Animals deserve to have a good Christmas, too.
Whether they are in a shelter and need a home or they already are someone’s pet, the Humane Society of Jackson County is conducting a couple of events to make their holiday a little brighter.
The annual Bring Christmas to the Animals open house is from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Humane Society, 1109 G Ave. West, Seymour. That road is right past the Freeman Field Industrial Park entrance sign on First Avenue.
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Ellen Mirer, a Humane Society board member, said it’s a good time for people to visit the shelter to drop off donations and visit with dogs and cats available for adoption. Maybe they will be tempted to take one home.
“A lot of times, people bring donations and see what pets we have, get an idea of what we’re doing, what’s going on,” she said.
The organization’s wish list includes bleach, nonclumping cat litter, paper towels, cat treats, dog treats (no rawhide), Purina food for cats, dogs, kittens and puppies, garbage bags, KONG toys, Nylabones and gas or gift cards.
“Most of the things that we ask for are not perishable, so they obviously last,” Mirer said.
Refreshments will be served to attendees.
Mirer said the event has been going on for more than 20 years.
“Doing it at Christmastime, people are just in that holiday spirit of giving, and it is right before the end of the year,” she said. “All donations are tax-deductible, so if people are looking for a way to get a few more deductions, we are a 501(c)(3).”
Donations will be put into the general shelter fund.
“We enjoy people coming out, and it’s just a nice time to come out,” Mirer said.
Then from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 8, the annual Santa Pictures event is at Paws-N-Klaws Pet Parlor, 631 W. Second St., Seymour.
Photographer Emma VonDielingen will be on hand to take the pictures.
For $20, pet owners will receive a 5-by-7-inch photo and four wallets.
“Emma takes a lot of pictures, so she lets people pick which one they like the best,” Mirer said.
“It’s just fun to see the dogs come in,” she said. “A lot of people will put reindeer antlers on them or whatever. Some of the dogs really like Santa. Some of them are maybe a little bit afraid of Santa, but in general, they do pretty well.”
Mirer said the event started about a dozen years ago. She went to a similar event at FairOaks Mall in Columbus and saw that there was continuously a long line, and she thought it would be a good fundraiser to start in Seymour.
“Usually, people don’t have to wait very long,” she said. “We don’t have a big, long line, so it takes about 10, 15 minutes, depending on how well the dog cooperates. People can be in the pictures, too. They can squeeze in there.”
Proceeds from Santa Pictures go into the Humane Society’s medical fund, which helps cover veterinarian bills.
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What: Bring Christmas to the Animals open house
When: 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday
Where: Humane Society of Jackson County, 1109 G Ave. West, Seymour
Cost: The event is free, but people are welcome to bring monetary donations, bleach, nonclumping cat litter, paper towels, cat treats, dog treats (no rawhide), Purina food for cats, dogs, kittens and puppies, garbage bags, KONG toys, Nylabones and gas or gift cards
Proceeds: Humane Society’s general fund
What: Santa Pictures
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 8
Where: Paws-N-Klaws Pet Parlor, 631 W. Second St., Seymour
Cost: $20 for 5-by-7-inch photo and four wallets
Proceeds: Humane Society’s medical fund, which helps cover veterinarian bills
Information: 812-522-5200
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