If you’ve been following this blog, you know we already began to get into the Christmas spirit last month. But Christmas isn’t just for people, you know.
That’s why, in the month of December, animal lovers take up Operation Santa Paws. Well, from December 1st through the 24th in any case. If your household includes a pet, you surely can testify that they take up so large a place in our hearts already that they might as well have 77 percent of December too. It doesn’t take you that long to participate though. Along with the Christmas presents you’ve already gotten for your own furry friends, this is a chance to give a little extra love to a shelter animal in need.
Operation Santa Paws is not just for cats and dogs, and ironically, is not even limited to pets who have paws. Remember the fish, birds, snakes and lizards and whatever other loveable creatures people might think to make a part of their family. With each of these types of pets comes special paraphernalia, of course. Consult a representative of your local shelter or even a pet store if you are looking for ideas appropriate to certain types of pets.
All is needed. All is appreciated.
But donations are just a part of Operation Santa Paws. If you want to take it to phase two or three, there is always volunteering at shelters or pet adoption.
Before we go any further, yes we’ve all heard the cautionary tales of adopting a pet from a shelter to give as a Christmas gift. For example, the kids want a dog sooooooo bad, so you give in. Christmas morning there is a dog chilling out under the tree. You’re a hero. By February the novelty has worn off, along with the kid’s interest in the responsibility of walking the dog in the winter. Perhaps the pet goes back to the shelter and the cycle continues.
Of course, this isn’t a universal law of nature but it is something that must be considered carefully. But if you have a loving home for a pet in need of a family, by all means give them that forever-home experience.
If you aren’t quite sure about the commitment involved with adoption or volunteering but want to brighten a shelter animal’s life a bit, still consider donating treats, toys, blankets or other supplies to a shelter.
Initiatives such as Operation Santa Paws do not get the attention they duly deserve without those who care spreading the message about it. If you’ve read this far, odds are you’re one of those people. By sharing this post far and wide along with the hashtag #OperationSantaPaws you’ll help make Christmas bright for who knows how many shelter animals.
We knew we could count on you.