Shelter Lets Their Animals Pick Out Gifts From Under The Tree Before Christmas

By Anastasia Arellano

Here is something to get you into the holiday spirit: watching shelter pets pick out their presents from underneath a giant Christmas tree.

Stephanie Filer, manager of special gifts and partnerships for the Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL-Iowa), told The Dodo that it was like “seeing kids on Christmas morning after Santa has made his deliveries.”

All the gifts and items were a donation from the community as part ARL-Iowa’s annual “Tree of Life” program – meant to bring in pet food, supplies, and toys for the new year.

Five dogs and four cats got the opportunity to choose their own gifts from within the giant pile of goodies.

Filer said that their different selection processes were adorable to watch, including their reactions afterward.

Some of them grabbed the first toy they saw, while others took their time in sniffing around. There was even one dog, Boss, who was so excited about being the center of attention that he didn’t play with his toy until after he got back to his kennel.

Meanwhile, the cats mostly “enjoyed playing ON the donated items,” said Filer.

And the best part was, all these adorable animals ended up getting the best gift of all: a loving, forever home.

A Dog Struggled with Escaping a Half-Frozen Lake Until a Man Swiftly Ran to Its Rescue: Click “Next” below!

Anastasia Arellano
Anastasia is an American ex-pat living in Ireland. When she's not writing she can be found wandering the Irish countryside in search of inspiration. You can follow her writing adventures on Twitter @AnastasiaArell5 or Instagram @writeranastasia26
Whizzco for FAP