To Santa, From Winston

Dear Santa,

For Christmas, could you please bring me a family of my own?  If it isn't too much to ask for, I would like a child to play with, maybe two.  Kids are my very favorite!  Could I also have a big yard to run around in with my kids and some tennis balls for them to throw for me?  I have been a good boy Santa.  My foster mommy tells me that all the time.  She kisses me and tells me that I am sweet and beautiful.  I love her.  Even though she wishes that I could stay with her forever, there are other dogs in shelters that need her.  I remember that. I was sad and scared when I was in the shelter.  I want to help those other dogs, just like somebody helped me.  Santa, if you bring me a family, I will love them forever.  I will make them happy when they are sad.  I will do my best to always do the right thing.  I have been trying hard to learn that.  With my family, Santa, please bring patience and commitment.  I don't know what those things are, but Mommy says that nobody has given them to me before.  She says that I need them most of all.

That's all I want for myself Santa, but I have another favor.  Could you also please bring some blankets for the dogs that will spend Christmas alone in the shelters?  It's cold there and sleeping on the cement is the worst.  It's also boring and lonely so please bring them some toys too.  If you could, send some volunteers to pet them and hug them and take them outside.  That would be the best.  The days that the volunteers took me out of my cage, even for a few minutes, were the only good ones I had there. 

And Santa, there is just one more thing.  You must know a lot of people.  Could you please spread the word to everyone on your list about all the homeless dogs that will be forgotten this year.  Let them know that even if they can't give one a new home, there are other things that can make a difference.  Maybe they have some old blankets or toys that they could give. Tell them that a couple hours of their time this year could make the holiday a whole lot brighter for a dog who isn't as lucky as I am.  

Thanks Santa!

Your friend,

Winston