On Saturday December 11, members of the community started lining up a the Rescue Ranch Thrift Store at 1:30 p.m. to take fun family and pet holiday photos with Santa. It was a very busy day at the store, there were pet owners, parents, kids, dogs and a cockatoo too!
Manager Jodi Wilson says the event was very well attended and went non-stop until almost 5 p.m. She and her amazing volunteer staff turned the store into a winter wonderland for the occasion. Some even dressed up as Santa’s elves, including Jodi and volunteer photographer Eric Anderson.
There were door prizes every hour and of course Santa was on hand for the pictures. Santa’s civilian name is Mike Nolan and when he’s not helping Rescue Ranch with holiday cheer, he’s a volunteer fire fighter. Talk about community minded!
Everyone was there to join in the fun and get into the spirit of the season. Between pics, Eric chatted with some of the pet owners. He got to meet dogs of all sizes, including a six-month-old St Bernard who was rescued from a neglect situation.Thrift store volunteer Debbie Sylva even brought her cockatoo, Ollie. As you can tell, he’s quite a character! Jodi posed for a pic with her dachshund, Oscar.
One owner came in with her terminally ill husky who, one month ago, was given a week to live. As long as her beloved pet has good quality of life, she’s making the most of any extra time they have together. Fortunately, they’ve been able to share some wonderful moments over the past few weeks.
The whole event was great fun for all involved.
Getting into the spirit of the season with Rescue Ranch Christmas Drive
Speaking of the holiday spirit, long-time Rescue ranch friend, José Romo, had the great idea of doing a Christmas Drive to support the Rescue Ranch Community Pet Food bank and Rescue Ranch dogs. He arranged to place boxes in Mount Shasta and Yreka businesses for in-kind donations.
So, when you’re in a store that carries pet supplies, look around the cashier or the entrance, you just might see a box or tub with the signs pictured here. To help out, drop your donation in the box.
There are two ways you can support Rescue Ranch when you donate to the Christmas Drive.
- Donate to the Rescue Ranch Community Pet Food Bank. Our supplies are running low, but they’re very much needed at this time of year. Winter and holiday season can be difficult for community members who are struggling to make ends meet. If you’d like to help them out, you can donate dog/puppy, cat/kitten food of all kinds to help us restock the pet food bank.
- You can also give dog toys or treats, which will go to our Rescue Ranch residents. The dogs always need more toys to keep them entertained, as well as treats to help with their training and to build trust.
Thanks to José Romo for his great idea and continued support!
