Just in time for Christmas, Polaris was finally able to go home.

The 6-month-old black German shepherd pup's future wasn't always so bright after being abandoned this fall by an international traveler. In fact, his future was pretty dire because of concerns over improper paperwork and the potential for disease.

Initially, according to previous reporting by the New York Post, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials said the dog would have to be returned to his country of origin, where he would likely be euthanized or would have to be euthanized in San Francisco.

United staff refused to accept that option and pressed CDC officials to change their minds. Finally, agency officials granted a reprieve but ordered a four-month quarantine, according to the Post.

Initially, he spent his time at the airport, where the Post reported that he spent time in an office and was spoiled by staff and travelers alike. He then spent time at a Los Angeles quarantine center before he was placed for adoption.

United had just one stipulation — Polaris had to be adopted by an airline employee.

“We really wanted him to go to someone in our United family, because of how much our team rallied around him,” United Director of Customer Service Vincent Passafiume is quoted as saying.

When it came time for Polaris to find a forever home, more than 30 United employees applied to adopt the adorable pup. But, in the end, one family stood out — United Capt. William Dale and his family.

To celebrate, United held an adoption party for Polaris, who the website said was named for both the North Star and the company's business lounge at the airport.

“Sometimes we deal with the craziest of situations,” Passafiume is quoted as saying on the Good News Network website.

Polaris' abandonment was probably one of the oddest and most challenging situations faced by the company, Passafiume told NBC reporters in San Francisco.

“To be able to get the outcome that we did as a team and see that Polaris will go home to a family that will give him a good life is really a special moment for me,” Passafiume added.

Going the extra mile, like the United staff, is a trademark of the Sandpoint Lions Club.

To help the Lions raise the needed funds to ensure Christmas is merry for all the community’s youth, we’re going to keep the drive going through New Year’s Eve.

Today’s donations add up to $100, bringing the total to $46,074.03. Generous donations were received from Marjorie Keating (in memory of John Keating), $50; and Bob and Susie Puckett, $50, "in memory of our grandson, Bryce Robert Puckett. Thank you Lions."

The goal for this year’s campaign is $50,000 — the same as it has been in past years.

The Toys for Tots program provides free new toys for children living in the Lake Pend Oreille School District, from Sandpoint to Clark Fork and all points between.

The Lions make the most of the money by shopping bargains, and with the assistance of generous local businesses.

Donations for Toys for Tots can be dropped off at the front desk at the Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St., from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. You can also drop off donations at Columbia Bank’s Sandpoint branch, 414 Church St., or at the Ponderay branch, 300 Bonner Mall Way; the Ponderay Starbucks, and the Ponderay Mountain West Bank.

Donations may be mailed to the Sandpoint Lions Club, Box 414, Sandpoint, ID 83864.

Donations made by check are preferred. Be sure to include a note with your check indicating that it is a Toys for Tots donation. If you wish to make an anonymous donation, please include a note.

If the donation is being made in someone’s name, be sure to also include a note.

Information: Sandpoint Lions Club, 208-263-4118