Marcia Mayeda, Director

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 22, 2025

CONTACT: Christopher Valles, accpio@animalcare.lacounty.gov

The Karen Cooper Foundation Spreads
Holiday Cheer to Dogs in Need

The Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) is thrilled to announce that the Karen Cooper Foundation donated 1,100 toys–along with 44 Santa Sacks–to the dogs in DACC’s care. This generous donation will provide our animals with an extra boost this holiday season.

Since its inception in 2023, the Karen Cooper Foundation has been dedicated to lifting the spirits of dogs across California by donating treats and toys to numerous animal shelters. The Karen Cooper Foundation was started by Karen’s husband Bob Cooper in her memory. The Foundation continues its mission of giving to animal shelters and dogs in need, especially during the Christmas season.

The donation drop-off took place at the Downey Animal Care Center on December 16, 2025. This event was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the spirit of giving and the impact that one person’s passion can have on countless lives.

“We are incredibly thankful for the continued support of the Karen Cooper Foundation. This generous donation not only brings joy to our dogs but also highlights the importance of community involvement in animal welfare” said Director Marcia Mayeda. “Together, we can make a difference in the lives of these deserving animals.”

“I am thrilled we were able to bring joy to the dogs at your shelters,” said Mr. Cooper. “Our foundation has three goals: To bring Christmas joy to the shelter dogs, to draw attention to adoptions, and to honor our inspiration, my late wife Karen. She too knew it takes a community effort to help the homeless animals, and this is why we are so thrilled to help, and why we know in our hearts it will lead to the animals finding the Forever Homes the deserve.”

DACC encourages the community to join in the holiday spirit by considering adoption or supporting your local animal care centers during this festive season. You may do so at https://animalcare.lacounty.gov/donate/. The Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charity that raises money to support the care of animals in DACC’s animal care centers, as well as providing intervention support to pet families. Find out more at https://www.lacountyanimals.org.

About the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC)

DACC is one of the largest animal care and control agencies in the nation, operating seven animal care centers and providing services to more than three million residents and their pets. DACC operates under the nationally recognized Socially Conscious Sheltering model to ensure the best possible outcomes for animals and the community. As a community resource center for pets and owners, DACC protects people and animals from harm, provides care for lost and unwanted animals, reunites lost pets with their families, and strives every day to move closer to its goal of finding a loving home for every adoptable pet that comes through its doors. To learn more about DACC, the resources DACC provides, and view its animals, visit https://animalcare.lacounty.gov or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). To support DACC’s efforts, please donate to the Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation at https://lacountyanimals.org/. To learn more about Socially Conscious Sheltering, visit https://scsheltering.org/.