OGDEN -- A holiday wish list for disadvantaged pets has been answered with an outpouring of gifts to furry residents at the Weber County Animal Shelter.
The Humane Society of Northern Utah held a Presents for Paws Christmas drive last week. Empty boxes were placed inside businesses and veterinarian offices with the plea to the public to fill them with much-needed items for the shelter.
"We got an amazing response," said Debbie Barnes, executive director of the Humane Society of Northern Utah.
"Last week, John Watson Chevrolet called and said they had a problem with one of our boxes. I asked them what the problem was and they told me it was overflowing with gifts."
Barnes said the auto dealership brought in the full box and took another empty one back to its office. In addition, a customer left a $100 check for the shelter. Another woman spent nearly $200 in items for the animals.
"We've collected everything -- towels, blankets, food, toys, dishes and cleaning supplies," Barnes said. "It's been absolutely wonderful. I just can't tell you how good the people of this community have been."
On Monday afternoon, Barnes and her co-workers delivered the items to the shelter and placed them under the Christmas tree.
"This is just phenomenal," said Weber County Sheriff's Lt. Chad Ferrin, who also serves as the director of animal services.
"We desperately need these items in order to meet and manage our budget, so to say this is a wonderful gesture is putting it mildly."
As of Monday afternoon, 110 cats and dogs were at the shelter.
"We rely entirely on donations from these generous folks. This really helps us to provide a better quality of service," Ferrin said.
"We have an ongoing need for donations throughout the year, but what we have received today will help to fill our shelves. I'm just overwhelmed. Thank you so much."
Items the shelter needs include towels, blankets, cat food, kitten food, dog food, animal dishes, cat litter, cleaning supplies, toys and treats.
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