SAN FRANCISCO LEADERS and community members gathered outside the colorful Macy’s flagship store in Union Square on Friday to unveil the 39th annual holiday windows with puppies and kittens put on display to promote pet adoptions.
Spectators, volunteers, and local officials “pawsed” for a moment outside the busy shopping center to see the red curtain drop and reveal the pets up for adoption in partnership with the animal care organization San Francisco SPCA.
Dr. Jennifer Scarlett, who leads the San Francisco SPCA as its CEO, spoke in front of the winter wonderland-themed windows to commemorate the longstanding partnership the organization has had with Macy’s.
“This is such a special way to bring joy in the holiday season and save a lot of wonderful animals,” said Scarlett. “The San Francisco SPCA has been a part of the San Francisco fabric for 157 years, and we believe that we make our city better when we make the lives of people better and when we make the lives of animals better.”
Scarlett stated that through the years, the holiday windows event has helped find a home for over 10,000 animals. She hopes the dogs and cats showcased in windows with yarn looking like snow and boxes looking like presents will help convince people that pets bring lots of joy.
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie also spoke of the longstanding tradition of having pets in the windows and how his team plans to encourage more activity in the area.
“I want to invite everyone from around the region, around the country, around the world, to come visit San Francisco, come shop in Union Square, and if you need a little extra love, you can adopt an animal,” said Lurie. “Crime is down 40% year-over-year here in Union Square. We’re doubling the number of officers walking the streets here in Union Square through the holidays.”
A moving experience
After the unveiling, longtime San Francisco residents Harold and Yvette Shelton were quickly brought to tears after spotting one of the puppies in a window. Their 13-year old chihuahua Chloe had recently passed in June and while they hold her memory alive in their hearts, they knew they were ready to adopt a new furry friend right then and there.
“It’s not a really hard decision,” said Yvette. “I like looked at other puppies but I just couldn’t and then I saw this one and she looks just like her.”
SF SPCA spokesperson Regina Moore provided some advice for people who may be weighing their decision to adopt a rescue animal.
“Our ultimate goal is that people keep their own animals, we don’t want animals in the shelter,” said Moore. “We want to encourage people to come and adopt, because we’re working across the city to make it possible to keep them and stay happy and healthy.”
Moore said that while adoption numbers remain low as compared to previous years, the SF SPCA and partner organizations across the Bay Area are working to make sure pet owners can access reliable medical services for their animals and feel comfortable when taking care of their furry friends.
Besides the holiday windows event at Macy’s, other events throughout the holiday season by the SF SPCA will promote vaccinations and spaying and neutering.
For more information, people can visit the Macy’s department store to speak with SF SPCA volunteers or go online.
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