Animal shelter spends Thanksgiving by hosting a lavish dinner for all the abandoned pets

Kindness only adds to the joy in one’s life and with the season of Thanksgiving, it is the duty of people to express gratitude by sharing kindness and generosity. While many people have been setting their tables and roasting their turkeys, others have uplifted the Thanksgiving spirit by sharing the cheer with those in need. Shelter Mommy (@wellbehaved1) shared a video on TikTok of the Hoke County Animal Shelter hosting the warmest and the most adorable Thanksgiving for abandoned animals. According to Newsweek, a total of 50 dogs and 55 cats were given the privilege of enjoying a wholesome Thanksgiving dinner at the shelter. The tradition started 18 years ago when Kristi Pylant, shelter manager, spent her first Thanksgiving at the shelter.

Pylant recalled, "I was sitting with a dog in his kennel thinking about how it was a day for family and all these animals were alone, so I went home and gathered all of our Thanksgiving leftovers and took them back to the shelter and fed them to everyone." Ever since, the animal shelter has had its annual Thanksgiving meal for its furry friends. The video captured a table with multiple Thanksgiving meals laid out. Truly, it was set up as nothing less than a feast. Right from gravy, meats, salads and more, everything was pet-safe and prepared specially for the animals. "We ask the community to donate turkey and they bring pet-friendly dishes," Pylant said.

She added, "We cook everything tailored to the animals." She revealed that the dogs enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal, barring items that could affect their health. The felines are treated with shrimp and tuna. As a perfectly delightful treat, the video captures the dogs being given plates with dishes that work for them, forming a complete Thanksgiving meal for them to relish. The selfless act has now become an annual practice to appreciate and celebrate with the animals and remind them that they, together with the staff, are one family. The video had text overlay sharing the reason for the wholesome gesture. The dogs are seen excited as ever to get a hold of their scrumptious plate.

"They all deserve good things," the text read as each animal is seen gratefully munching over the items on their plates. The cats too are seen excited as ever to get out of their boxes and devour their shrimp and tuna. The video received 4 million views and many were in awe of the gesture. Their video did indeed define the concept of Thanksgiving and it has inspired viewers. While many were upset about so many animals spending Thanksgiving alone, others took sympathy that they had their fellow animals, the staff and a generous meal to celebrate with.

@spicmangoooup said, "I was having a bad day. This brightened my Thanksgiving up." @lsouth1111 said, "This is the most precious thing ever. Thank you for doing that for them. We all should be doing this." Other viewers shared blessings and love for the animals and the staff who put in the hard work. @klm1212 said, "Beautiful, thank you for doing this for them. Each of them deserves a forever living home." A whole lot of kindness and a dash of gratitude from the shelter made the day of over 100 animals. Now that's Thanksgiving done right!