Dogs, get your pet parents and head out to the free photo event and shopping day at POST on Saturday, December 16, between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Located at 14500 Kercheval, in a former post office-turned-maker space and retail shop, POST’s event has a dual purpose. Besides hoping you find that great holiday gift, the day will serve to collect much needed dog supplies for the Detroit Dog Rescue (DDR).

“Supply donations are very much needed this time of year,” says Kristina Rinaldi, executive director, DDR. “As a nonprofit with limited resources and funding allocations to humane animal rescue operations, DDR is a small group of highly committed individuals dedicated to helping make a difference in the city, one dog at a time. Events like this can have a huge impact for us and the animals we support – way beyond the holiday season.”

DDR mission is to create a state-of-the-art, no kill animal center in Detroit and works to raise awareness for the plight of the forgotten, homeless and stray dogs. Unfortunately, there are more than 50,000 homeless and stray dogs running loose on the streets of Detroit, DDR says, pointing out that with only 23 City of Detroit Animal Control Officers to perform rescue operations, and nearly 90 percent of dogs picked up by the city are euthanized. DDR advocates for humane rescue alternatives such as no-kill sheltering, foster care and adoptions, pet identification and healthy pet population control through spay and neutering.

This is a great time to help DDR help those animals while having fun.

Parents and fur babies can pose for a picture with Santa Claus taken by POST co-owner and professional photographer, Wayne Maki. The pictures will be emailed to patrons following the event.

There will also be treats – yes, some for humans, too, and you can check out the more than 100 brands POST carries including housewares, jewelry, and gifts. Owners will be welcomed into the store to shop with their pets throughout the day, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., as well.

Please think about donating from the DDR’s wish list. These items are desperately needed.

• Kirkland/Costco brand adult dry dog food, chicken & rice
• Kirkland/Costco brand senior dry dog food
• Canned Pedigree chicken & rice adult food
• Canned Pedigree chicken & rice puppy food
• Pill pockets dog treats
• Large Nylabones
• Medium Kong toys
• Large Kong toys
• Medium, large and extra large collars
• Jolly balls
• Large rope toys
• Durable dog toys
• Paper towel
• Septic safe toilet paper
• Lysol disinfectant
• Heavy duty mop heads
• Bleach
• Liquid Lysol cleaner
• CLEAN or NEW light blankets *Please NO COMFORTERS or LARGE BLANKETS
• CLEAN or NEW towels
• Sponges
• Neosporin
• Liquid laundry detergent, scent free

DDR representatives are expected to be on-hand to answer questions about the organization.

The holidays are a great time to help scared, homeless dogs have a better life.

  Detroit Dog Rescue, help for homeless dogs in Detroit, homeless dogs in Detroit, POST, small shops in Detroit, stray dogs in Detroit