If the Obamas spared two turkeys from death during Thanksgiving Day, for Christmas, the Best Friends Animal Society saved a pet dog from death and cremation.

The society instead announced on Christmas Eve that Bela, a 9-year-old German Shepard, which was considered being culled because of her intermittent aggression, would be their new ward, reports ABC.

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Connie Ley, the owner of Bela, had died and passed on Bela to her close friend. But even in her will, Ley had considered euthanasia or sending the dog to a special sanctuary as options because of the animal's behavior, according to Doug Denmure, the lawyer of Ley.

The society was unaware of Ley's will until media outlets asked them last week if it will accept Bela. Upon learning of the dog's situation, the society agreed to take the dog.

On Wednesday, Francis Battista, co-founder of the society, released a statement expressing their joy over Bela's new home.

"Merry Christmas Bela! We are thrilled to announce that Bela has been released to Best Friends Animal Society," Battista's said.

He attributed the delay in resolving the dog's future to the society being unaware that Bela was in search of a new home or face being euthanized which even led to criticism of Ley.

On the same day, someone from the society got Bela from Ley's friend and the dog is now staying in a special animal sanctuary in Kanab, Utah, where dogs that were rescued from fighting rings are sent for rehab.

TagsDog, german shepherd, euthanasia, Bela, Pet, christmas, Best Friends Animal Society