The Sweetest Gift

When I was younger, I’d always look forward to birthday & Christmas gifts. What kid doesn’t? As kids, when we’re faced with piles of presents wrapped in pretty paper, of all shapes and sizes, we tend to overlook the little gifts in envelopes. Sometimes it’s a small cheque, sometimes it’s well wishes. It’s almost never as exciting as a big colourful box that could contain just about anything.

Now, in my 27th year, I don’t remember every toy, every trinket, every colourful bit of paper strewn aside. The gifts from my childhood that move me still to this day came from my Grandma Betty. An envelope, usually covered with cat and dog stickers, containing a card. No cheque, just a birthday wish and a little note saying “Dear Jod-Lee: I’ve donated $10 in your name to the SPCA. Love, Grandma-ma Betty”

This Valentines Day, I have the opportunity to continue her tradition. The Owen Sound Animal Shelter is doing a little V-Day fundraising. Give your loved one the gift of a donation to a cat or dog in need. Here are the details from their website:

For a $10.00 dollar donation, you can sponsor a homeless animal who has no one to be their valentine, the proceeds will help keep them well, or go to the spay/neuter fund. This donation can be made via Paypal, at the Shelter, or you can email me [Renee Robins] for directions to mail a cheque. Please make sure you attach the message “for valentines sponsorship”. Please specify if this is in honour of someone or in memory. Letters can be provided if this is a gift for a person loved one, or can be emailed too.

We also have great treat bag valentines for your four legged friend. These are available at the Shelter for $2.00/each. Every penny helps and is appreciated. Your donations will help save lives and ensure more help and love for all.

It’s not a diamond ring, or a romantic dinner, but these little donations mean the world to the animals who benefit from them. And if your sweetie is anything like mine, they’ll be moved by the thoughtfulness and kindness of your gift in years to come.

I’m grateful to this day that my Grandma, who still strolls to the dog park every day to see her friends of fur, has inspired such a love of animals in me.