Skip to main content

Video of shelter dogs picking out Christmas gifts is the holiday cheer we all need

We can't get enough of this video of shelter dogs choosing presents

There are so many pups all over the world who will be spending Christmas in shelters instead of in loving homes where they belong. But that doesn’t mean we can’t give them a little holiday cheer. One incredible organization from across the pond, Dogs Trust Ireland, wanted to make sure that the holiday season was extra special for the shelter dogs in its care.

Dogs Trust Ireland is the country’s largest dog welfare charity, and the staff commits itself to rescuing, rehoming, and rehabilitating dogs. According to the website, it currently has 137 adoptable pups looking for their forever families.

Recommended Videos

When you see what they did for the sweet animals in its care last Christmas, you just might need to grab the tissue box. Get a load of this video, where the staff set out Christmas gifts for the dogs to choose from, and each pup got their turn to pick out what they liked best. They call it “Santa Paws Day.”

It’s #SantaPawsDay – the day all our dogs get to pick their Christmas gift! Sadly, we couldn’t fit them all in, but we hope the pure joy of the ones we did makes you smile!
To all our supporters and everyone who sent a gift, thank you! We hope you have a very Merry Christmas! ? pic.twitter.com/lFR7LNdvZG

— Dogs Trust Ireland (@DogsTrust_IE) December 21, 2021

Could this be any more heartwarming? Seeing those pups run into the room with excitement, bouncing from toy to toy to find the perfect one is the dose of holiday cheer we all need right now. (How precious was Chase, all happy with his tongue hanging out? OMG.)

It’s no surprise that the video has over 3.4 million views and counting, and not surprisingly, Twitter users can’t get enough of it. Here are a few of their reactions.

Commenter @judee said, “It’s so lovely that they get to choose their toys!” @TheGer85305145 replied with, “I love this! Thank you for sharing! Such happy dogs,” while @DoBetterDD chimed in with, “Pure joy. Thanks for all your hard work in 2021.”

But it’s perhaps this reply from @bluredfrank that sums up how we’re all feeling about it:

pic.twitter.com/YXnSsaquMl

— Flank. (@blurredfrank) December 21, 2021

How you can help give shelter dogs Christmas gifts

Dogs Trust Ireland offers plenty of different ways that people can support the cause and these animals, from fundraising to volunteering to corporate sponsorship. And based on this video and how many gifts supporters sent in last year, it’s clear that plenty of people are passionate about the mission, too.

No matter where you live, this is the perfect time of year to think about giving back and helping local shelters in your area. Whether it’s volunteering to walk the dogs, donating toys, food, and supplies, or giving a monetary donation, no amount of help is too little. You can find local pet charities in your area here. While it’s upsetting to think about how many animals are still waiting to be adopted, there’s comfort in knowing there are so many good people out there who are doing their part to make a difference in their lives.

Topics
Mary Hawkins
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Mary is a writer and editor who has been in the online space since 2009 when she started her former-and-once-very-popular…
Why is my dog whining? 6 reasons and how to stop it
Check out the possible causes of this behavior
Sad dog resting his head near a shoe

Let’s be honest: No matter how much we love our fur babies, living with a dog that's a whiner can drive you crazy. Whining can be irritating, heartbreaking, and even anxiety-inducing for owners. Whether it's distracting you from work, making you sad to leave the house, or making you worry that something is wrong with your dog, figuring out why your dog is whining and what you can do about it is important.

No matter how disruptive it is, always remember that whining is a form of canine communication, say training experts at the ASPCA. The key is to properly interpret the noise and figure out how to work with them on it, to try to answer the question, "Why is my dog whining?"
Whining may seem like a random behavior, but it has causes

Read more
Did dogs evolve from wolves? The fascinating history behind your beloved pet
There's a reason your sweet pup no longer resembles their ferocious cousin
A wolf in the forest surrounded by colorful leaves

When you look into the eyes of your best furry friend, obediently waiting for their treat, it can shock you to remember that these beasties came from wild wolves. Once you start to dive into the history of canines, you uncover a fascinating series of events, complete with twists and turns.

Over the course of thousands of years, we've domesticated these animals (or possibly they domesticated themselves) until they turned into the pup pups who live alongside of us now. But the question remains, "Did dogs evolve from wolves?" We'll walk you through their evolution and what it means for your pet today.
Did dogs evolve from wolves?

Read more
What dogs have webbed feet? These breeds were made for swimming
Do all dogs have webbed feet? How to tell if a dog is built for swimming
Senior golden retriever standing in lake water

As the days become warmer and longer, more and more public beaches are open for the season. Families, couples, and even dogs enjoy visiting local shorelines, but some dog owners are surprised to see how easily their furry friends take to the water. Not all dogs love swimming or even getting near the water, but others are quite literally bred to swim and work on the shore. These unique and varied dog breeds even have webbed feet!
But how can you know what dogs have webbed feet? Let's dive into the breeds that are built for swimming. This group is more diverse than you may have guessed, but no matter how different they are, they share one special physical trait in common. They can take to the water like pros, from the top of their heads to the bottom of their webbed feet.

Do all dogs have webbed feet?

Read more