Shelter Life from Shorty's Point of View

Season's Greetings!
Hi! I can hardly wait for the Holiday Open House. I've worked so hard to make everything look purrrrrfect. The only thing I have left to do, since I'll be playing Santa for the puppies and kittens, is memorize the names of Santa's reindeer. After all how would it look if Santa forgot any of their names? Okay, let's see there's Dancer and Prancer and Donder and Blitzen, Comet and Cupid and Clinton and Nixon.... no no the last two aren't right. Good grief now I'm confusing the names of Santa's reindeer with those of the presidents, too much election hoohah I guess! Let's try again, there is Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen and Donder and Cupid and Comet and Blitzen.... yep that's the ticket!
"Now you've got it Shorty, but don't forget Rudolf!"
Ugh, now add one more name, I'll never get it straight!
"Shorty don't worry, you'll do just fine. As a matter of fact, I wanted to commend you on the great job you've done. I'll admit I was hesitant about putting you in charge of getting things ready for the Open House, but I see you have everything under control. You even watched your diet, so we didn't have to worry about letting seams out of your santa suit this year."
(Hmmmmm, should I tell him, I was just sucking in my tummy? On second thought, I better not, that would cut into the amount of holiday treats my people friends would share with me... Nah, why ruin a good thing.)
"While we're on the subject of your Santa suit, would you mind putting it on again to show a few of the volunteers how good you look in it?"
(Uhoh I shouldn't have had second helpings, if I put that suit on now, I'm sure I'll split a seam. I better distract them.) Okay guys before I do that, I have something special to show you, a sneak preview of the special effects to put everyone in the holiday mood at the open house. When you think of the winter holidays what do you think of? Snow, right? I thought that I would try something I saw in a fancy department store. They made it appear as if it was snowing in their display window. I knew we couldn't afford a "snow machine" like they had, but I came up with something just as good. I bought these packages of imitation snow flakes, and...
"Shorty no, for some reason, I don't think this is a good idea."
Just watch, a flip of the switch and voila! It's snowing!
"SHORTY shut that fan off! There's artificial snow everywhere! Your 'invention' is blowing the Christmas stockings off the cages and the decorations are flying all over the room!"
I'd switch it off if I could find the switch, we're in a virtual white out! EGADS what a mess! I think I better run!

Love, Shorty

P.S.
....and Shorty was heard to say as he walked out of sight, Merry Christmas to all, and to all a Good Night!

No Puppies or Kittens as Stocking Stuffers, Please
They look so irresistable, with those big eyes gazing into yours. It is hard to pass up those adorable puppies and kittens, that all want to go home with someone. Unfortunately many people cannot resist temptation, and go ahead and purchase the animal without thinking the situation completely through. A well meaning friend or family member may think that a puppy or kitten would make the "perfect gift".
WRONG!
In the midst of the holiday excitement a new pet is the last thing most families need, as in the following scenario: The kids get involved with the new toys and games they have gotten that their attention is diverted and they end up leaving the puppy or kitten alone. In the interim a very tired and frazzled Mom after having spent days cleaning, cooking, and wrapping gifts, spies the "perfect gift" chewing on some of the presents under the tree. Mom starts to holler and at about that time, you see a ball of fur fly past, entangling itself in the tree lights and pulling down the tree! Hearing all the commotion Dad, who has been trying to fix the lights before one more fuse blows... mainly his, rushes inside and steps right in...I think you get the picture.
Other things to consider before getting someone else a pet, such as cost factor. True, you paid the initial expense for the animal, but the years of care that the animal will need, may mount up to more than a family is willing or able to spend. How much time the family has to devote to a pet, is another important aspect to consider. With the kids in school and into after school activities, and in many instances with both Dad and Mom working, who is going to care for this animal while everyone is gone? A puppy or kitten needs someone there to feed it, clean up after it, and start teaching it some manners, so it can become a cherished member of the family, and not just a nuisance that will be gotten rid of.
Pet shops and puppy mills love this time of the year, they see these little bundles of fur as money in the bank and nothing more. They don't worry about who or how the animal will be cared for. sad to say that T.L.C. just like so many other humane societies, see the aftermath, of what happens to these unwanted "holiday gifts", some with very tragic endings.
Talk it over with the family, and if they truly want a pet, let them pick it up themselves, when they think the time is right. What they might appreciate more would be a gift certificate for pet supplies, or a spay/neuter certificate from the vet of their choice, which would be doing both the animal and the family a favor.

You are Cordially Invited to Attend
T.L.C. Animal Shelter's Holiday Open House.
When: Saturday December 9th
Time: 1 pm until 3:30 pm
Where: at the T.L.C. Animal Shelter located at 13016 west 151st Street, Lockport
Their stockings will be hung on the cages with care, in hopes that "Santa" will leave treats and toys there!
If you would like to be that "Special Santa" and fill the stocking of a dog and/or cat with treats and toys, our furry friends would greatly appreciate it.

Refreshments will be served

Craft Show Update
We know you are anxious to find out how the craft show went, especially you folks that generously gave of your time and talents to make and bake things for the event, and all of you who made that extra effort to come out and buy!
But as we speak at this time, the newsletter is at the printers, in order to be ready for the holiday mailing. we will have an update for you in the 2001 winter issue, sorry for the delay but it will give you something to look forward to!

Just had to share this...
In the last newsletter you might remember reading that Shorty was going to throw his hat in the ring and run for president... Shorty later decided against it, realizing he was needed to much at the shelter. In the interim Sandi O'Brien, who was going to take on the job of Shorty's campaign manager, made this campaign button up and it is so cute, we just had to share it with you.

A Kitten's Prayer
Now I lay me down to sleep,
the king size bed is soft and deep.
I sleep right in the center groove
making it so my human can hardly move.
I've trapped her legs, she's tucked in tight
and here is where I pass the night.
No one disturbs me or dare intrude,
Till morning comes and I want my food.
I sneak up slowly and begin
to nibble on my human's chin. My human lets me get my way.
So thank you Lord for giving me,
this wonderful human that truly loves me.
The one who hugs me and holds me tight,
and sacrifices her bed for me at night!


What dogs do for us
Catch frisbees
Keep a night alone from being truly lonely
Get us outside on beautiful fall days
rainy days and snowy winter days
Listen to our singing
Treat us like celebrities when we come home
Warm up our beds on cold nights
Make our hearts more vigorous
Alert us to the arrival of mail
Help us live a little longer
Make us smile
Agree with everything we say
Warm our knees with their chins
Provide a use for old tennis balls
Signal when a thunderstorm is coming
Help lower our blood pressure
Test how far we can run
Keep squirrels from overtaking our yards
Teach us the meaning of unconditional love
And forever leave their footprints on our heart!




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