For anyone who wants to consider the addition of a furry companion to the family, an open house this weekend at the J.D. and Fran Asher Animal Shelter in Laurinburg will provide an opportunity to visit a host of animals looking for a home.

Held from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday, shelter staff, Humane Society board members, and volunteers will be selling hot dogs and baked goods and conducting raffles for pet-oriented items while showcasing the animals housed at the facility, in the kennels, rabbit hutches, and cattery.

The reason for the open house, said Director Karla Milholland, is to both present the animals to the public and to increase awareness of the shelter among the general public.

"A lot of people don't know where we are or what we're about ," Milholland said. "We are holding this event to get the public more involved; community volunteers and donations are essential to keep the shelter going as we have done for many years."

MIlholland said the shelter was "unique" in that it is not a county supported facility.