Lights, love and pets

COEUR d'ALENE —  When it comes to pets, people have big hearts — and big wallets.

If you want proof, check out "Lights of Love" at the Silver Lake Mall.

The Companions Animal Center fundraiser features several Christmas trees decorated with tags that carry the names of pets that are alive and well or no longer play here on Earth. "Sadie," "Doodles," "Bailey" and "Peanut" are just some of the titles paying tribute to canines and cats.

Those names do more than generate warm feelings. They generate financial support for the center.

Now in its 11th year, "Lights of Love" has raised about $250,000 for the animal shelter, including $45,000 last year. That's well up from just over $10,000 in year one.

"People love their pet, whether they're with them or they've passed on," said Vicky Nelson, CAC development director. 

Lights of Love offers the opportunity for people, via a simple gesture, to show and share affection for their pets.

Trees with white lights indicate the pets have died, while the trees with colored lights indicate they are still with their owners.

Horses and rabbits are also among the pets that will be remembered through the popular program that runs until Dec. 28.

Thousands pay $10 for a tag with their pet's name placed on the tree.

Already, several trees are filled, and it looks like this could be a record-breaking year for the fundraiser.

"That's amazing," Nelson said.

Donations go toward CAC operations, which is a no-kill shelter and earlier this year moved into its new home on Atlas Road.

Buy tags at www.companionsanimalcenter.org or pick up an envelope at the "Lights of Love" display at the mall and drop it off or mail it in.