LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The 86th Flying Training Squadron Booster Club partnered with a local animal shelter, A Pet’s Wish, to organize a charity event at the Laughlin Branch Exchange, July 11.
A Pet’s Wish is a local shelter that aims to help and re-home stray animals. Its mission is something that Katrina Dennis, president and founder of the 140 count animal shelter, lives for.
“We not only rescue and re-home abandoned and abused animals,” said Dennis. “We educate the public on the importance of spay/neuter and microchipping [for] animals.”
“Christmas in July” is an event designed to raise pet supplies for the animals at A Pet’s Wish. U.S. Air Force Capt. Christopher Tobiere, 86th FTS Booster Club president, and project leader started this initiative with his wife, Kaitlyn Tobiere, as a way for animal lovers to help local shelter pets.
“Me and my wife help volunteer at the shelter in Del Rio,” said Tobiere. “We’ve gone a couple weekends and always see the pets in need. The shelter always needs supplies, and we really wanted to help.”
Tobiere, who owns a Papilla mix, says it’s a way for him to give back to pets who have been abandoned.
“Every one of these animals are in need in some aspect,” said Tobiere. “They don’t have the household or the means of getting anything, so if we can get [these pets’] toys or food to help them get established in the community that’s the most important thing.”
The event is needed and well appreciated by the Del Rio community.
“We are happy to get the chance to meet the wonderful people on base who take the time to support, volunteer, foster and donate to help groups like us in the community,” said Dennis. “We are so grateful for this program because it helps us with much needed supplies that benefit the animals we rescue in so many ways.”
Donated items will be collected until August 15. Donors are instructed to place their charitable items under the tree at the Base Exchange.