Deck the Paws Delights Pets Again!
By: Orange County Communications Department
Beginning on Giving Tuesday, December 3, the Orange County Animal Shelter launched its “ Deck the Paws ” campaign. This event provides an opportunity for generous community members to support the cats and dogs currently in the care of the Orange County Animal Shelter. Historically, the fundraiser has received great support during the season of giving, and this year was no different. Deck the Paws offers three primary ways to help the pets at the shelter. The first is a monetary donation, which provides funds to purchase stockings and fill them with purrrfect goodies like treats, toys, etc. Funds raised beyond that needed for stockings supports the emergency vet fund. Since our animals receive full veterinary care (beyond the standard vaccinations and spaying or neutering), this fund is especially important when assisting an injured animal on the way to recovery and adoption. Thanks to the generous support of animal lovers near and far, this year ’ s monetary donations totaled $7,534.05!
Organizers of this fundraiser know that some prefer to give an in - kind gift; with that in mind, the second main focus of the Deck the Paws is collecting food donations. During the previous year ’ s campaign, we began with a goal of 1,000 pounds. That goal was quickly surpassed within a few short days, and ultimately more than 4,000 pounds were collected. However, this year set the bar even higher. Beginning with an increased 1,500 pound goal, generous donors helped us collect more than 5,000 pounds of dog and cat food! The third branch of the campaign encourages the purchase of wish - list items from the Amazon wish list curated by the Friends of the Orange County Animal Shelter. This convenient list makes it easy for donors to know exactly what kinds
of items would be useful for the shelter. The support received this year was amazing, which included hundreds of items like toys, baby wipes, treats, and other supplies. Dog Krazy of Fredericksburg contributed 40 filled stockings for dogs and 25 filled stockings for cats! The success of this campaign and the generosity of Orange County was felt by everyone at the shelter, and will continue to be felt by the pets in their care in the weeks and months to come. “ We are so very grateful for the wonderful support we have received for this fundraiser, we are very blessed with an amazing community! ” said Gina Jenkins, Director of the Orange County Animal Shelter. Even with the great turnout during this season of giving, its important to remember that animals keep eating all year long, and emergency vet expenses can come at any time. With that in mind, donations are accepted year - round to support the mission of the Orange County Animal Shelter. Those interested can make an online donation at www.orangecountyva.gov/shelterdonation, or make an in - person donation at the Shelter or Treasurer ’ s Office. Don ’ t forget, the best gift you can give one of our animals is a home! If your family is interested in adding a four - legged friend to your lives, visit www.orangecountyva.gov/adoptapet to get started.
Page 13 | January 2025
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