Join in Trimming the Community’s Holiday FUR Trees

This article was featured in WYDaily on 12/6/24

Greater Williamsburg is glowing with the magic of the holidays, as twinkling lights, festive decorations, and a warm community spirit bring the season to life. This holiday season, animal welfare supporters have a festive opportunity to let their love for furry friends shine bright! The Heritage Humane Society invites the community to join in the spirit by dedicating a bow on their beloved Holiday Fur Tree. It’s a heartwarming way to honor or remember cherished pets and pet lovers while spreading joy and supporting a lifesaving mission that impacts lives right here in the community.

Deck the Holiday Fur Tree with love

The Holiday Fur Tree bows are gifts that give back. Participating in this holiday tradition is simple and meaningful. Choose from two festive bow options:

Small bows: $15 each
Large bows: $30 each

Each bow can be inscribed with up to three names and dedicated to beloved pets (past or present), devoted pet lovers or adoptable animals awaiting their forever homes.

Businesses and organizations can join in spreading the holiday cheer by becoming a Fur Tree Sponsor. Each sponsorship includes:

10 large, customizable bows.
A visit from an adorable adoptable dog to that business or organization.
Recognition on the Heritage Humane Society’s website and Facebook page, along with sponsor signage.

How to order the 2024 bows

There are two options to choose from for ordering bows:

Order online through the Heritage Humane Society website on the Holiday Fur Tree page.
Complete a Fur Tree Form and drop it off, mail it to 430 Waller Mill Rd., or email it to [email protected].

Bright new twists this year

This year’s Holiday Fur Trees are glowing with added holiday magic! Located in front of The Heritage Humane Society by its memorial brick garden, the trees are illuminated with sparkling lights for the very first time, making every bow dedication shine even brighter. The trees were unveiled on Nov. 30 and will remain up through the New Year for all to enjoy.

A gift of community spirit

This festive tradition is made possible through the generosity of community partners:

Homestead Garden Center donates the beautiful trees.
Williamsburg Floral & Paradise Plants supplies the stunning bows.
The shelter’s dedicated HHS Auxiliary carefully hand-inscribes each bow, ensuring every tribute is personal and heartfelt.

More ways to celebrate the season

In addition to the Holiday Fur Tree tradition, the shelter has additional opportunities both at the shelter and in the community to join in the joy. Visit the Williamsburg Christmas Market on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., where HHS Auxiliary volunteers will sell festive holiday items, including the shelter’s famous Neuter Nuts, a collaboration with Virginia Dinner.

Gift shoppers can stop in The Heritage Humane Society’s ReTAIL Store located at the shelter’s Adoption Center. The shop features a variety of pet gear, food, the popular line of Neuter Nuts and accompanying selections, shelter merchandise and gifts for pet lovers.

For those looking to give animal-loving kids an immersive experience, registration is open for this season’s Winter Break Animal Camp.

Ready to be adopted for the holidays

210 dogs, cats and small pets are currently in the shelter’s care. Adoptable pets are available to meet during The Heritage Humane Society’s visiting and adopting hours from noon to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.

To learn more, visit HeritageHumane.org, call 757-221-0150, or visit The Heritage Humane Society located at 430 Waller Mill Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185.