The Welfare for Animals Guild (WAG) recently received an outpouring of support for their Holiday “Giving Trees” placed throughout the community in December.

The trees were decorated with handmade ornaments with a picture of a WAG dog on the front side, and the dog’s wish list on the back side. A donor could pick their favorite WAG dog, buy one of the items the dog needed, and bring the item and ornament to one of several drop-off locations.

Welfare for Animals Guild president Barb Brabant, left, and Sauni Holt of Sequim Middle School display donations for WAG dogs at the guild’s Halfway Home Ranch. Submitted photo

Trees were placed at Sound Community Bank, Kitsap Bank and 1st Security Bank at Sequim and Port Angeles branches. Best Friends Nutrition-Natural Pet Market, Sequim Middle School and Linda Allen’s children’s class at Sequim Martial Arts School also collected items.

Welfare for Animals Guild president Barb Brabant (with Champ), pictured with Tyrone Beatty of 1st Security Bank, picks up donations from a Giving Tree at the bank. Submitted photo

Gifts included dog toys, chews toys, teats, blankets, etc. packaged with love and kindness, spread beneath the trees, gave such joy to everyone involved.

“The response was heartwarming,” WAG president Barb Brabant said. “We are so grateful to our community for their generous support, especially in this difficult year. They have given us carloads of toys, treats and wonderful needed supplies that will last us well into the new year.”

A resident at Welfare for Animals Guild’s Halfway Home Ranch gets a look at recently donated items. Submitted photo

WAG representatives said they are thankful to all who contributed to the event as well as Giving Tree hosts.

WAG president Barb Brabant (back row, left) and Mel Marshall (with WAG dog Veronica) join a group of members of Bodystrong Tae Kwon-Do Academy in Sequim. Bodystrong youths donated a number of items to the WAG animals this holiday season. Submitted photo