At this time of year most of us concentrate on Hanukkah and Christmas celebrations. We not only think of our families, but of our neighbors and those in difficult circumstances. In our immediate area we have quite a few wonderful organizations that care for people and animals all year long. Children are always thought of, but some others in our society are last on the list. The following organizations could use donations. We might as Christians remember that Christ was born among the animals and so they, and the people who care for them, deserve special honors.

For Canal Lodge Adult Care Center at 221 Canal Street, Ellenville, you could call and ask if they would like a visit from your friendly pet (845-647-8461). Of course, the pet must be up to date with shots and calm. Wayward Ranch Animal Sanctuary in Kerhonkson has pets up for adoption (wras.adoptions@gmail.com, or call 845-626-7645). You can also help out PetsAlive at 363 Darby Road, Middletown (845-386-9738); the Ulster County SPCA in Kingston (845-331-5377); T.A.R.A., the low cost spay/neuter van that travels around providing care for our area pets (845-754-7100); Woodstock Farm Sanctuary, at 2 Rescue Road, High Falls (845-247-5700, or info@woodstocksanctuary.org); the Institute for Animal Happiness in Woodstock; the Dumped/Stray Animal Rescue (dsarescue@gmail.com, 845-551-2158); or the Sullivan County SPCA at 104 Rock Hill Road in Rock Hill (845-796-3120).

A Bit of Poetry

Here is a poem to remind us that we should adopt from animal shelters. The animals deserve another chance; you can find lovely pets there and the less people that adopt the more puppies and kittens will end up sad and lonely or worse.

A Rescue Pet’s Christmas Poem by David (the Dogman) Gross

“Tis the night before Christmas and all through the town,

every shelter is full — we are lost but not found,

Our numbers are hung on our kennels so bare,

we hope every minute that someone will care,

But now we just sit here and think of the days

we were treated so fondly — we had cute baby ways

Once we were little, then we grew and we grew,

Now we’re no longer young and we’re no longer new

“If you can’t adopt us and there’s no room at the Inn

could you help with the bills and fill our food bin?

We count on your kindness each day of the year,

can you give more than hope to everyone here?

Please make a donation to pay for the heat

And help us get something special to eat

The shelter that cares for us wants us to live

and more of us will if more people will give.”

Holiday Pet Recipes

While we all may be baking holiday cookies for our human loved ones, there’s also some lovely recipes suitable for your furry family members as well.

Doggie Christmas Cookie

2 cups of flour

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp baking powder

Splash of milk

After mixing the ingredients together, put dollops of the dough on a lightly oiled cookie pan and bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes.

Please do not bring a new pet into a home during the holidays if the house will be chaotic or have guests. It will be too confusing and someone might let the pet out. And remember, don’t give your pet gravy or chocolate or turkey bones.

Have a warm and happy holiday season.