Paw-some Holiday Keepsakes: Personalized Pet Ornaments Bring Joy to Animal Lovers

In the spirit of the holiday season, Anderson Humane, a South Elgin-based animal shelter, has unveiled a unique and heartwarming gift idea for pet owners. The shelter is offering custom-made ornaments featuring the image of the purchaser's beloved furry friend, laser-etched onto a piece of finished wood. These keepsake ornaments provide a special way to celebrate and memorialize the pets that hold a cherished place in our lives.

Personalized Ornaments Capture the Essence of Your Furry Companions

Celebrating the Unconditional Love of Pets

Anderson Humane's holiday ornament fundraiser is more than just a creative gift idea; it's a way to honor the unwavering bond between humans and their animal companions. "It's a great way to celebrate your animals or to memorialize animals you've lost," said Kimberly Gifford, the shelter's director of special events. The intricate details captured in the laser-etched images ensure that each ornament is a true work of art, preserving the unique personality and features of the pet.

A Heartfelt Gesture to Support Animal Welfare

The ornaments not only make for thoughtful gifts but also serve a greater purpose. All proceeds from the sale of these keepsakes will go directly to supporting the vital work of Anderson Humane, which cares for over 4,000 domestic animals annually. The shelter also oversees the Fox Valley Wildlife Center in Elburn, where they rescue and rehabilitate an additional 3,500 wild animals, including hawks, owls, and small mammals.

A Labor of Love: Crafting the Personalized Ornaments

The creation of these special ornaments is a true labor of love, thanks to the efforts of Anderson Humane employee Janet Mendell and her husband, Jon. The couple, who are starting a new business called Urban Shire Enterprises, have generously offered their time and expertise to make the ornaments for free, donating all the necessary materials. "It's very touching and an unusual opportunity when someone comes to you and says, 'I have this talent and I'm willing to give it to support you,'" Gifford expressed, highlighting the couple's selfless contribution.

The Ornament-Making Process: Capturing the Perfect Pet Portrait

The process of creating the personalized ornaments begins with a high-quality photo of the pet, which the customer submits as part of the order. Jon Mendell, the skilled woodworker, then edits the image to ensure a sharp and detailed print. Using a laser printer, the image is then transferred onto a piece of finished wood, resulting in a stunning keepsake that can be hung or displayed.

A Fundraising Goal to Exceed Expectations

The goal for this holiday fundraiser is to sell 400 ornaments, which would generate ,000 for the shelter. However, the Mendells and the Anderson Humane team are hopeful to exceed this target, as the ornaments have already proven to be wildly popular. "We're thrilled with the response so far, and we hope to keep going along and growing," said Janet Mendell. "My goal is to raise as much money as we can, knowing it's going to save more (animals') lives. The more lives we save, the better."With the holiday season upon us, these personalized pet ornaments offer a unique and heartfelt way to celebrate the furry members of the family. By supporting Anderson Humane's fundraiser, animal lovers can not only cherish their beloved pets but also contribute to the shelter's vital mission of caring for domestic and wild animals in need.