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They were the main attractions of the first Christmas fundraiser for Canine Angels for Heaven, a senior dog sanctuary run by Joe and Diane Ponzo out of their home in rural Delavan, and the regional Chihuahua Rescue & Transport organization.

Visitors, with their dogs, filtered in throughout the four-hour benefit, which had gift packages, dog items and baked goods for sale to go toward helping the two charity operations.

In addition, Hills Dog Food is going to match the fundraiserÃÛèÖÊÓƵ 500 pounds of food, which will be sent to help feed rescued animals in North Carolina that were affected by OctoberÃÛèÖÊÓƵ hurricane in North Carolina.

“We got some planes ready to get the food down there,� said Courtney Chapman, a fulltime vet technician at the Animal Clinic. Chapman and other vet techs were the leaders of setting up the fundraiser.

Many of the dogs affected by the hurricane will be brought to Wisconsin as rescue dogs through the help of Pilots N Paws, a volunteer group of private pilots who transport dogs.

The Ponzos have run their home sanctuary for dogs since 1990. They take care of senior dogs who aren’t expected to live much longer due to mistreatment or medical conditions.

“Every dog that comes in here is an angel in its own way,â€� Diane told ÃÛèÖÊÓƵ in a story this past summer. “They are angels, and they are for heaven. They are not going to last here long.â€�

“We know their time is coming. So, they get the best food, the best love. We want the dogs to go to heaven knowing they were loved — even if itÃÛèÖÊÓƵ just for a few hours. We’ve had some for just 48 hours.â€�

“But for 48 hours, they knew they were loved.�

There was plenty of love going around at SaturdayÃÛèÖÊÓƵ fundraiser. Joe Ponzo dressed as Santa Claus with Diane decked out in a Mrs. Santa outfit.

Chapman has five rescue dogs, all of which were at the event dressed in Christmas garb. She carried her latest addition—Olive—in a shoulder garment as the little dog, who is still skitterish, took in all the new people and fellow dogs.

{span}Thom{/span} and Carol Lange were at the event to represent Chihuahua Rescue & Transportation. Wisconsin is part of the Midwest region of the organization, which also includes a Southeast and Southwest region.

The Langes live near Crystal Lake, Ill. The organization rescues Chihuahua and Chihuachua-mixed dogs and finds foster homes for them.

“From the Midwest, we get a lot of dogs from Kentucky, Texas, coastal Carolinas and Mexico, Tom Lange said. “We get them from animal control or from people who are relinquishing their dogs.�

“They are the second-most euthanized dogs,� Carol Lange said. “Because they are scared. They act out when they are scared.�

The Langes said many people purchased dogs during the COVID pandemic to keep them company. Now some owners no longer want to care for the dogs.

Lisa Giebler, a friend of the Langes, adopted Barney who she had in a stroller or in a carry bag during the fundraiser. Barney was born deaf.

“I grew up with big dogs,� Giebler said. “I never thought I would have a little dog. But he chose me.�

Barney was at his foster parents, who called Giebler because the dog was being a bit aggressive. Giebler, who never had contact with Barney, arrived and had an unexpected welcome.

“He literally leaped into my arms,� said Giebler, who had to convince her now husband that they needed to adopt Barney. He eventually agreed.

“He was our ringbearer at our wedding,� Giebler said.

The event ended up making $300 each for Canine Angels for Heaven and Chihuahua Rescue & Transport — $600 total.

“This is our first year so we’re learning,â€� said Chapman of SaturdayÃÛèÖÊÓƵ initial fundraiser.

Dog lovers can find out more including making contributions to both organizations at and .