Carbon County officials are hoping area veterans who may be looking to adopt a shelter dog find this Christmas offer a little too hard to refuse.

On Thursday, Commissioner Thomas J. Gerhard announced that until the end of December, the adoption fee for dogs at the Carbon County Animal shelter will be reduced from $100 to $50 for all veterans looking to adopt."It's something we want to do out of respect for the men and women who serve our country and protect us everyday," he said.Veterans and their families who are looking to open their heart and home up to a dog can do so by visiting the shelter at 63 Broad St., Nesquehoning during business hours or calling 570-325-4828.Adoption rates are usually lowered for all potential adopters during the month of February when the shelter runs the campaign "Love a Dog for Life."In a related shelter matter, Gerhard said that the county and shelter director Tom Connors thank Marian High School for its recent donation of $500, as well as Lehighton High School students and Lehighton Girl Scouts who recently volunteered to clean up and rotate the winter food supply and decorate for the holidays.Gerhard reported that the monthly clothing drive at the shelter also netted $570 this month; and that there have been a number of donations coming in at the shelter for the holidays.