12 Strays of Christmas: Finding Animals a Home
Dating back to December of 2010, many animal adoption centers started the campaign of the “12 Strays of Christmas.” This campaign, which is a word play on the popular “12 Days of Christmas” song, is used to find many stray dogs, cats, and other small animals a home in time for the holidays.
Even though the name says 12 Strays of Christmas, this campaign actually lasts a month, from late November to late December. Each day, this campaign highlights a different animal or group of animals. They share the animals’ stories, personalities, and most importantly, their need for a loving home.
Usually, during the holidays, many animals are abandoned. This makes many animal shelters overcrowded with limited resources. By sharing unique, individual stories, this campaign encourages people to adopt animals in need as a life-changing gift.
In addition to promoting adoption, the 12 Strays of Christmas campaign supports fundraising efforts for shelters and rescue organizations. Donations are used to provide food, medical care, vaccinations, and warm shelter for animals during the coldest season of the year. Many campaigns also offer reduced adoption fees in order to get these animals a home.
“As someone who has a cat myself, adopting animals is important in my eyes as all animals deserve to find a loving home with owners who would love and provide for them,” said sophomore Isaiah Pierre.
This campaign has seen major success in the past couple of years. A famous success story is the story of Cleopatra. Cleopatra was a resilient dog who, thanks to the campaign, found a home in Canada.
When Cleopatra was found, she had her two front legs broken. Due to the severity of the injuries, she needed a double amputation. During recovery, Cleopatra displayed immense strength during her struggles and pain, along with keeping her sweet nature. The campaign allowed Cleopatra to find a home with other furry friends in Canada.
People across the world can help with this campaign, even if they do not adopt a pet. For starters, they can donate to the campaign. Donations don’t have to be specifically money. Donations can also be supplies like food, blankets, toys, or anything that animals in need may need.
Volunteering for these shelters and organizations would also help the cause. These volunteer works can include walking, cleaning, and feeding animals. Volunteering can also be done in administrative tasks. These tasks can include posting on social media to promote the campaign, working to collect data, and welcoming visitors.
For example, local shelters that participate in this event are Humane Society of Greater Miami and Miami Animal Rescue. Also, shelters like Miami-Dade Animal Services Pet Adoption and Protection Center allow for volunteering even for kids under 18.
“High schoolers can help the animals in all shelters by funding supplies like food, water, and shelter. They can also help by providing the medical attention that they need,” said sophomore Akish Dieudonne.
Not only does this campaign help animals now, but it also helps animals in the future. The campaigns raise awareness, which makes people volunteer, donate, and foster animals after the holidays. This campaign is great for all animals worldwide, year-round.
