SOUTH ABINGTON TWP. - Every year, Raul DiBlasi poses with his dog, Hampton, in front of the newly lit and decorated Christmas tree at Hampton's former home.
The photo is a reminder of the bond the two have forged since the Kingston man rescued the Great Pyrenees mix nine years ago from the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter.
"He's my buddy," Mr. DiBlasi said. "It's shelters such as this one that allow these relationships to form."
On Sunday, hundreds of people and their pets gathered at the animal shelter in South Abington Twp. for the shelter's annual Christmas tree lighting, a tradition that has continued for more than 20 years, said shelter board member Michael Patrician.
This year the shelter altered its routine a bit - for the first time it remembered deceased animals as well.
White lights draped on the Christmas tree tucked inside the shelter's gazebo represent the donations in memory of animals, the shelter's executive director, Warren Reed, said. Meanwhile, the colored lights represent donations to animals still living, including those that are up for adoption.
"There's always a great amount of support from the community," Mr. Patrician said. "Because of these donations, the shelter is able to keep its doors open. We can't thank these people enough."
Helping animals in the area since 1938, the shelter provides for about 5,500 animals a year, Mr. Patrician said.
Sometimes the animals are left behind or dropped off at the shelter without any notice. In other cases, officials take in animals that have been abused, hoping they can help turn their lives around and provide them with a caring family.
Soda Pop, a brown mixed breed, was among the animals in need for a family.
Dropped off at the shelter a couple years ago and left by herself near the shelter's soda machine, Soda Pop was rescued more than a year ago by Ed and Madelyn Egan of Lake Ariel.
"Her last owner's didn't treat her well," Mrs. Egan said. "If it weren't for this shelter, who knows what would have happened to her.
"It can't be stressed enough how important this animal shelter is, and that's why I think you see all these people gathered here today."
With Hampton at his side, Mr. DiBlasi scrolled through the pictures taken of him and the 107-pound dog on his digital camera.
Before saying a word, Mr. DiBlasi flashed a smile and nodded his head in approval.
"That's the one," he said, pointing to one of Hampton sitting beside him, his front paws draped over Mr. DiBlasi's legs. "I am already excited for next year's picture."
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