Evan and Aiden Rhody talked too softly for others to overhear what they said to Santa at the Kendall County Animal Control's Christmas Open House on Saturday afternoon.

Their dad, Mike, said the 4-year-old and 7-year-old really seemed to like Jay, an 8-year-old male golden Labrador retriever. Their household already includes a cat, though, so another addition is far from a given.

"It's something we'd really have to talk about," Mike Rhody said. "It's not something you want to rush into."

They were among those who visited animals, chatted with Santa and perused the door prizes and silent auction items at Animal Control's second holiday open house.

Warden Christine Johnson said she lost track of how many visitors came, but she was considering saving unclaimed prizes for possible Valentine's Day or Christmas in July events. Silent auction items included jewelry, Bears sports items, gourmet dog treats, a gingerbread house, a teddy bear, and a variety of gift certificates.

Shelter leaders did not allow adoptions during the open house, although visitors could take applications and other information.

Volunteer Christine Escobedo brought her daughter, Carly, to the event. Escobedo began volunteering at the shelter a few weeks ago after hearing the facility was burdened with overcrowding and pets that remained past the stay limit.

Escobedo fostered a four-pound Yorkie mix named Annabelle – and ultimately adopted her.

"We decided to keep her," Escobedo said, "because she fit in with the family."