CRITTER CORNER: A letter to Santa

Dear Santa,

My name is Buddy, and I am an Umbrella cockatoo who has lived at the Danville animal shelter for almost four years.

I have heard sometimes people can tell you their wishes and you can make miracles happen. I hope you also help animals, too, because there are many animals in this area that need your help. Some will be very cold, hungry, thirsty and scared on Christmas Eve.

I have simple wishes this year. This year, please make all the human hearts kind and all the human hands gentle. If you could do that, people would not abandon their pets in the country, kittens would not be tortured and all the sad animals would be happy. The animal shelters could close their doors forever.

 However, Santa, as you go into every home throughout the country, will you tell people about the animals? They need to know that it is a bad thing to be an unwanted or abused animal. If they know about the sadness, they can help.

 Please leave the message of kindness in every home. Spread the word for me about spaying and neutering and responsible pet ownership. Help people know animals are gift to them and even though humans have been given dominion over the animals, that means stewardship over — not dominance over.

Let them know that humans can make miracles happen by working together. Please, Santa, that is our only chance for happiness.

I wrote you a letter last Christmas, Santa, and I really think you may have read it yourself because lots of good things have happened. Were you the one responsible for the anti-tethering ordinance being passed in Danville? I also bet that you had a hand in helping plans for the no-kill adoption center to move forward. Thank you, Santa.

As you fly over this area, will you pick up the unwanted animals? Do you have room in your sleigh for the ones who are being abused, and the ones who so desperately need to be treated kindly? I’ve heard you and Mrs. Claus have a huge home with a nice fireplace. All the animals will gather round you in front of the fire, and they’ll be very good friends.

Santa, I have learned many things while living at the shelter. One thing I’ve learned is that you have many, many helpers who delight in helping animals. I’ve also learned that animals also know how to give gifts — gifts of loyalty, love, and devotion.

Well, Santa, I’ll be in my usual place on Christmas Eve. I’m the big white bird who will be looking at you through the window of the animal shelter. I’ll wave my wing at you as you pass overhead, and I hope I see lots and lots of animals in the sleigh with you.

Dean is the director of the Danville Area Humane Society.

Critter Corner is co-sponsored by the Register & Bee and the Danville Area Humane Society. Questions or comments should be directed to Critter Corner, P.O. Box 3352, Danville, VA 24543 or e-mailed to dahsinc@yahoo.com.