To end 2016 on a high note, Animal Control Officer Sarah Schertel organized the second annual “Pets Need Santa Too” program. Originally facilitated by Animal Control Officer Jodi LeBombard, this program was designed last year to help families who may need some extra assistance during the holidays. For months prior to Christmas, Animal Control Officers carefully selected families to be recipients of the program, giving them a letter from Santa and an application to receive gifts from Santa. The families were given a pre-addressed and stamped return envelope and were instructed to list any items that they might think their pet would like or need during the holiday season. Items donated included pet food, collars, leashes, cat litter, beds, toys, and so much more.
Thanks to a couple of generous donors, every animal also received several months of flea tick preventative, and several families received spay/neuter vouchers for their pets. On Christmas Eve, Officer Schertel filled her ACO vehicle and hand-delivered gifts to sixteen families all over the county. This year we were able to help at least sixty animals in our community.