Find Joy in Your Pets This Holiday Season Marina Kinney

Find Joy in Your Pets This Holiday Season

Marina Kinney

This year, when we know the holidays they feel safe will be differ- and loved, cudent; there will dled in front of a be fewer par- fire. They make ties and more us swoon at how cozy moments gorgeous they in front of our are when they fireplaces. Our pose perfectly sparkling holi- for a picture that day dresses and we can show off those oh-so-very- on our social ugly-sweaters media pages. may remain on This holiday their hangers for 2020. This year, Charbonneau waits for Santa season is about our closest coninstead of our nections and our annual compa- pets are a huge ny party, cookie part of our lives. swaps, and white As the holielephant gifts, days approach, we will wish we want to share our loved ones with you some a happy holi- of the pets who day over Zoom. have found

Over the loving homes next couple of through UVHS. months, we are We are grateful invited to focus to be able to help on those with bring joy to the whom we share our homes and who lives of so many families and animals. have endured with us during quaran- We hope that these photos bring a smile tine - our pets. There is so much joy to to your face. be found in our furry friends this hol- This December, our staff and volunteers iday season. will pause to celebrate the hundreds of

During this difficult year, the pets, animals who have found a home for the who we call family, have provided us holidays. For those who are still waitwith solace, comfort, and joy. They ing for their new homes, we snuggle have seen us at our worst, joining work them, offer them gifts of toys and treats, conference calls in our sweatpants and and all the ear scratches they ask for. binge-watching TV shows we’ve already At UVHS, all animals experience love, seen. And yet they love us uncondition- some for the first time. ally and do their best for us. On New Year’s Eve, let us toast to the

They know nothing of the pandemic joys of 2020 - the closeness, security, - only that we are worried and that we and comfort of those with whom we are comforted when they lay their heads shelter. Let’s also toast to the hope for a in our laps as we watch the news. They new, healthier, and brighter 2021. Most know nothing of flattening the curve - of all, let’s toast the dogs and cats and only that we are joyful when they catch other animals we love and who bring the ball we toss around in the backyard us boundless joy. or skitter after a toy mouse. Thank you and happy holidays to all

Our pets make us smile when they the people and businesses that make proudly walk around in their holiday what we do possible. sweaters (or even when they are just www.UVHS.org humoring us by wearing silly reindeer PO Box 789 headbands). They warm our hearts Lebanon, NH 03766 Winter 2021