The video is full of joy — and crumbs.
Every December, one of Northern California’s largest animal shelters hosts a festive holiday gathering. This year, however, the spotlight wasn’t on people — it was entirely on the dogs.
Rather than decorating traditional gingerbread houses, the team at Bradshaw Animal Shelter created canine-safe “gingerbread” homes and holiday treats designed just for their four-legged residents.
“We always try to make sure our celebrations reflect what connects us all — the animals and the people who care about them,” Brittani Peterson, the shelter’s public information officer, told The Dodo. “This year, we decided to go all in on the fun.”
About 30 staff members, volunteers and animal control officers teamed up to build edible dog houses using Petco’s Merry Makings Cookie Dog House Kits, along with dog treats and KONG cheese. Apple cinnamon–flavored panels were glued together with bright orange cheese, while red and green bone-shaped treats and dog-safe sprinkles added the finishing touches.
While assembling the houses was entertaining, the best part came afterward — watching the dogs enjoy them.
“We shared some of the completed houses with a few very food-motivated pups,” Peterson said. “It created some really memorable moments.”
Some dogs wasted no time tearing into their creations, while others carefully sniffed and licked every surface before taking their first bite. Many of the houses were broken apart so volunteers could hand out pieces while spending one-on-one time with the dogs.
Bradshaw Animal Shelter, an open-admission municipal shelter in Sacramento County, cares for all kinds of animals, from stray cats to lost rabbits. During the holidays, life in a shelter can feel especially isolating for dogs like Ragnar, a playful pup who’s been waiting for a home since September, or Daisy, who arrived in October and is still learning to feel safe in the shelter environment.
Despite their different personalities and backgrounds, every dog happily devoured their holiday treats in record time.
Still, as much as they enjoyed their festive “gingerbread” houses, what these pups truly hope for this season is something far more meaningful — a cozy bed, a loving family and a forever home to call their own.