Adoptable dogs choose Christmas gifts at the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah, Dec. 25, 2023 | Photo courtesy of Best Friends Animal Society, St. George News

KANAB — Adoptable dogs at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary had a very merry Christmas as the nonprofit animal welfare organization’s Santa Sleigh made its rounds to deliver gifts donated by animal lovers across the country and treats courtesy of Blue Buffalo.

Wagging tails and big smiles were on display as dogs were brought onto the “sleigh” — a Ford Bronco and trailer — to pick out a gift or two and enjoy a treat. Best Friends staff in attendance were equally thrilled to watch the dogs revel in a holiday tradition that started over a decade ago, according to a news release issued by the nonprofit.

“Best Friends likes to give our dogs as many family-like experiences as possible while they’re here, so the Santa Sleigh is very meaningful to our staff. It’s so fun watching the dogs pick an item, which they all do in their own unique way,” said Best Friends’ CEO Julie Castle. “We’re so grateful to everyone who donated items to make Christmas an extra special day at Best Friends.”

The first stop was in Dogtown headquarters, where dozens of dogs romped in the sleigh to select from a pile of ropes, balls, Kongs and more. The rest of the presents were distributed to the 400-plus adoptable dogs at the sanctuary awaiting loving homes, according to the release. The dogs originated from shelters in Utah and nationwide.

Blue Buffalo, which has supported the development of the Best Friends Pet Resource Center in Northwest Arkansas, hopped on board the Santa Sleigh for the first time this year through donations and volunteer efforts, the release states.

“We’re honored to build on our partnership with Best Friends Animal Society by donating treats for their Santa Sleigh tradition,” said Haley Perry, Blue Buffalo’s senior brand experience manager. “Our mission at Blue Buffalo is to love, feed and treat all pets like family, and that’s exactly what Best Friends is doing by ensuring these pups experience some much-deserved holiday joy.”

Best Friends Animal Society encourages anyone who can adopt or foster a pet to do so immediately, as many shelters are full. This especially impacts adult cats and dogs over 40 pounds, the most at-risk population in shelters, the nonprofit writes.

“The holidays are a great time to adopt a dog or cat,” Castle said. “Shelters are full of amazing pets that were once in homes and are eager to be part of a family again. If you can’t commit to adoption, fostering is a wonderful way to give a pet a break from shelter life and help them find a new home in the process.”

Adopters and fosters can help to make America a no-kill country by 2025, which is the goal of Best Friends Animal Society and its more than 4,400 network partners of shelters and rescues.

To find a shelter or rescue near you, visit Best Freinds’ website.

Photo Gallery

Adoptable dogs choose Christmas gifts at the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah, Dec. 25, 2023 | Photo courtesy of Best Friends Animal Society, St. George News

A trailer is filled with gifts for adoptable dogs to choose from at the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah, Dec. 25, 2023 | Photo courtesy of Best Friends Animal Society, St. George News

Adoptable dogs choose Christmas gifts at the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah, Dec. 25, 2023 | Photo courtesy of Best Friends Animal Society, St. George News