Every year since the author wrote "A Puppy For Christmas" it has been reprinted in countless animal rescue and shelter newsletters to encourage the public to carefully consider before adding a pet to the family, and asking the public to realize that a pet requires a lifetime commitment.

Now, because of the economic recession, America and Canada (and many other countries) are in the worst animal welfare crisis in modern history. Our tireless efforts to reduce the number of animals euthanized in shelters are being undone by the economy, job losses, and foreclosures, while puppy and kitten "mills" still profit from animal misery and continue to sell to an uninformed public poorly bred animals destined for health problems. Come spring, many of those adorable Christmas puppies and kittens will be relinquished to animal shelters because of family finances, or animal health or behavior problems, or simply because they've outgrown their "cuteness."

*Did you know that the average dog owner will spend a minimum of $12,000 over the average lifetime of a pet dog?

*Did you know that a breeder's "ready for Christmas" puppies may exhibit behavior problems months later because they were taken away from their mama too early, and that "weaning" is not the end of a puppy's behavioral development?

*Did you know that "both parents on premises" is often a sign of poor quality?

*Did you know that approximately 25% of dogs in most animal shelters are purebred and that mixed breed dogs, because of "hybrid vigor," frequently have fewer health problems and are longer lived than purebreds?

You'll find almost every breed available for adoption at: http://www.petfinder.com

The hectic pace of the holiday season is usually not the best time to add a fragile young animal to the family and holiday decorations pose a threat to young animals. Consider giving the gift recipient all the supplies their new pet will need and allowing the recipient to choose their pet later. Take the family to your local animal shelter and also thoroughly research your favorite breeds to insure you're intelligently choosing a pet who will fit your lifestyle and environment.

A PUPPY FOR CHRISTMAS
by Jim Willis

As Santa loaded his magic sack,
filled with gifts for girls and boys,
he added candy and sugarplums,
and batteries for moving toys.

At the top of the sack he carefully packed
the most special gift of all,
a darling pup for a boy named Timmy,
who from the sack tried to crawl.

Santa turned the puppy around,
he righted him right side up,
'cause there's no more precious cargo,
than a precocious, bright-eyed pup.

As he made his appointed rounds
and down Timmy's chimney slid,
he discovered all the sack havoc –
what the blessed pup had done undid!

Santa looked around the room,
it was clear this family was poor.
He noticed the shabbiness everywhere,
and their poverty he couldn't ignore.

He waved his arms and a tree appeared,
adorned by blinking lights.
He sneezed and holly boughs were hung,
he created a Christmas sight!

Then Santa took to worrying about
a home whose ends wouldn't meet,
and whether it would be fair to anyone,
when a pup needs a lot to eat.

He scratched his head and knitted his brow,
accustomed to granting any child's wish,
and the puppy, grown impatient,
jumped up and gave Santa a kiss.

Santa sat down with pen in hand
and he wrote the following note.
He considered each word, thought long
and hard about every sentence he wrote.

"Dear Timmy, you are a splendid lad,
and I hoped to fill your request,
but for the animals of this world,
they each only deserve the best.

"One day you'll grow to understand
that not every wish may come true,
but I know there's a dog in your future,
who will love the best of you.

"The time right now was not to be,
I hope my other gifts make you smile.
One day you'll be a fine young man,
but for a dog, you must wait a while.

"You see, a dog needs more than love,
he'll have needs, mostly your company.
You've yet a lot of growing to do,
and a dog's needs, I hope you'll see."

Santa sighed as he folded the note
and the pup again pawed Santa's knee.
Santa patted the puppy's head,
lost in thought, absentmindedly.

The puppy worried about something amiss,
and whether he'd have a home.
Perhaps with someone to love him for life –
maybe love with toys and a bone?

Santa looked into the little dog's eyes
in those eyes, love plain to see.
He said, "I've always wanted a dog myself,
and you'll be coming home with me!"

Submitted by Jan Dacci
Morehead