Your help is needed. During the holiday season, extra help is needed for the thousands of abandoned and abused animals in local animal shelters and rescues all over the world. One grassroots organization from Long Beach, California, "Operation Santa Paws," is helping by spearheading a canine/feline toy/treat drive to benefit less-fortunate pets this season.
Operation Santa Paws was established in 2001 by Justin Rudd. From there it has quickly spread to communities across the country. Animal lovers are encouraged to purchase a new dog or cat toy, treat or supply to drop-off/donate at their local animal shelter or rescue in time for Christmas.
Operation Santa Paws seeks donated pet toys for shelters and rescues to improve the health and demeanor of those pets while reducing their stress to increase the animals' chances of being adopted. The simplest toys can make the animals much more comfortable. Cats enjoy rolling toys, such as small plastic balls or other "batting" toys that can be hung from cage doors, while dogs tend to prefer items like the heavy-duty Kong rubber chew toy.
Twenty-five states and the District of Columbia currently host an Operation Santa Paws toy/treat drive. If your community doesn't participate, 2014 is a great year to start! It's really easy. Simply place collection boxes in key locations. Encourage all animal lovers to donate a toy by dropping it in one of the collection boxes. At the end of the drive, deliver the toys/treats to your local shelter or rescue. You can even get help from the original Operation Santa Paws organization. They will supply you with downloadable posters, "wish lists," and will list information about your drive on their website.
I'm lucky. I have a wonderful Mom and Dad. I have other dogs to play with. I even have a cat of my very own. We all get good food and care and lots of love. Once we come to our new home, we get to stay until we are old and cross over the Rainbow Bridge like Bob. And on holidays, we get special treats and toys. But not all animals are as lucky at I am. They don't know love or security. And toys or treats are a rarity. Will you collect toys, treats, food and supplies for local shelter dogs and cats? Let's give every shelter dog and cat a special day this holiday season. Wouldn't it be great if there was a drive in your home town? Let's make it happen! Merry Christmas!
