Cape Coral Animal Shelter spreads holiday cheer to waiting pets

For many families, Christmas Day is a time to gather at home, but for dozens of cats and dogs in Cape Coral, it is a day of waiting. The Cape Coral Animal Shelter, however, is ensuring that these animals feel the love this holiday season.

Wrapped toys, special costumes, and extra kisses filled the shelter as part of its sixth annual Christmas Day celebration.

"It's a piece of my heart that's here. And it fills a hole. I love the dogs," said Patti Rome, a volunteer at the shelter.

The celebration is not just about the festivities but also about the emotional impact on the animals still waiting for their forever homes.

"I can tell you just thinking about it brings tears to my eyes that they don't have a true home on Christmas," said Denise Higgins, another volunteer.

Volunteers expressed the emotional toll of the holidays for these animals, emphasizing the significance of finding them homes.

"Oh, my gosh. If we could get Jingles adopted right now, you would see everybody be excited. We just want that puppy to find its forever home," said Rome.

Jingle, a gentle dog who has been up for adoption for more than 700 days, is a reminder of why days like this matter.

"If you give some of these dogs enough time, they can be great dogs. They start off a little scared, but they eventually warm up to it," said Chris Stock, another volunteer.

Since 2020, more than 6,000 animals have found homes through the shelter, and volunteers say the feeling of helping never gets old.

"We have no family obligations today, so we figured what better place to go than to the shelter and help out for those who cannot speak for themselves," said Higgins.

The Cape Coral Animal Shelter continues to make a difference in the lives of animals, one adoption at a time. If you’re interested in adopting, click here to fill out an application and see if you qualify.