Christmas is a special time of year filled with joy, laughter, and the spirit of giving. This festive season brings happiness not only to children awaiting Santa’s gifts but also to animals who experience their own share of holiday cheer.
In Des Moines, Iowa, a local animal shelter goes above and beyond to make sure that its furry residents get a taste of Christmas magic each year. The shelter’s commitment to spreading joy among its animals throughout December is a heartwarming reminder of the season’s reach.
Annual “Tree of Life” Event
The highlight of the shelter’s holiday celebrations is the “Tree of Life” event, organized by the Animal Rescue League of Iowa. Every December, the shelter selects several dogs and cats to participate in a unique holiday ritual. These lucky animals get the chance to pick their own presents from beneath a beautifully decorated Christmas tree.
Stephanie Filer, the manager of special gifts and partnerships for the ARL, shared with The Dodo, “Watching their selection process is almost as delightful as observing their joy when they play with their new toys.” The anticipation builds dramatically as the selected pets approach the tree, their faces alight with excitement, seemingly aware of the magical experience awaiting them.
As they arrive at the tree, they find piles of gifts just for them. “It’s akin to watching children on Christmas morning after Santa has visited,” Filer noted. Each animal reacts differently, but the overwhelming joy is evident in all their eyes.
Heartwarming Reactions
The dogs each have their own way of choosing a gift. Some cautiously sniff around, picking the perfect toy, while others dive straight into the pile, grabbing whatever catches their eye first. One dog, named Boss, was so overwhelmed with gratitude that he didn’t even start playing right away; instead, he chose to hug the human who brought him to the tree, expressing his thanks in the most touching way possible.
Later, in the quiet of his kennel, Boss began to “test” his new toys, finally letting himself enjoy his present. Meanwhile, the cats, true to their nature, were more reserved but equally enchanted. They preferred to play on the donated items, subtly showing their pleasure.
The Ultimate Christmas Gift
But the real magic of the event unfolded beyond the playful moments under the tree. Even before the shelter posted a video of the event on their Facebook page, one of the dogs, Zippy, received the best Christmas news possible—he was adopted. The joy did not stop with Zippy; soon after the video went live, updates poured in about other animals finding their forever homes.
“Great news: Remember Zippy? He was ADOPTED yesterday!” the shelter posted, quickly followed by updates on Snoop, Hemi, Boss, and Luanne finding families. And shortly thereafter, “Update: Jango is heading home right now!” appeared, filling all who followed with happiness.
Of the selected participants, only Frank, a cat, remained. But not for long—he too found a loving home soon after, ensuring that he wouldn’t miss out on the best gift of all—a family.
Celebrating a Truly Merry Christmas
Thanks to the “Tree of Life” event and the compassionate efforts of the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, five dogs and two cats experienced the happiest Christmas of their lives. They not only received fun toys but, more importantly, the love and warmth of families eager to welcome them.
This story is a beautiful reminder that the spirit of Christmas can touch all hearts, human and animal alike. The joy that these shelter animals experienced is a testament to the impact of kindness and the power of a community committed to the welfare of its less fortunate members.
Indeed, Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, and it’s even more special when shared with all living creatures, ensuring they too feel loved and valued during the holiday season.
