Animal shelter needs volunteers during holidays
Every year Christmas in July rolls around and, as consumers, we accept it as fun retail hype.
Then comes fall with all of its decorations, which are right across the aisle from the Christmas trimmings that are already on the shelves. So much for Halloween and Thanksgiving.
The Christmas hype is back, or maybe it never exited, even for a brief period of time. In fact, Black Friday deals start popping up before Halloween and Thanksgiving even start.
On Thanksgiving, we rush through the dinner and dessert so we can go shopping to grab the best deals on computers and gadgets we don't really even need.
Instead, we should be taking time to give thanks and assist others. That thought calls for holiday of inclusiveness. That may mean a care package for a soldier, driving a meal to a homebound person or aiding at a food pantry.
Those of us at Buddy hope that your volunteerism and goodwill will extend to our animals this holiday season.
All of our animals would like their own special home this season and always. If you cannot assist in this manner, there are so many other ways to help the animals. We have trees located throughout the community and in the lobby of our shelter with animal-themed ornaments for sale.
If you want to get the whole family involved, you can join us for photos with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, elves and winter wonderland decorations every Saturday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. We will have bake sales as well, and an open walk-in policy for our gift shop. We also need volunteers to care for our animals still waiting for homes.
Most of the animals Buddy has taken in have suffered at the hands of humans or have been discarded by their owners. Help us drape them in loving warmth and care this holiday season.
Please extend all this holiday cheer to your own animals with proper treats that are not part of your holiday meal. Our seasoning and method of cooking does not agree with our pets. The pet industry has caught up with the Christmas and holiday hype in a good way. Besides toys, healthy treats and foods are now available for our felines. Pumpkin is an ingredient in dry and canned treats without the spices. In some cases, it is even found in limited diet foods like duck or bison. Needless to say, you will not find these at a traditional grocery store.
Shopping for our pets should be part of the holiday fun.
• The Buddy Foundation, 65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights, is a nonprofit 501(c) 3 shelter. Call (847) 290-5806 or visit www.thebuddyfoundation.org.