Community Corner

Pets Need Love Too This Holiday Season

Best Friends Pet Care teams up with the county shelter for Christmas donations.

Just because they’re furry and have four legs doesn’t mean dogs and cats should be forgotten this holiday season.

In fact, at a time when shelters are nearly at capacity, food, toys and bedding are needed now more than ever.

That’s why  in Cinnaminson is helping out where they can.

Find out what's happening in Moorestownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In the lobby of the Route 73 business, a Christmas tree is adorned with cards, each with the name of a dog or cat, some information about them and a wish list this holiday season.

“It’s very, very important for people to make sure their pets are attended to over the holidays,” said Kristin Korenkiewicz, manager at Best Friends. “This is something we try to help with. Holidays can be hard for people. We try to make sure to reach out and work with shelters this time of year.”

Find out what's happening in Moorestownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Last month, Best Friends held a .

The Animal Angel Tree Campaign is now in its 11th year at Best Friends, and each year, Korenkiewicz said, Best Friends chooses a different shelter as the recipient of donations. This Christmas, it’s the Burlington County Animal Shelter.

Not only are the wish lists for items the pets need, but all of the animals are also up for adoption, such as a 2-year-old pit bull named Dweezil. Food, toys, bowls, treats, toys, blankets and towels are essentials for donation.

“The holidays is one of our best times for donations,” said Kelly Donnelly, adoption advocate for the Burlington County Animal Shelter. “People are in that giving mood and they want to give something back to the community.”

However, after the holidays, the donations dwindle. Officials at the shelter like to stockpile as many items as they can.

“Right now, we’re seeing a lot of food come in, which is always a great help,” Donnelly said. “We have over 200 animals in the building we have to feed.”

The wish tree donations through Best Friends also help out foster families who care for dogs and cats at their homes until permanent homes are found. Bigger items are also needed, such as crates, carriers, medicine and more.

“We actually have a lot of our costumers, even if they are not boarding, to come support," Korenkiewicz said.

And Best Friends will match everything donated by individuals.

“It’s a great thing,” Korenkiewicz said. “We love going to deliver the gifts and see all the animals. It’s just a great program.”

Donations can be made throughout the holiday season and until Jan. 2, 2012.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here