Santa Claws to the Rescue

If you’ve forgotten your four-legged friends this holiday season, it’s not too late to make a difference.

PAWS/LA (Pets Are Wonderful Support) is selling limited-edition “Angel Cat” and “Angel Dog” holiday ornaments, designed by artist Joe Monroe. Each piece is $20 and comes with gift box and ribbon. All proceeds benefit the nonprofit organization, dedicated to easing the lives of people with HIV-AIDS by feeding and caring for their animals. The ornaments are available at most PetCo locations, or call (323) 876-7297, Ext. 116.

Another organization--the Lange Foundation--is a nonprofit group dedicated to rescuing pets from city and county animal shelters. The animals are boarded with veterinarians until they become healthy enough to transfer to the organization’s Half Way Home Haven, where they are readied for adoption.

The group suggests that holiday shoppers looking for an unusual gift might rescue a pet in someone’s name. Givers can make a minimum donation of $50 to the foundation, and the gift recipient will get a handwritten description and a photograph of the saved animal. Letters may not go out until the new year. Call (310) 472-7727 for information.