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