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.<\/p>\n
Wrapped toys, special costumes, and extra kisses filled the shelter as part of its sixth annual Christmas Day celebration.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
The celebration is not just about the festivities but also about the emotional impact on the animals still waiting for their forever homes.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
Volunteers expressed the emotional toll of the holidays for these animals, emphasizing the significance of finding them homes.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
Jingle, a gentle dog who has been up for adoption for more than 700 days, is a reminder of why days like this matter.<\/p>\n
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“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.<\/p>\n
Since 2020, more than 6,000 animals have found homes through the shelter, and volunteers say the feeling of helping never gets old.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n