Find Joy in Your Pets This Holiday Season Marina Kinney
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his year, t he hol id ay s will be different; there will be fewer parties and more cozy moments in front of our fireplaces. Our sparkling holiday dresses and those oh-so-veryugly-sweaters may remain on their hangers for 2020. This year, instead of our annual company party, cookie swaps, and white elephant gifts, we w i l l w ish our loved ones a happy holiday over Zoom. Over the next couple of months, we are invited to focus on those with whom we share our homes and who have endured with us during quarantine - our pets. There is so much joy to be found in our furry friends this holiday season. During this difficult year, the pets, who we call family, have provided us with solace, comfort, and joy. They have seen us at our worst, joining work conference calls in our sweatpants and binge-watching TV shows we’ve already seen. And yet they love us unconditionally and do their best for us. They know nothing of the pandemic - only that we are worried and that we are comforted when they lay their heads in our laps as we watch the news. They know nothing of flattening the curve only that we are joyful when they catch the ball we toss around in the backyard or skitter after a toy mouse. Our pets make us smile when they proudly walk around in their holiday sweaters (or even when they are just humoring us by wearing silly reindeer headbands). They warm our hearts Winter 2021
when we know they feel safe and loved, cuddled in front of a fire. They make us swoon at how gorgeous they are when they pose perfectly for a picture that we can show off on our social media pages. Th i s holid ay season is about Charbonneau our closest conwaits for Santa nections and our pets are a huge part of our lives. As the holidays approach, we want to share with you some of the pets who have found loving homes through UVHS. We are grateful to be able to help bring joy to the lives of so many families and animals. We hope that these photos bring a smile to your face. This December, our staff and volunteers will pause to celebrate the hundreds of animals who have found a home for the holidays. For those who are still waiting for their new homes, we snuggle them, offer them gifts of toys and treats, and all the ear scratches they ask for. At UVHS, all animals experience love, some for the first time. On New Year’s Eve, let us toast to the joys of 2020 - the closeness, security, and comfort of those with whom we shelter. Let’s also toast to the hope for a new, healthier, and brighter 2021. Most of all, let’s toast the dogs and cats and other animals we love and who bring us boundless joy. Thank you and happy holidays to all the people and businesses that make what we do possible. www.UVHS.org PO Box 789 Lebanon, NH 03766 www.4LegsAndATail.com 3
