Christmas Goes to the Dogs in Washington, D.C.

The 50 to 60 German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and Pit Bulls that work as guard dogs in the Washington, D.C., area are getting a special delivery on Christmas morning from Washington Humane Society Law Enforcement officers.

The delivery team, led by humane officer Ann Russell, will deliver Kong pet toys, dog food and treats donated by The Dog Shop, a Georgetown pet store, to the guard dogs. Every year, the team of volunteers stops at local junk yards and alleys to give out the dog toys and treats.

The humane officers also use this as a chance to assess the health and living conditions of the guard dogs, to be sure their owners are not in any violation of animal control laws, according to the Washington Humane Society.

The animal welfare agency has visited the guard dogs every Christmas morning for the past four years, says spokeswoman Tara de Nicolas. The dogs tend to get lonesome and they love the treats and attention, she says.