Holiday Happenings at PVH and Beyond

Pet-Themed Holiday Happenings in York County, PA

                'Tis the season of giving and, just as we have for the past eleven years, Patton Veterinary Hospital is giving back to the community along with your help by hosting the 12^th annual Pet Meals on Wheels benefiting members of the Golden Connections Community Center (Red Lion Senior Center) by collecting new pet toys, beds and other items as well as food, treats and cat litter.  Monetary donations are also welcome and will be used to purchase any additional items needed to give senior center members’ pets a fantastic Christmas!  We are collecting donations at PVH through December 20^th so we can deliver the items before Christmas.  Thanks to all who participate in this wonderful event!

                This year, we are also rolling out “Deck the Halls of PVH," proceeds of which will also go to Pet Meals on Wheels.  For $1.00, you can have your pet’s picture placed on a paper Christmas lightbulb, strings of which will be hung in our lobby and hallways.  This is a great way to honor or remember a special pet this holiday and we love seeing all those furry faces decorating Patton Veterinary Hospita!

                Other area shelters and organizations are holding pet-themed events in December.  Have your pet’s photo taken with Santa at the York County SPCA on Saturday December 2^nd and 9^th from 10AM-4PM or, if you are looking to adopt a rabbit, the YCSPCA will be holding a “Holiday Bunny Mixer” Saturday December 16^th from 10-4.  The SPCA also has a gift shop for purchasing ornaments and other pet-related items for the animal lovers on your gift list.  Animal Rescue in New Freedom is having a Holiday Party Friday December 1^st from 7 pm to 11 pm at the Hillendale Country Club (13700 Blenheim Road, Phoenix, MD 21131) to benefit their building fund. Animal Rescue also has a Peace Tree on which one can hang a card in memorial or honor of a loved one.  The tree decorates their office during the month of December and early January. Learn more by e-mailing [email protected] . Consider giving a much needed item or making a donation to these or another favorite local animal rescue organization this Christmas. 

      And remember, it is okay to adopt a pet for the holidays, but it is not recommended to surprise someone with a pet as a present unless you have thoroughly discussed it first.  Giving someone a pet may seem like a great idea, but in reality, a pet may be an unwelcome or unwanted addition, and you don’t want your well-intentioned present to be a burden or to end up in a shelter.  Please think it through and make sure you or your loved ones are really ready to take on the work and responsibility of adopting a pet before you allow those cute puppy eyes or furry kitty face to tug on your heartstrings.  While it is a wonderful thing to give a pet in need a forever home for the holidays, pets should never be an impulse buy. 

      Back to events!  The annual Christmas Magic display at Rocky Ridge allows pets to walk with their owners through the thousands of lights on display this Wednesday, November 29^th.  This is the only night that pets are allowed into the event (service animals are always welcome) and you can have your pet’s picture taken with Santa for a donation of $7 in a fundraiser conducted by Friends of Canine Meadows.

                We hope you will consider enjoying some of these Christmas events with your pets and giving back to our community if you can.  Here’s wishing everyone a blessed and beautiful 2017 holiday season!  This blog brought to you by the Patton Veterinary Hospital serving Red Lion, York and the surrounding communities.