Pet 'Love' lights up Silver Lake Mall

COEUR d'ALENE - The pets have passed, but their names live on.

"Molly," "Slick," "Patches" and "Dixie" are some of the monikers decorating Christmas trees at the Silver Lake Mall as part of the "Lights of Love" fundraiser for the Kootenai Humane Society.

"People can honor or remember their pets," said Vicky Nelson, KHS director of development.

Now in its 10th year, the event has turned into a major success story for KHS. Last year, it raised more than $40,000.

That's no surprise, as people become attached to pets, love them like family members and want to pay tribute to them, Nelson said.

The trees are filling quickly. Those with white lights indicate the pets have died, while the trees with colored lights indicate they are still with their owners.

Dogs, cats, horses and rabbits are among the pets who will be remembers through the program that runs until Dec. 28.

For $10, you can have a tag with your pet's name placed on the tree.

Donations go toward KHS operations, which is a no-kill shelter and getting close to moving into its new home on Atlas Road.

Buy tags at www.companionsanimalcenter.org or pick up an envelope at the "Lights of Love" display when you're shopping at the mall, and mail it in.