Friday, December 3, 2010

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Puppies for Christmas


DAY THREE OF HOLLMANN HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA


I just wanted to take this opportunity to link to a Christmas essay from last year written by my friend Tom. I'm sure many of you read his blog, or recognize him from the comments section (I count him and Andrew K as my "Blog Buddies", if you will). If not, why not start right now? He wrote a beautiful and thoughtful post about animals at Christmastime, including a humorous picture of his beloved beagle Maggie in her winter coat and a creative theme his husband came up with for their Tree. Take a look.

While we're on the subject of animals, let me say this: I do beseech you to think carefully before giving someone a pet for Christmas. I know there's nothing more magical than the look on a child's face as s/he holds a brand new puppy/kitten, but animals are living creatures. They shouldn't be a pleasant surprise, they shouldn't be under the tree, they shouldn't be gift-wrapped. Not even metaphorically. Kids can be fickle, and a pet is a big decision. I know of instances where "Christmas pups" work well, but it takes responsibility. Tom does good work at the Buddy Foundation, an animal shelter in Chicago, and I do urge you to get your pets from a shelter, but make sure you can take care of them first. I'm sure there's nothing worse than seeing a dog returned because the Christmas novelty has worn off.

And yet, the only dog Christmas songs I could find are all pro-puppy-for-Christmas. Of course. But just remember: the holiday season is to be enjoyed responsibly.

Soft brown eyes that seem to say
Stop a while, I want to play
Would you, could you, do please stop
He's a lonely pup in a Christmas shop

Thank you lady, thank you sir
Is there someone else that you'd prefer
He's not selfish, just a flop
Though he wags his tail in a Christmas shop

Mister Santa, if you would
Send him someone, oh so good
Someone who will take him home
For ev'ryone to see

Christmas time, a Christmas tree
With a happy family
Pity him, he's got no Pop
He's a lonely pup in a Christmas shop

Mister Santa, if you would
Send him someone, oh so good
Someone who will take him home
For ev'ryone to see

Christmas time, a Christmas tree
With a happy family
Pity him, he's got no Pop
He's a lonely pup in a Christmas shop

3 comments:

TomS said...

Walter,
What a lovely recognition! So wonderful. Mark and I were just talking this morning about how we missed seeing Maggie in the snow. Then I read your kind, heartfelt post...and I burst into nostalgic tears... It is amazing to me that you remembered this item from last December...Thank you for remembering this...and for your kind reminder of the Buddy Foundation. Thank you, my friend!

Walter L. Hollmann said...

Tom, I always remember the greats! I find your work with the Buddy Foundation inspiring and beautiful, and I think everyone needs to know about the work that goes on there.

Unknown said...

Puppies AND Christmas? Love.

Also, if you DO plan on adopting a puppy during the winter season (because you have weighed the options and decided that you can afford the time/money to take care of one, of course), I suggest going to a shelter a week or two after Christmas. It's always overflowing with puppies that irresponsible parents have gotten for their children as gifts and realized they can't handle! That's when we got Charlie :)