Fishkill, N.Y. - Dec. 8, 2009 - Even the animals get to enjoy the holidays at Elant at Fishkill!

The non-profit organization recently hosted a “Pet Photos With Santa” event in the Main Lounge, where pet owners could bring in their animals to enjoy a “meet & greet” with Santa and get a framed photo in return. All proceeds benefited the Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF), a no-kill animal shelter on Simmons Lane in Beacon.

“We recognized that the shelter could really use the help, and the residents absolutely loved having the different breeds of dogs visit,” said Elant at Fishkill &Wappingers Falls Activities Director Pat Usifer. “We had props like reindeer antlers and bandanas for the animals to wear in the photos, although some were more cooperative than others.”

Carmine Civitello, an 18-year volunteer at Elant at Fishkill, played Santa for the event. In the past Civitello has volunteered to play Santa at the South Hills Mall and over the past 18 years at Elant at Fishkill.

Roughly 20 dogs came in with their owners for the event, but the highlight of the afternoon was the arrival of two furry gerbils (Susan and Rose) in running balls, companions of 8-year-old Greg Michaels, the son of Elant Vice President and Elant at Fishkill Executive Director George Michaels.

The event earned $125, and a check was delivered to the shelter on Friday, Dec. 4. Also contributed to the shelter was a gift basket complete with peanut butter dog biscuits (made and packaged by the Elant at Fishkill Elderact Club), chew toys, and grooming brushes. 

***

Elant, Inc., a community-based, not-for-profit organization, is a leading provider of services for older adults and chronically ill people of all ages. Elant is a comprehensive network of organizations that provides a full range of health and housing services to the Hudson Valley and beyond. On any given day, Elant serves more than 3,500 people through its network of communities, home care agencies, and services. Elant’s mission is to provide personalized, high-quality care and lifestyle options to persons of diverse generations, cultures, and needs.