Kim Horner of Wilton, CT visited Best Friends Norwalk Pet Resort in November to drop off her six-year-old yellow lab, Parker, for Thanksgiving boarding.

While checking him in, she noticed the "Angel Tree" next to the reception desk. The tree was covered with photos and information about homeless pets in area shelters in need of some holiday cheer. Kim selected a card from the tree, and purchased a bag full of toys and treats for a three-year-old golden named Denver who had been a resident of Adopt-a-Dog's shelter for more than three months.

Kim put the bag under the tree and left on her holiday trip. But she simply couldn't get the photo of the beautiful dog out of her mind. On returning home, she decided to call Adopt-a-Dog. Much to her delight, Denver was still waiting for a home.

Kim took Parker to visit Denver to see if they would be good companions. The two hit it off right away and Denver is spending Christmas and New Year's with his new family.

Kim's selfless act of giving turned into a gift for her. Like many other pet lovers, she was eager to help the many shelters and rescue organizations that care for homeless pets throughout the year.

Best Friends' Angel Tree program, offered at most Best Friends Pet Resorts across the U.S., provides an easy way for pet lovers to donate food, toys, treats and pet supplies to area shelters. For more details about the program, see Holiday Giving for Pet Lovers in this issue of Between Friends.

And to find the location of the Best Friends nearest you, go to the Our Centers section of our website.