Dogs at Utah animal sanctuary enjoy annual Christmas tradition with toy-filled sleigh

KANAB, Utah (KUTV) — Adoptable dogs at an animal sanctuary in Southern Utah enjoyed an annual tradition of choosing their own toys for Christmas.

Gifts were donated from around the country to Best Friends Animal Society in Kanab for their "Santa Sleigh" event.

The tradition began over 10 years ago and allows dogs to enjoy toys and a treat.

MORE: Utah organization provides unsheltered pet owners with pet food, toys on Christmas Eve

“Best Friends likes to give our dogs as many family-like experiences as possible while they’re here, so the Santa Sleigh is very meaningful to our staff. It's so fun watching the dogs pick an item, which they all do in their own unique way,” said Julie Castle, CEO of Best Friends Animal Society. “We’re so grateful to everyone who donated items to make Christmas an extra special day at Best Friends.”

Organizers said dozens of dogs romped through the pile of toys —which ranged from ropes, balls and more — to choose their own. The rest of the presents were distributed to the over 400 adoptable dogs at the sanctuary.

They said the dogs came from shelters around Utah and around the country.

Blue Buffalo, a pet food company, donated a pallet of treats for the event. It's the first year they've been involved in the Santa Sleigh.

“We’re honored to build on our partnership with Best Friends Animal Society by donating treats for their Santa Sleigh tradition,” said Haley Perry, senior brand experience manager with Blue Buffalo. “Our mission at Blue Buffalo is to love, feed and treat all pets like family, and that’s exactly what Best Friends is doing by ensuring these pups experience some much-deserved holiday joy.”

Best Friends Animal Society members said many shelters are currently full.

“The holidays are a great time to adopt a dog or cat. Shelters are full of amazing pets that were once in homes and are eager to be part of a family again,” Castle said. “If you can’t commit to adoption, fostering is a wonderful way to give a pet a break from shelter life and help them find a new home in the process.”