My Letter to Santa! -- by Johann, the dog.

Dear Santa,

I wanted to write you to tell you, you see,That Gracie and I are grateful pups, she and me।We love our life, friends and kitty bros,We consider them part of our pack, and so,What do I ask you for Christmas this year?Well, I have a list that's near and dear.

I'd like for all pups needing a home,To find a family and not need to roam।I wish for all those scared, cold and hungry,To be safe, warm and have a nice full tummy।My hope is for all pets with no family,To have one of their own, like me, finally.

For those afraid of some of us pups,I'd like them to learn and shed their prejudice,Realize that when they label us bad,It's not always us, and it's very sad.Help folks realize that breed doesn't matter,It's the people that raise them, not all the chatter.Help all the children to learn how to be,Aware of how to love us, it's really key,For great friendships with us all of their lives,They need to understand us, so together we'll thrive.

Help their parents teach them how and to know,The best ways to be with us, as we both grow.And to those that keep way too many of us,Let them know they aren't helping, they need to adjust.They're making things worse, that's all they're doing,They continue and continue, their constant pursuing.We get hungry, angry, sick and can't thrive,In conditions where we barely survive.

Watch over the pups who help humans each day,That guide, search and rescue and calm those at bay.The work that they do is very admired,They save lives and help with skills they've acquired.Please give them a special treat in their stocking,And send them some love when you come a knocking.

For pups that are sick, please help them get well,We'd be lost without them, we're under their spell.And if they are old and it's time to go,Help them make the transition, don't make it slow.And help those who have lost their very best friend,Comfort them and share, they'll see them again.

Can you tell folks who are way too mean,That hurt us, scare us, and keep us too lean,That they need some help to understand,We can be their best friend, always at hand.We'll love, admire and be more than expected,If only we're loved and highly respected.

Another request that we have for rover,Is to stop those who breed us over and over.It's cruel and sad for pups to live that way,They rarely get care and can never play.We want to end horrific places like this,Where only a fat wallet concern exists.

Help people understand, that whenever, and ifTheir pup is bad, and starts getting in a riff,That the pup needs a job, just like all of them,To be the best they can be, a shining gem.Training and working is what helps us behave,It stimulates our mind, it's what we crave.

Please help those who think fighting us is fun,It's heartless, horrible and something to shun.While robbing us all of a wonderful life,The pain and cruelty cuts like a knife.Share info with all, tall and small,We're pets to be loved, not to brawl.

I ask that you pay particular attention,Give a pat on the back and a special mention,To all the folks who rescue and shelter,They care and feed and find us an adopter,Over and over, they never think twice,They give so much, to be very precise.

That's all I ask for my Christmas gift,For you to bring these on your evening shift.Thanks, Santa for listening, it's wonderful to know,That you grant all our wishes and continue to bestow.We wish you and everyone a great holiday,With peace and love - it's the only way.

Loves and licks,Johann

*In 2005, I was rescued by the Southside Animal Shelter from a life on the streets. Just a few weeks later my Mum found me and took me home. I am one of the lucky ones, because now I have a wonderful family and a wonderful life.
But not all pups are as lucky as I. Some are still waiting for their forever home, some live their lives in horrific conditions with little to no chance of being saved, some are even made to fight for the entertainment of cruel individuals, some are neglected, scared and lonely.
This Holiday season, think about the pups that need your help and do what you can do to help them. They will be forever grateful!