CITY OF TALLAHASSEE NEWS RELEASE:

In the spirit of giving, the Tallahassee-Leon Community Animal Service Center (ASC) is once again encouraging animal lovers to play Santa Paws by donating items through its annual Animal Angel Tree.

The Animal Angel Tree is on display at the Animal Service Center and Forest Meadows Tennis Complex through December 31. Donations will benefit various Animal Shelter Foundation (ASF) programs and ASC needs. The ASF is a 501c3 organization, and all donations are tax deductible.

Again this year, Esposito’s Garden Center is sponsoring the tree. It has been decorated with four-legged ornaments and paw-shaped cards providing information about needy dogs, cats and sought after shelter supplies. Customers are invited to select an ornament and donate money toward gifts or to fund animal handling supplies and surgical procedures/supplies to aid the 400+ animals housed at the ASC.

Some of the Animal Angel Tree items include:

· Dog and Cat Spays/Neuters, $50 and $25, respectively

· Kitten/Cat traps, $35 and $75, respectively

· Control Poles, $75

· UTOPIA Dog treats, $2

· Dog Houses, $80

· Canned Cat and Dog Food, $10 and $25, respectively

· Kitten/Puppy Formula, $10 each

Surgical Gowns, $20 each
Flea Treatment, $50
Clickers for Dog Training, $10 for 10
Last year, the Animal Angel Tree raised over $6,300 toward items on the tree. This year, the ASC hopes to meet and exceed that amount. Traditionally though, donations tend to decline for the Center during the holiday season. Since fewer animals find homes around this time, many shelters, including ours, are at capacity and in need of donations now more than ever.

Also, if you’re considering adding a furry friend to your family this holiday season, swing by the ASC. Dog or cat; young or old; brown, golden, spotted or striped, all ASC pets have a lot of love to give and look extra cute with a bow. What a present that would be under the tree!

The ASC is operated and maintained by the City’s Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Affairs Department. For more information, including how citizens may pick up a current “Wish List” or to find out about pets available for adoption, please visit the City’s website at Talgov.com.