you can just head over and find a new friend for yourself. The shelter is located at 2521 N. Flora Road.

Five tabby cats, who were surrendered by an owner that could not care for them, arrive at SCRAPS in Spokane Valley in June. SR file photo.

The Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service is reporting that their cat room population has exploded from eight to 51 in only a few days. In response, SCRAPS will be having a nearly free cat sale Thursday and Friday. People will only have to pay for a $15 license. The spay/neuter, vaccinations, vet check and microchip are all free.

A SCRAPS press release promises that a wide variety of ages, breeds and sizes are available. If you have been thinking of adopting a cat, this is a great opportunity. Just stop by the shelter at 2521 N. Flora Road and see which adorable kitty works its magic on you. SCRAPS is open from noon to 5:30 p.m.

I couldn't help myself; I just had to post a picture of this week's featured animal. Bolt has been at the Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service shelter for a few weeks now. He's a 2-year-old neutered Lab mix. Shelter staff say he's good on a leash, likes to go for walks and loves belly rubs. He appears to get along with both cats and dogs. He does have a non-contagious skin condition that will need treatment.

If you are interested in adopting Bolt, his identification number is 4517. The adoption fee for dogs is $82.04, which includes a vet check, license, microchip, vaccinations and either spaying or neutering. You can stop by to visit Bolt at 2421 N. Flora Road or call (509) 477-2532 for more information. Photo courtesy of SCRAPS.

The featured dog up for adoption this week at the Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service is all gangly legs and big doggy grin. Millie, a 9-month-old Pit Bull mix, is really still just a pup. Shelter staff says that she is willing to learn, however. She already knows “sit,” loves to play with tennis balls and likes to take a dip in the kiddie pool. She tested well with both cats and dogs. Millie has been at SCRAPS since July 2 and would love a good home.

If you are interested in adopting Millie, her identification number is 3042. The adoption fee for dogs is $82.04, which includes a vet check, license, microchip, vaccinations and either spaying or neutering. You can stop by to visit Millie at 2421 N. Flora Road or call (509) 477-2532 for more information. Photo courtesy of SCRAPS.

A sunny Friday morning is a good time to quote Elvis, don't you think? And it is a hound dog mix that is the featured adoptable dog of the week at the Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service. As an added bonus, his name is Watson. How fun would it be to poke your head out your back door and say “Watson, I need you!” According to shelter staff, Watson walks well on a leash, knows “sit” and gets along well with cats and dogs. He is reportedly fond of having his ears rubbed and playing on the grass.

If you are interested in adopting Watson, his identification number is 2517. The adoption fee for dogs is $82.04, which includes a vet check, license, microchip, vaccinations and either spaying or neutering. You can stop by to visit Watson at 2421 N. Flora Road or call (509) 477-2532 for more information. Photo courtesy of SCRAPS.

Probably everyone can tell by now that I'm a sucker for a cute critter. The Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service shelter has another cute one up for adoption this week. Her name is Blossom and she's about two years old and is a Pointer mix. Shelter staff say she's a little shy, but she walks well on the leash and appears to get along well with both cats and dogs. She sounds like a keeper for someone looking for a fairly easygoing companion.

If you are interested in adopting Blossom, her identification number is 2044. The adoption fee for dogs is $82.04, which includes a vet check, license, microchip, vaccinations and either spaying or neutering. You can stop by to visit Blossom at 2421 N. Flora Road or call (509) 477-2532 for more information.

The staff at the Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service shelter describe Cody as a “fun-loving, affectionate canine companion,” but in his picture he looks almost regal. Or maybe it's just me. Cody is this week's featured pet looking for a new  home. The shepherd mix gets along well with cats and dogs and knows how to sit.

If you are interested in adopting Cody, his identification number is 1809. The adoption fee for dogs is $82.04, which includes a vet check, license, microchip, vaccinations and either spaying or neutering. You can stop by to visit Cody at 2421 N. Flora Road or call (509) 477-2532 for more information.

This pup looks so happy and friendly; I swear he is smiling. Bean is a male pit bull mix up for adoption this week at the Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service shelter. The staff says he could use a couple of their free training classes to learn to walk on a leash better, but he is house trained and knows “sit” and likes to play ball. He appears to get along with with other dogs but would prefer a home without cats.

If you are interested in adopting Bean, his identification number is 1742. The adoption fee for dogs is $82.04, which includes a vet check, license, microchip, vaccinations and either spaying or neutering. You can stop by to visit Bean at 2421 N. Flora Road or call (509) 477-2532 for more information. Photo courtesy of SCRAPS.

The featured pet this week from the Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service looks like the ideal dog for someone who is looking for a laid-back, easy going pet. Alder is described by shelter staff as a “calm, mature gentleman.” He's a senior dog who is mellow and appears to get along well with cats and other dogs. He has already been neutered, so he can be taken home right away.

If you are interested in adopting Alder, his identification number is 1478. The adoption fee for dogs is $82.04, which includes a vet check, license, microchip, vaccinations and either spaying or neutering. You can stop by to visit Alder at 2421 N. Flora Road or call (509) 477-2532 for more information. Photo courtesy of SCRAPS.