Kitty Christmas, Merry Mutts: An opportunity to make a difference this holiday season

Dec 9, 2023 | 2023 Articles, Animal Rescue Adventures, Pets

by Juan Guitron, Valley Animal Center Content Creator

Valley Animal Center’s holiday celebration, “Kitty Christmas, Merry Mutts,” returns! This annual event seeks to bring community members together to raise both in-kind and monetary donations for the nonprofit no-kill shelter for dogs and cats.

The event will take place at 3934 N. Hayston Ave. in Fresno on December 16 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. A suggested entry fee can be bleach, laundry detergent, antibacterial dish soap, training pads, or any financial contribution.

Donations made to Valley Animal Center this December will allow the organization to care for animals like Fido and Micha. Attending the event is a wonderful opportunity to help animals like them.

Activities include a bake sale, raffle opportunities, food trucks, shopping vendors, open house tours, and live music by Nathan Bryce Fasching and Third Wheel. Photos with Santa will also be available from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Fido’s Story

Fido is an 11-year-old American Pit Bull. He was surrendered to Valley Animal Center in October of 2021 when his family had lost their home and could no longer care for him. Since then, he has called Valley Animal Center his home. He is a very sweet and active dog who loves meeting new people and is adored by all.

“He is very goofy and has puppy energy,” Valley Animal Center Dog Care Associate Jackie Gonzalez said. “Even though he is 11, he’s extremely playful.”

Fido

The reason Fido has struggled in finding a furever home is that he doesn’t interact well with other dogs and cats. When it comes to animals, he can be quite temperamental.

“He is a sweet, misunderstood dog that wants to be loved,” said Gonzalez. “Although reactive at times with other pets, he is loving toward people.”

Fido’s surprising endurance allows him to enjoy hikes and take dips in natural pools of water, making him a great traveling companion for any adventurer. He does suffer from an eye condition called entropion, an inversion or inward turning of the eyelid margin. To date, he has had two corrective surgeries but the condition can still leave him with mild discomfort at times.

Valley Animal Center Animal Care Adoption Supervisor Ruben Cantu recommends that adopters do their research before adopting Fido to avoid any confusion on the kind of care he needs.

“It is a common issue with bully breeds,” said Cantu. “Fortunately, eye ornaments are typically not expensive as far as medication goes.”

Fido is a great dog and deserves a chance at a happy home. Even though he needs to be the only pet in the household, he does not necessarily need a quiet environment. He is an old man ready to learn new tricks and embark on his new adventure!

Micha’s Story

Micha is a young long-term adoptable who also struggles to find a home. She was welcomed by Valley Animal Center in April with a litter of eight kittens. Despite being distant and protective of her babies at first, she soon grew to trust the cat care staff. Soon, her babies found loving homes, and now she is the only one left searching.

Micha

“She is one of the last of our moms left this kitten season,” Valley Animal Center Cat Care Specialist Anjannete Mendoza said. “That is usually not the case. They are often the first to go to a furever home.”

Being older and reserved, Micha can be often overlooked by adopters seeking to adopt younger, more energetic cats.

“She hasn’t had her chance to shine,” said Mendoza. “She won’t be able to show off her personality until the adoption rooms thin out a bit.”

Micha is a quiet and affectionate cat who will need a calm environment where she can grow comfortable enough to be herself. If given a chance, she can be the most loving cat anyone will ever meet. She loves being outdoors in the catios at Valley Animal Center, does well with other cats, and will take breaks when things get too exciting.

“Hopefully,” Mendoza said, “highlighting her will inspire people to give her a chance. When it comes to moms, they just need patience and they will be a relaxing presence in your home.”

Donate Today

While Fido and Micha wait for loving homes to take them in, Valley Animal Center will continue to provide for them and the hundreds of other homeless dogs and cats in their care. If you are eager to make a difference this holiday season, attend “Kitty Christmas, Merry Mutts.” Those who seek to make a general donation to their Year-End fundraising campaign, may do so at
app.donorview.com/8rOWq.

Check out more animal rescue stories in our Pet Perspective section & watch for more stories from Valley Animal Center every month, and we would love to have you join our KRL Pets Facebook group.