Citrus County Animal Services Volunteers Spread Holiday Cheer to Shelter Pets

Citrus County Animal Services Volunteers Spread Holiday Cheer to Shelter Pets

This year’s annual holiday toy drive, organized by the Citrus County Foundation for Animal
Protection (CCFAP), was a great success, collecting over $3,600 in community contributions. These
donations allowed CCFAP to purchase a large supply of enrichment items for the cats and dogs at
Citrus County Animal Services (CCAS).
Volunteers and CCAS staff met at the shelter bright and early on Christmas morning to distribute
the gifts and homemade dog treats. One by one, each dog was able to select a special toy to take
back to their kennel. After every dog made their selection, the rest of the items were distributed
to the kennels and play yards to give the animals a selection of interesting toys to play with
during their stay. Cats also received a selection of new toys and treats in their kennels.
“For me, the magic of Christmas morning is spending it at CCAS,” said volunteer Cathy Shelton.
“Watching all the animals picking out their Christmas toys, eating special Christmas cookies (made
especially for them by the volunteers and approved by CCAS veterinarian Dr. Meilo), and getting
extra special loving from all the ‘elves’ that give up their time to help these souls that haven't
found their forever home yet.”
CCAS’ year-round enrichment program alleviates stress and provides the animals with toys and
equipment that will provide opportunity for exercise and entertainment. This keeps the animals
physically and mentally healthy while they wait for adoption. Volunteers carefully shop for toys
that are both enjoyable and durable enough to withstand the volume of pets that come through the
shelter each year.
Colleen Yarbrough, Director of Animal Services, started the robust enrichment program when she took
the position in 2017. “The key to happy and healthy animals is to allow them to engage in what
comes naturally to them. If you don’t nurture their natural instincts for play and their curiosity
of the world around them, the end result will be unwanted behaviors which could affect their
adoptability.”
CCAS and CCFAP are grateful for the community’s generous donations and support for this year’s toy
drive. To continue to make a difference year-round, consider making a donation to CCAS or adopting
a shelter pet. Volunteer Marsha Quarles said it best: “You can enjoy the magic of Christmas every
day if you adopt a pet from Citrus County Animal Services.”
For more information, contact CCFAP@ccfap.net or call CCAS at (352) 746-8400.