Best Friends’ free adoption event to bring warm, fuzzy feelings, help public beat holiday blues

In this undated file photo, Scratch jumps into “Santa’s sleigh” on Christmas at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah, undated | Photo by Photo by Molly Wald, Best Friends Animal Society, St. George News

ST. GEORGE — The holiday season should be joyful, merry and bright. But for some, the family get-togethers, holiday parties, and increased financial responsibilities exacerbate feelings of sadness, loneliness, depression and anxiety.

In this file photo, a puppy from the latest litter of service dogs-in-training at Loving Angel Service Dogs shows holiday cheer, St. George, Utah, undated | Photo courtesy of Loving Angel Service Dogs, St. George News

One way to combat the isolation and increased depression that many people may experience during what’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year is to consider adopting or fostering a pet in need, according to a news release issued Monday by Best Friends Animal Society, a leading animal welfare organization working to end the killing of cats and dogs in America’s shelters by 2025.

“Dogs didn’t get the title man’s best friend for nothing,” Best Friends Animal Society CEO Julie Castle said in the news release. “Dogs and cats are incredible companions, and they really have a positive impact on our overall mental health. These loving creatures can help reduce stress and feelings of loneliness and isolation not only during the holiday season, but all year-round.”

Studies have also shown that eye contact with your dog can release oxytocin – known as the love hormone- which can relieve both anxiety and depression. Additionally, simply being around pets can lower cortisol, which in turn, helps reduce feelings of stress, which can be amplified around the holidays.

National data trends show that 2022 has been a tough year for shelters. Across the country, shelters are struggling with higher intake, while adoptions, fosters and rescues are not keeping pace.

In this file photo, Petunia shows off her Christmas spirit at Lovin’ Arms Pet Center in St. George, Utah, December 2017 | Photo courtesy of P.A.W.S., St. George News

This has led to a population imbalance, with more animals in shelters staying for longer periods, and causing increased strain on shelter staff. Unfortunately, that has brought about the current crisis of most U.S. shelters being at or over capacity, resulting in pets being more at risk for being killed due to lack of space.

“If you are unable to adopt or foster at this time, please consider volunteering with your local animal rescue group or shelter,” Castle said. “And, you never know, you may just fall in love and bring home your very own pet just in time for the holidays.”

To help adopters bring a new dog or cat home this holiday season, Embrace Pet Insurance is covering adoption fees at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab through Dec. 31. Pets at Best Friends are fixed, vaccinated, microchipped and ready to go home.

Preview adoptable pets at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary online. You can meet adoptable animals every day at the sanctuary’s adoption hub located on Rhonda Road in Puppy Preschool from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Free holiday adoption event 

Meet your new best friend just in time for the holidays at Best Friends’ holiday adoption event this Saturday, Nov. 10, from 1-4 p.m.

There will be kittens, cats, dogs, bunnies, guinea pigs and more, all free to adopt, thanks to a sponsorship from Embrace Pet Insurance. Every pet is fixed, vaccinated, microchipped and ready to go home with you.

This family-friendly event, held at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, 5001 Angel Canyon Road, also will feature a visit with Santa, hot cocoa bar and swag bags for all adopters.

Once at the sanctuary, go to Puppy Preschool on Rhonda Road. For directions or additional information, visit this website, call 435-688-2723 or email adoptions@bestfriends.org.

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