NATCHEZ — Jerry and Madison Roberts have begged for a dog for months.

Their mother, Kelsi Roberts, said the thought of a dog was just about all the two discuss.

So, their father, Graham Roberts, struck them a deal.

Roberts told Jerry, 6, and Madison, 8, that if they volunteered 20 hours at the Natchez-Adams County Humane Society, they could get the dog of their choice.

“Well, I knew they’d finish it,” Graham Roberts said. “But I didn’t expect them to do it this fast.”

For few afternoons each week since mid-November, Jerry and Madison have washed dogs, folded laundry and — perhaps the worst job of all — cleaned out dirty kennels.

“They worked so hard,” Kelsi said. “And they did it with a cheerful heart. What more can you ask for?”

Kelsi said the siblings latched on to one dog early — a big yellow-Labrador mix named Sadie.

“As soon as they saw her, they were in love,” Kelsi said.

But as Christmas drew nearer and the number of volunteer hours to-go dwindled, Madison and Jerry noticed a sign on Sadie’s kennel door noting she had been adopted.

“They had picked out Sadie,” said Lena McKnight, director of the NACHS. “The last time they were here, they saw the sign on her door and were like, ‘We really wanted Sadie, but she’s been adopted.’”

What Madison and Jerry did not know was that the person who adopted Sadie was their mother.

Instead of telling them right away, Kelsi said she decided to play a little game.

“They were so sad,” Kelsi Roberts said. “This was the hardest secret I’ve ever had to keep from them.”

McKnight asked Kelsi to bring the siblings the humane society Friday for recognition for their hard work.

“You guys have worked so hard while you were here,” McKnight told the children. “What do you think your favorite part was?”

“Playing with Sadie,” Jerry said.

Kelsi emerged from the back door with Sadie energetically pulling on the leash.

The siblings grew quiet for a moment, their faces dropping slightly.

And then they understood.

“Sadie?” Jerry said. “She’s ours?”

“She’s ours,” Kelsi said.

“I knew it,” Madison said excitedly.

The kids jumped up and hugged the dog while Sadie wagged her tail so powerfully she nearly knocked Jerry off his seat.

Outside of the reward of a dog, Kelsi said the siblings have received much practical experience from the volunteer work.

“They asked if they could keep coming back even after their hours are up,” Kelsi said. “They have become so responsible, and they’ve learned to have a giving heart.”

For Madison and James, they are just happy to have Sadie finally home.

“Sadie is sleeping with me tonight,” Madison said as she and Jerry and the dog sat on the floor.

Jerry looked up at her and squinted.

“Then I am, too,” he said.