GAINESVILLE, Ga. – If you dream of coming home to a wet nose, wagging tail and tons of kisses (in addition to, perhaps, a half chewed shoe or overturned trashcan) adopt a puppy from your local pet shelter. According to the ASPCA, approximately 5 million to 7 million domesticated animals enter animal shelters nationwide, every year, and approximately 3 million to 4 million are euthanized. However, you can change those numbers but adopting a companion for yourself or your family. Pets are an investment but, in our opinion, an investment well worth the money.

According to the Humane Society of Northeast Georgia, Starr, a brightly shining Chihuahua mix who also may have a touch of smooth-coat terrier. This 3-year-old girl was surrendered by her owner because they did not feel they could care for her appropriately anymore. A petite 9-pound, Starr is great with kids, other dogs, and seems to have been house trained and crate trained.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. – If you dream of coming home to a wet nose, wagging tail and tons of kisses (in addition to, perhaps, a half chewed shoe or overturned trashcan) adopt a puppy from your local pet shelter. According to the ASPCA, approximately 5 million to 7 million domesticated animals enter animal shelters nationwide, every year, and approximately 3 million to 4 million are euthanized. However, you can change those numbers but adopting a “companion” for yourself or your family. Pets are an investment but, in our opinion, an investment well worth the money.

Rocky is a Basset Hound mix and he’s available for adoption from the Humane Society of Northeast Georgia. Rocky is two-years-old; so he’s considered fully grown and probably won’t grow any larger.

GAINESVILLE, Ga. -- For this week's edition of Best Spots, we have compiled a list of dog parks for you to take you furry friend for some fun.

Recently, dog parks have been sprouting up in the Atlanta area. With newly modified leash law restrictions, owners who may or may not have yards need a place for their dogs to run free and get adequate daily exercise.

Some say, these parks are becoming more popular as the country begins placing more of an emphasis on health following the First Lady’s “Let’s Move” initiative.

Dog owners in Cumming can take their furry children to the Windermere Dog Park which is an off-leash dog park. The park has a large playing field for children and a nature path, also with an off-leash rule. The park is located at 3355 Windermere Parkway in Cumming.

Sandy Creek Park in Athens is one of the largest dog parks in the area.