Santa Paws Benefits the Animal Shelter and Children

Several San Angelo moms brought their kiddos to the Stephens Library downtown Thursday morning for Santa Paws, an event to benefit the Animal Shelter and where children got to interact with rescue dog Harley while singing songs and listening to books read by children’s librarian, Sally Meyers.

Meyers is the mastermind behind the event and stated, “When we were thinking about scheduling Santa Clause, I said instead ‘Let’s do Santa Paws and do a worthwhile cause.’” She added that her intentions behind the idea were to get children focused on giving rather than receiving.

The kids and parents who attended brought gifts for the animals, such as toys and food for the animals at the shelter. Overall, Meyers deemed the event a success.

“We have a lot of dog dishes,” she said. “We have some dog food, harnesses, collars, and leashes. I think they will be appreciative.”

The animals are not the only ones reaping the benefits of Santa Paws. The children who came got to not only enjoy music from San Angelo Symphony member Ellen Myer, but they also got to pet and play with golden Labrador Harley and learn the proper way to interact with animals.

“I think the kids realize that the animals are a part of our life and it comes with responsibility; if we don’t teach kids responsibility when they’re young, they won’t just pick it up,” said Meyers.

While this was the last Santa Paws event for Stephens Library this year, the North Branch Library will be hosting the event this Saturday at 2 p.m.

Attendees are encouraged to bring gifts for the animals, such as collars, leashes, and stainless steel bowls, which will all be donated to the animal shelter.