Christmas is always exciting for kids. But this past Christmas morning was extra special for some, thanks to the Coastal Humane Society in Brunswick.

What could make a child happier than a new puppy, dog, kitten or cat delivered on Christmas morning?

On Dec. 12 shelter employees and volunteers brought 35 rescued dogs and puppies up from Georgia. The group contained shepherd, terrier and hound mixes.

On Dec. 19, at an adoption event at the shelter, 60 pets, including puppies, dogs, kittens and cats were adopted out. Spokesperson Jane Sivisky said she wasn't sure how many people showed up, but there were a lot. “We had lines out the door!”

Some opted to have their new pets delivered to their door on Christmas morning. After being approved for adoption, the chosen pets were kept at the shelter until Dec. 25, when volunteers dressed as Santa’s elves drove them to their new homes.

Nine pets, including puppies, kittens and cats were delivered to homes on Christmas morning.

Sean Kirby of Portland adopted 2-month-old shepherd mix Rosie (formerly Barbie) for his 6-year-old son, Cameron. “Cameron opened a card on Christmas morning that said there would be a ‘special delivery’ later,” Kirby said. “He was looking out the window all morning.”

When the puppy arrived Kirby said Cameron was ecstatic. “People immediately asked him what he would name the puppy. Without any hesitation he said 'Rosie.'” When asked how long he'd been wanting a puppy, the 6-year-old replied, “For six years.”

“That night, my wife, Cameron, Rosie and I were in our king-sized bed,” Kirby said. “Cameron was watching his new puppy fall asleep. He looked at me and said, 'I hope this isn't a dream.'” His dad assured him that it wasn't. “Rosie is a part of our family now.”

Caitlin Ruthman arranged for a kitten to be delivered to her daughter, May, on Christmas morning. Dad, Jarod Ruthman, said May was excited. “We had opened all the other presents. May opened a card that said a kitten was coming. The kitten arrived around five minutes later.” The new kitten was named Jojo.

Shelley La Coste of Edgecomb adopted an adult cat for her son Nate. When the cat arrived on Christmas morning, Nate opened the door and the cat escaped from her crate and ran by him into the house. “She flew through the house to his bedroom,” La Coste said. “It took him a few minutes to figure out what was happening. Then he was very excited.” Snow White was re-named Indy for Nate’s love of race cars.

Since the adoption event on Dec. 19, another 54 animals, besides the nine Christmas presents, have gone to new homes from the shelter.

All animals up for adoption are spayed or neutered and are up-to-date on vaccinations. The shelter does not provide an online adoption application. Anyone interested in adopting should go to the Coastal Humane Society in Brunswick for an in-depth conversation with an adoption counselor to make sure it is a good fit on both sides.

Only approved adopters can take home a pet, and you cannot have a pet delivered to a household other than your own. Paperwork will be completed when you have been approved for adoption. Call 725-5051 with questions.