| The holidays are a wonderful time of year, full of | | | | watching the residents enjoy them? You -- or the |
| excitement, expectation, and celebration. | | | | "holiday-challenged" people in your life-- could fill up |
| But for many it's also a difficult time. This is | | | | a basket (or two, or three!) with healthy pet |
| especially true for anyone not blessed with a | | | | treats, amusing toys, or comfy blankets. You |
| close, supportive family, or those physically | | | | might want to check first to see if the shelter in |
| separated from loved ones. | | | | your area allows this, or if they have a need for |
| Consider, among these unlucky souls, the four | | | | particular items. |
| legged ones who have to spend their holidays--all | | | | If cat or dog gift baskets aren't an option, offer |
| of their days, in fact--at the local ASPCA or | | | | to take a canine resident for a walk. I recently |
| animal shelter. These poor creatures have little to | | | | learned about a retired couple who does this on a |
| look forward to besides hoping that some nice | | | | regular basis. They spend their entire day at the |
| family will adopt them some day. | | | | local shelter, making sure that every single dog |
| Pets need new games, new toys, new smells and | | | | has been walked. The couple does this twice a |
| experiences, and above all, exercise to be happy. | | | | week, all year round. The dogs love it, and it's |
| Dogs and cats in shelters can get depressed, lose | | | | wonderful exercise for all concerned. |
| their appetites, and become more susceptible to | | | | I know what you're thinking. But you don't have |
| illness. | | | | to do anything as time-consuming as all that. Just |
| I was pondering this recently, when a light bulb | | | | show up once or twice. A walk and some fresh |
| turned on in my head (figuratively, not literally). | | | | air is a great way to alleviate holiday stress and |
| "Why not get all these lonely and stressed-out | | | | you're sure to catch some of the light-hearted |
| souls together?", I thought. | | | | spirit that radiates from a happy dog. Tell a friend |
| Now, I'm not implying that everyone who's feeling | | | | about it. Maybe they'll give it a try. Some might |
| a little despondent or stressed during the holidays | | | | be inspired enough to become "hometown heros", |
| should run out and adopt a pet. Bringing home a | | | | like the couple mentioned above. |
| new dog or cat is a serious commitment and | | | | You might know an older retiree who considers |
| should be done for the right reasons, and with | | | | dog ownership too much of a burden, but |
| plenty of forethought. But there are other ways | | | | wouldn't mind taking a dog for a walk. If it's a |
| to bring the gift of good cheer. | | | | friend or family member who walks but no longer |
| A lifting of the spirits is not only a rewarding gift | | | | drives, perhaps you could volunteer to drop them |
| to give, but is good medicine for animals and | | | | off and pick them up. |
| people alike. A happier animal is a healthier animal, | | | | Giving freely of ourselves is one of best gifts we |
| and probably a more adoptable one. And a happier | | | | can give. But if all of this seems too time |
| human is not only healthier, but more apt to | | | | consuming, then a small financial donation would |
| enjoy the season of giving. | | | | still go a long way. Lots of shelters have fund |
| What could be more uplifting for both dog and | | | | raisers this time of year, and odds are you won't |
| human than bringing some inexpensive "kitty or | | | | have to look far to find one. In the end, caring is |
| doggie gift baskets" to a local shelter, and | | | | what really matters. |