Christmas is a delightful season for giving gifts, especially for the little ones who eagerly await Santa’s surprises under the tree.
The excitement isn’t limited to children; animals also revel in unexpected treats on Christmas morning.
This is precisely why a shelter in Des Moines, Iowa, makes it a point to spread some holiday cheer every December to its furry residents.
Saying this month-long event brings joy to the shelter’s dogs and cats is an understatement.
These pets are thrilled, ultimately receiving the most wonderful gifts they could ever dream of.
Joy Beyond Measure
The “Tree of Life” initiative is one of the most heartwarming traditions, hosted by the Animal Rescue League of Iowa each December.
One year was no different, as they picked a group of dogs and cats to discover their ideal gifts beneath the Christmas tree.
“Witnessing their process of choosing presents was almost as enjoyable as watching them revel in their gifts afterward,” shared Stephanie Filer, ARL’s manager of special gifts and partnerships, with The Dodo.
The moment had arrived, and even before the five fortunate dogs approached the tree, pure excitement radiated from their faces. They seemed to sense that something magical awaited them.
And their anticipation only grew upon seeing the tree, adorned with heaps of gifts especially for them.
“It resembled the delight of children on Christmas morning after Santa’s arrival,” Filer remarked to The Dodo.
Each animal displayed distinct reactions, yet the joy in their eyes was unmistakable.
Some dogs took their time investigating the ideal present, while others excitedly dove headfirst into the pile to snag the first toy in sight.
Among them, a dog named Boss was so touched by the kindness of the person who brought him there that he expressed his gratitude with a hug.
His enthusiasm made him forget to play with any of the toys initially; it was only later, back in his kennel, that he started to explore his gift more thoroughly.
Let’s not overlook the cats, who also enjoyed this enchanting experience. Cats may be less expressive than dogs, but they too were undoubtedly basking in their joy.
“The cats mainly had fun playing ON the donated items,” Filer noted.
Yet, the most precious gift of that Christmas was still waiting for these animals.
The Greatest Christmas Gift
Before the ARL shared the video of this celebration on their Facebook page, one of the chosen dogs, Zippy, received heartwarming news.
“GREAT NEWS: Remember Zippy? He was ADOPTED yesterday!” they posted on Facebook.
But the good news didn’t stop there. Shortly after the video’s release, ARL provided an update in the comments.
“Update: Snoop, Hemi, Boss, and Luanne have all found homes!”
A few hours later, another comment appeared: “Update: Jango is heading home right now!”
Of all the animals selected, only Frank the cat was still waiting. Though he had to enjoy his simple gift a little longer, he quickly found a loving home as well.
Ultimately, five dogs and two cats enjoyed the most joyful Christmas of their lives, receiving the best gifts they could have ever hoped for.
Indeed, Christmas is a truly magical season!
