History of Operation Santa Paws
This holiday was organized by Justin Rudd in 2001, to help support local shelters and rescues. While anyone can choose to participate by donating new toys, treats, food or money to help keep these dedicated servants of the animal public going. Justin has spread his campaign far and wide, getting stores nationwide to participate in this humanitarian effort.
Friends and Companions that give us love unconditionally
Animals serve an important part in our lives, being those friends and companions that give us love unconditionally. They protect our homes, and are there whenever we need them, asking for nothing but love and tenderness in exchange for all they give. Operation Santa Paws is a reminder that we need to return that love, and remember them at this most special time of year.
Every year there is a rush of animals that, through abuse and neglect, wind up abandoned in shelters and animal rescues everywhere. All too often they’re given as gifts, and simply abandoned as the shine wears. Millions of animals world-wide end up in shelters, and there simply isn’t enough resources to support them all. This is where Operation Santa Paws Day comes in.
How to celebrate Operation Santa Paws
Celebrating Operation Santa Paws can happen in a number of ways, from those already mentioned to more dedicated efforts. This holiday is about the animals, but without the support of those individuals who love them and dedicate themselves to their welfare, there’d be nowhere for them to go. When you stop by with your donation of supplies for the furry residents of your local shelter, Or look up the rescue’s Amazon account – don’t forget to bring down some tokens of thanks for these hard-working saviors of our favorite little beasties.
Operation Santa Paws can spread with the efforts of friends and companies. Visit your local stores and enlist their help in collecting supplies, ask if you can put out a collection poster and post a wish list at their locations. (These things are available on http://www.hautedogs.org/santapaws as templates). Also, be sure to contact the shelters in your area that will benefit from your efforts, and let them know they have an ally in their mission to help animals.
WilcoWellness has done a little research for you
Each day we will list a local rescue or shelter on Instagram and Twitter. Pick your local group and share a little love. What are you waiting for? Pick a Group and get started!!
- Williamson County Animal Shelter
- Humane Heroes.org
- www.southwestern.edu/live/events/ _
- Georgetown Animal Outreach
- Animal Aide Unlimited
- Blue Dog Rescue
- Pflugerville Animal Shelter
- Cuz I Matter .org
- Friends of Pflugerville Animal Shelter
- Pflugerville Pets Alive
- Austin Greyhounds Rescue
- Austin Cats and Dogs Rescue in Cedar Park
- Texas Critter Crusaders
- Shadow Cats Rescue
- Texas Sweeties Dog Rescue
- Rabbit Resource Rescue
- Save an Angel
Spread the word. As an example:
Give a gift in honor of a friend, make a little stocking gift card “In honor of your Puppy Buddy Buster, we donated to __________ rescue group for the holidays”
Let’s start a Yearly Tradition in Williamson County
Operation Santa Paws
Giving back and sharing love can be so easy and rewarding!!!
With Love, WilcoWellness