Enfield
“We like to get people here and it’s kind of like a friend-making event,” said Carrie Hamel, donor relations associate at the humane society.
Those friendships include animal and human alike: This year, there will be bunnies and guinea pigs for attendees to pet. Other four-legged friends may also stop by.
Three years ago, the humane society resurrected the family friendly event which last year drew more than 100 people. The activities at the celebration center around helping animals, including making toys for dogs and cats.
“They can either bring them home, or if they don’t have pets they can donate them to the shelter animals,” Hamel said.
Attendees can also make rice warmers which “help animals after surgery and they’re comforting,” Hamel said. “We use those a lot here.”
There will also be baked goods and a visit from Santa.
While the event is free, people are welcome to bring food donations to place under the humane society’s tree, purchase an item off the nonprofit’s wishlist or make a monetary donation. There will also be opportunities to meet the pets currently in residence who would love to have a permanent home for the holidays.
One of Hamel’s favorite parts of the event is watching children interact with the animals. She recalled a story of a girl who had been hesitant about petting a bunny. Hamel helped the girl get over her fear and watched a new human/animal connection be formed.
“Stuff like that makes my day. It’s so sweet,” Hamel said. “Seeing these kids and their huge smiles, especially when they meet the animals.”
Editor’s note: The Upper Valley Humane Society is located at 300 Old Route 10 in Enfield. For more information, vist https://uvhs.org/ or call 603-448-6888. Liz Sauchelli can be reached at esauchelli@vnews.com or 603-727-3221.
