We love our dog Ziggy. There is no doubt that he is the most popular team member at our boat shop and serves as the “chief happiness officer”.
Ziggy brings smiles to employees and guests alike with his welcoming personality. With the holidays approaching, he is doing his part by bringing holiday cheer and posing for our annual holiday greeting card.
The holiday season is a time for giving and sharing with family and friends (both human and furry). Ziggy and I ask you consider taking the time to spread good cheer by supporting organizations dedicated to helping pets. There are many national organizations and local shelters that need your help during the holiday season, and year-round. Fortunately, there are many charities to choose from, each with a unique mission, and specific needs that you can help fill this holiday season.
If you don’t have a specific organization in mind, we donate to our local animal shelter, Greenhill Humane Society. You can help your local organization by providing a financial donation, gifts-in-kind, or a few hours assisting with chores. All gifts provide much needed resources, and provide you with the joy of helping animals. Also, depending on the organization, your donation may be tax deductible.
Most organizations are in constant need of supplies to maintain the care and happiness of their animals. Why not buy an extra bag of pet food or treats to donate to a local pet shelter? Or send gently used blankets, pet beds, and toys to make the holidays extra special for pets waiting to be adopted. We all know how much fun it is to “spoil” our pets at home, so why not make an extra effort to “spoil” some pets that don’t have a home. You will feel just as warm and tingly by helping pets who really need your help.
Don’t forget that these organizations need supplies to provide daily care to their animals. There is always a need for cleaning supplies including laundry detergent, as well as kitty litter, towels, and pet wipes. Anything that you use to pamper your pet at home is something that would bring a smile to a pet in need.
Another terrific way to help animals is to foster a pet. Many animal shelters and rescues rely on pet foster parents when space is limited or when a dog or cat needs special attention.
Better yet, adopt a pet. The holiday season is a busy time for pet adoptions, and as with any pet adoption, please make sure that your family is ready for the responsibilities of welcoming a new four-legged family member. We adopted Ziggy from 1st Place Animal Shelter in Eugene, Oregon.
Don’t Forget the Staff and Volunteers
Lastly, shelter staff and volunteers are often the most under appreciated people around. They clean kennels, empty litterboxes, handle rowdy dogs and scared cats. It’s hard work. Plus, animals need to be cared for every single day; there are no days off.
A plate of homemade cookies, a pan of warm brownies, a case of soda, or a box of candy would all be welcome.
Before you go, we wanted to share Ziggy’s new favorite holiday song “Raise the Woof”. It is the first holiday song not created for the enjoyment of humans – but rather for the enjoyment of our four-legged furry little friends.
From our pack to yours, we wish you a fetching holiday and a paws-itively amazing New Year!
