As for a last-minute gift, you can do much worse than giving an animal a home.

Cobb County Animal Control is offering free pet adoptions for animals who are already spayed and neutered.

The shelter has at least 139 pets, according to its database.

But you have to come by the shelter, 1060 Al Bishop Drive, before Saturday at noon. It opens at 9:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

Best Friends-Atlanta, 4874 S. Atlanta Road in Smyrna, is also running an adoption program called the "12 Strays of Christmas." It highlights a different pet every day running up to the holiday.

So consider something furry as a gift this holiday season.