Deck The Howls 2019

More than 50 young animal advocates joined us at our Macklind Avenue Headquarters for our fifth annual Deck the Howls event! This PAWsome celebration gives kids the opportunity to share some holiday cheer with the dogs, cats and critters in our care.

Kids got to read stories to the animals and made a variety of crafts. They also got to meet Gertie the pig, decorated cookies for the dogs and enjoyed hot cocoa and treats in their coziest pajamas.

“The Deck the Howls experience is pure magic,” said JoEllyn Klepacki, Director of Education at HSMO. “This annual holiday celebration shines a light on the connection and unconditional love between the children and the homeless animals who are comforted by their kindness.”

Since its inception in 2015, Deck the Howls has spread from St. Louis to other shelters in Missouri and even across the country! Shelters from Hawaii to Rhode Island held their own Deck the Howls events this year.

We are so grateful to our many partners and volunteers who help make this event a success. Special thanks to Treats Unleashed, St. Louis County Library and Glamorous Miss Gertie for their continued support!

We can’t wait until next year!