Marley Gives

Most pet lovers have heard of the bestselling novel by journalist John Grogan, Marley & Me: Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog. Hollywood couldn't wait to get its hands on the story: A mere three years after the book was published, 20th Century Fox is releasing the film version of Marley & Me, starring Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson, on Christmas Day.

The American Humane Association is collaborating with the film to host The 12 Days of Marley Dog Food and Blanket Drive; collections in Denver will directly support local animal shelters and rescues this holiday season.

So what do they want from you? Simply drop off unopened cans or bags of dog food, and any blankets you might want to get rid of, at a range of locations across the metro area. The twelve days started on December 1, so if you're counting, that means you only have today through Friday to attain warm fuzzies from giving to animals in need. There are dozens of locations where you can leave your donation, from Aurora to Littleton to Centennial, and an array of Suncor Energy/Phillips 66 stations are also accepting food, blankets and cash.

And here's a fun bit of trivia for you: One of the animal actors playing Marley was adopted from Denver-area Safe Harbor Lab Rescue, which will be one of the recipients of the drive. Other recipients include the Rocky Mountain Lab Rescue, Retriever Rescue of Colorado, the Misha May Foundation and the Evergreen Animal Protective League. For more information and a full list of drop-off locations, visit the American Humane Association's website.

For more ways to rock the night and kill the day, go to westword.com/calendar.
Dec. 10-12, 2008