DECATUR - All-American dogs will get a chance to celebrate their birthdays this weekend.

It will be a doggone good time for pet owners and their pets during a birthday bash from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Macon County Animal Control and Care Center, 2820 E. Parkway Drive.

"The idea is to make it an annual event and get people to come out to the shelter to see all the animals available for adoption," said Shirley Stanley with the Decatur and Macon County Animal Shelter Foundation, which appointed July 4 as the official birthday for homeless dogs.

Research shows that 80 percent of pet owners celebrate their dog's birthday, Stanley said, but homeless dogs are left out.

"People also come up with excuses to get rid of their animals," she said. "One man came into the shelter with a reddish-colored golden retriever and was upset because it was not as blond as he wanted."

So was the case Thursday, when two teenage girls brought in four 12-week-old shar pei-chow-shepherd mixed puppies because they couldn't keep them. The mother had a litter of nine puppies.

The only male pup in the group seemed to sniff something was wrong and clung to one of the girl's leg.

Each puppy was given a flea treatment and vaccination shots and will be available for adoption on Saturday.

The shelter also provides a low-cost spay-neuter program. It can be free or up to $60 based on the pet owner's income.

Shelley Phillips, who is with the foundation, said she always has a birthday party for her three adopted dogs: One dog came from an owner who knew the dog was born on 9/11 when the World Trade Center collapsed. And it's unknown what day the other dogs were born.

"It becomes a special day when a dog is adopted because they gain their independence by getting to leave the shelter. They are receiving their freedom and given another chance," Phillips said.

The birthday party at the animal shelter will have plenty of cake, punch and party favors.

Phillips encourages all visitors to bring gifts such as blankets, chew toys, Kong balls and treats for the dogs.

Visit the Herald-Review.com on Sunday for video coverage of this event.

Sheila Smith can be reached at sheilas@herald-review.com or 421-7963.