Santa Paws, Born and raised in Desert Ridge
Contributed by Robert Reichstein
Communications Chairman
Four years ago, The Santa Paws Project was conceived by Desert Ridge residents Marcie and Rob Reichstein. The Reichstein’s, long time pet lovers who help raise funds for accredited 501 C3 rescues, realized there was no organized program to make the holiday season a little nicer for shelter pets.
Shelter pets do feel the excitement in the shelters around the holiday season. They feed off of the vibe by visitors and volunteers. But for the dogs and cats housed in a shelter, it ends with just another night on a cold hard floor. But what if on one night they received a toy to cherish and call their own? It’s a simple, inexpensive gesture for pets that find themselves hoping for a family of their own. The Reichstein’s contacted Melissa Gable at Maricopa County Animal Care and Control to test this idea. Melissa’s response was a decisive “that would be incredible. And so, The Santa Paws Project was launched.
In that first year, SPP collected about 400 toys. All turned over to Melissa at MCCACC. The toys are handed out to the pets in residence as part of the MCCACC holiday party celebration. Over the next three years The Desert Ridge Community Association, Aviano, Fireside, Toscana, The Pet Club, Petsen$e, Berkshire Hathaway Home services, and Phoenix Dog magazine, came to their rescue (pun intended) offering, collection locations, promotions, and emotional support. Last year collections exceeded 3,000 new dog and cat toys; all turned over to Maricopa County Animal Care and Control. This year Additional shelters such as Foothills Animal Rescue will be recipients of toys.
The goal this year is 3,500 toys, enough to provide a toy to at least every dog and cat in residence at MCCACC, Foot Hills Rescue, and as many shelters as they are able.
Collections boxes will be placed in Aviano, Toscana, Fireside community centers, the Desert Ridge Community center office, as well as The Pet Club stores. Collections will be between November 19th, and December 16th. For more information see the FB page The Santa Paws Project or www.TheSantaPawsProject.org.
