×

Light Up program gives back to pets

PEYTON NEELY The Marietta Times Sylvi Caporale, owner of American Flags & Poles, and her rescue dog Tinkerbell look into the window of American Flags & Poles where the Light Up Our Lives tree is displayed Friday afternoon.

During the month of December, the Light Up Our Lives program is once again in full swing to remember and honor the pets that have brightened and enriched our lives. All proceeds will be donated to the Humane Society of the Ohio Valley.

“It’s tough for someone like me, as an animal lover, to go to the humane society and volunteer without wanting to adopt all the animals,” said Nancy Mendicino, who created Light Up Our Lives. “This is just a way to give back to the animals.”

For just $5 throughout the month of December, animal lovers can symbolically buy a light in honor of their pets, other family members’ pets or even friends’ pets. Pictures are also accepted to be put on the Christmas tree that is displayed in the window of American Flags & Poles located at 276 Front St. in Marietta.

“We love to be able to help the animals,” said Sylvi Caporale, owner of American Flags & Poles. “Spaying and neutering your animals is so important and we take every opportunity to help the humane society with what they do to try and facilitate that.”

Light Up Our Lives has been in operation for seven years. Nancy Mendicino and her husband Art, of Marietta, got the idea from a humane society in Cincinnati in 2009 and with the change of a name, got it started in Washington County. Since the beginning of this program, Light Up Our Lives has been responsible for more than $20,000 going toward the Humane Society of the Ohio Valley. This is the third year that an anonymous doner has said he will match whatever contributions the community makes during December.

“We have a lot of regular people here every year but it’s fun to hear about the new ones,” said Caporale.

Shane Danford, 50, of Marietta, has donated every year.

“This is the time of remembrance and this is a chance for pet owners to remember their babies,” he said.

Danford has two dogs, Abby and Lena, who are both rescues.

“It’s really important to remember all the animals at the shelter who don’t have homes for the holidays,” he said. “And it feels really good to be giving back to the humane society.”

Caporale has a rescue herself, Tinkerbell, who was actually returned to the humane society three times before finding her forever home.

“The community deserves all the credit for all the money we’ve raised,” she said. “American Flags & Poles and Nancy helped facilitate this program but the community is what keeps it going.”

Forms can be picked up at various locations including American Flags & Poles and the Humane Society of the Ohio Valley located at 90 Mt. Tom Road in Marietta.

“Remember your much loved pets during the upcoming season when our thoughts turn to those we love and cherish,” said Mendicino.

About Light Up Our Lives

¯For $5, pet owners can put a picture of their current pet or in remembrance of their pet on a lit Christmas tree.

¯The tree will be displayed at American Flags & Poles on Front Street in Marietta.

¯Forms can be picked up all around the county at stores, gas stations and veterinarian offices.

¯All proceeds go to the Humane Society of the Ohio Valley.

¯Forms can be dropped off at American Flags & Poles or the Humane Society of the Ohio Valley throughout the month of December.

¯For more information, contact American Flags & Poles at 740-373-4262 or the Humane Society of the Ohio Valley at 740-373-5959.

Source: Sylvi Caporale.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $4.15/week.

Subscribe Today