The dogs at the Citrus County Animal Shelter (CCAS) will be treated to a taste of the holiday spirit this week.

Citrus County Animal Services Volunteers Share a Taste of the Holiday with Shelter Pets

Citrus County Foundation for Animal Protection (CCFAP) board members and volunteers will join to provide a delicious meal of turkey and vegetables to the shelter dogs on Thursday, November 25, 2021. They plan to meet with other shelter volunteers at CCAS to make sure that every dog gets to have fun, exercise, and a traditional Thanksgiving dish.

“CCFAP board members started this practice last year and have decided to continue with the tradition,” said Wanda Moak, president of the CCFAP. “The volunteers coming in on Thanksgiving morning will conduct a large ‘pack walk’ to make sure that the dogs get well exercised and have their social needs met before they settle in for a nice dinner.”

Volunteers have provided roasted turkeys (breast meat only — no risk of bones), diced baked potatoes, mixed vegetables, and turkey broth, which were frozen into silicone freezer molds. All in all, 80 meals were prepared. On Thanksgiving morning, after the dogs have been walked and are back in their kennels, volunteers will deliver their meals so that they can enjoy a taste of the holiday. They also plan to bring some turkey-flavored treats for the shelter’s feline friends.

“We are so grateful for CCFAP and our volunteers who always go above and beyond for all the pets in our care. Animals housed at CCAS are provided with enrichment daily; however, this is extra special enrichment for those who are not in a home for the holidays,” said Colleen Yarbrough, Director of Animal Services.

While volunteers will be at the shelter, CCAS will be closed to the public on Thursday, November 25, 2021, and Friday, November 26, 2021. Normal hours of operation will resume Saturday, November 27, 2021.

A special thanks goes out to all the volunteers, fosters, and community partners like CCFAP who support CCAS throughout the year. If you have any questions about CCAS, please call (352) 746-8400.