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Jefferson County Humane Society holds first egg hunt for animals

Brandi DeNoon-Damewood, seated, and Michaela Damico prepared special eggs for a special hunt at the Jefferson County Animal Shelter. -- Contributed

WINTERSVILLE — While you’d expect to see children scouting for Easter egg hunts this time of year, not so much the case with cat and dogs.

But the Jefferson County Humane Society changed that by holding a first-time Easter egg hunt and party for the animals at the Jefferson County Animal Shelter in Wintersville.

More than 150 eggs stuffed with goodies were hidden for the animals to find with the hunt followed by a treat party, according to Brandi DeNoon-Damewood, community outreach and marketing representative.

“We love doing these little events for the animals at the shelter,” DeNoon-Damewood commented. “It helps to break up the monotony of daily life and gives them a chance to enjoy the day. I wasn’t sure if my idea would work, but with the help of volunteers and staff, the party was a huge success.

All items for the party were donated, and giant plastic eggs were stuffed with cut-up hotdogs and kept open as a way to avoid the dogs eating the plastic eggs as well as the contents.

“Then, we ‘hid’ 84 eggs outside. All of the dogs got to have fun finding eggs with their volunteer dog walker. It was beautiful. The dogs were so excited, and we were, too,” she said. “After all the eggs were found, they enjoyed a boiled egg and a Kong filled to the brim with peanut butter.”

Meanwhile, the kittens had their own special Easter egg hunt and party with eggs stuffed with sardines and some with catnip.

“The plastic eggs with sardines were kept open, like the dogs’, and five of our kitties had the ultimate fun eating and then playing with the plastic eggs. The other kitties loved the catnip eggs and batted them across the floor,” she said.

Volunteer Gabi Sunyoger enjoyed being part of the event. “Meira, a shy dog, learned really fast and dragged me from egg to egg before I could even see the next egg,” she observed.

DeNoon-Damewood expressed gratitude for the help and support of the community.

“Today was a good, happy day at the shelter, which is really needed right now during Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month.”

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