During the Christmas season, people’s thoughts turn to helping others. But what about the animals?

It can be a magic time for them, too, as some pampered pets even get to open gifts. The homeless animals at area shelters especially depend on donations from generous folks during the holidays.

Both the Humane Society of Danville and the Vermilion County Animal Shelter appreciate donations of items or money to help take the strain off their tight budgets.

JoAnn Adams, director of the Danville shelter at Collett and Voorhees, said the facility could use donations of dog and cat food, kitty litter, old newspapers, cleaning supplies, and old towels or wash rags.

Of course, the best gift is to adopt a dog or cat into a loving home.

The county shelter on the Catlin-Tilton Road can use the same items, especially cleaning items such as laundry soap, bleach and paper towels. Donations of pet taxis would be appreciated, too, so volunteers can take animals to be spayed or neutered, Interim Director Pete Smith said. Also, volunteers use the carriers to take animals to the Village Mall, where dogs and cats are up for adoption on Saturdays.

If you want to buy a new one and donate it, go to http://www.Petsmart.com and click on cat carriers or dog carriers. All sizes are needed. They also can be bought locally at Wal-Mart, Tractor Supply, or Big R stores.

Used ones in good condition will be accepted, too.

Contact Nancy Gulick at 474-9177 or the shelter at 431-2660 for more information.

Smith said, “The community has been very generous, not only in Vermilion County but also Iroquois County.”

Students at Milford Grade School recently donated more than 1,000 items and more than $500 to the shelter.

Smith said he and the staff appreciate the donations from businesses, as well as individuals.

“It shows the kind heart they have for the homeless animals,” he said.

Individuals and groups often have drives this time of year to help the animals.

For example, employees at Stateline Hillcrest Animal Hospital, 3361 Lynch Court, are organizing a drive to help the county shelter.

People may drop off donations at Stateline, as well as Danville Small Animal Clinic, 1772 Georgetown Road in Tilton, and Vermilion Hillcrest Animal Hospital, 2722 N. Vermilion St.

Donations are being accepted now through Dec. 30.

Another way to help is to donate a small dog house to a feral cat colony.

A group of nurses at the Carle Surgery Center on Vermilion is feeding a feral cat colony, made up of about eight cats, and the houses would provide shelter. Also, any donations of food would be appreciated.

Call Cindy Nygren at 446-5597, and leave a message.

Nygren also would accept donations of dry cat food, which she would share with the Ray of Hope cat rescue group and individuals taking care of feral cats.

Finally, just a note of thanks to the city and county animal control officers who have a difficult — and often, unappreciated — job is always welcomed.

LISTEN CLOSELY

Marny Williams of Bismarck, a former officer at the county shelter, said the public does not know what these people go through on a daily basis.

“It really would brighten my day when a letter came into the shelter, thanking the staff or writing of the pleasure an adopted animal had brought into their lives,” said Williams, who has adopted five dogs from the shelter.

With Christmas around the corner, Williams also wanted to share a folklore story, which she heard from her father when she was little.

When she was an officer, Williams would visit schools and she always told students the story.

The story goes: On Christmas Eve at midnight, animals are given the power of speech for one hour. God was so grateful for their help in comforting baby Jesus that he gave them voices for a short time so they could tell him of their blessings or misery. So, you should always do well by your animals, lest God punish you, according to the legend.

There is a Christmas song called, “The Friendly Beasts” (carol of the animals); Garth Brooks sang one version. Also, Thomas Hardy refers to the legend in his poem “The Oxen.”

Whether you believe the story or not, this is a good time to stop and think: What would your animals say if they could speak?

If you would like to have your pet featured in this column, contact Mary Wicoff at 477-5161, send an e-mail to mwicoff@dancomnews.com or write to Commercial-News, 17 W. North, Danville, IL 61832.