Thousands of dogs have to spend the holidays at a shelter each year. But they all deserve a warm, loving home more than anything. That’s why Jacksonville shelters started a special program in 2012 that helps adoptable dogs find a home for the holidays. It’s called “Silent Night.”
To participate in Silent Night, Florida families can choose to foster a dog for the holiday season. This gives the dogs a comfortable place to stay and it might even land them a forever home. No matter how difficult things may be right now, this heartwarming tradition needs to carry on.
Welcome a Shelter Dog for the Holidays!
The Jacksonville Humane Society and Animal Care and Protective Services are teaming up to make Silent Night a success in 2020. Anyone interested can visit one of the shelters between December 17th and December 24th to find their Christmas companion. The shelter staff will help each family choose the dog that’s perfect for them. Cats can also join in on the fun!
Dog food and other supplies will be provided when you pick up the dog, but if possible, foster parents are asked to bring a collar and leash. For families picking up a cat, a new or used cat carrier should be brought instead. Then, the shelter animals will be ready to head to their Christmas vacations.
Foster dogs and cats stay with their foster families until December 26th. Of course, if you decide they are a good fit during your sleepover, then you can adopt them and give them a warm home for the rest of their lives. Either way, they’ll be grateful to have a loving home for the holidays.
How to Participate
If you live near Jacksonville and you’re interested in giving a shelter animal a Silent Night, you can visit the shelters starting the 17th. Also, it’s a good idea to check the adoptable pets online first to see if there are any good matches for you.
Jacksonville Humane asks that participating families join the Silent Night Facebook group to share updates on their furry companions and to see cute photos of happy pups. When posting anything on social media, you can use #SilentNightJax.
Every dog deserves to be comfortable on Christmas — and every day of the year! So, please consider fostering or adopting this holiday season if you’re prepared for it. Your kindness could be a Christmas miracle for an animal in need.
H/T: news4jax.com
Featured Image: @jaxanimalcare/Facebook
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