No one should be alone on Christmas

Christmas is on its way. I hear the joyful music, I see the bright lights, and all the gorgeous decorations strung outside the houses. All the couples going out, holding hands, giving presents, completely in love. And all I can feel is loneliness. I turn the corner and see people stop, stare, and whisper, as I continue down the street. But then a thought occurs to me… Maybe there is someone or something out there feeling this lonely this time of year. Maybe a shelter dog…I step through the doors of the shelter I found online and I see a bunch of dogs jumping up and down, barking, and howling. I am a little overwhelmed and am not sure what to do or where to look first. But then, all of a sudden, I stop in my tracks. I see this sad, unmotivated, older looking dog, shrinking away. I motion to a volunteer and ask, “What’s the story with that one?” He looks surprised by my question, but I can see a smile forming on his face. “Most people come here for the puppies or the younger dogs. They walk right by him, and don’t give him a second look.” As I look closely at him, I see a similarity we both share. He’s limping just like me! My heart goes out to him. “I’ll take him,” I say. “No one should spend Christmas alone.” I draw carefully a little closer to his cage door, and he turns slowly and looks me in the eyes. He gives me a friendly lick on the hand.“ Hi, buddy,” I say, “let’s get you out of here. What do you say?” I put on his leash, and he follows me out with the enthusiasm of a puppy half his age. As he follows me into the house, he stays close to my side warily. As time passes, he calms down and seems to feel safer. I smile at him. “Hey, Buddy, why don’t you sleep with me in the bed tonight?” He seems to think it’s a good idea and curls up with me. Soon I feel him dozing off contentedly. Now, I have someone who understands exactly how I feel. We can be there for each other, and make each other’s day a little brighter. I realize that now I won’t be so lonely on Christmas Day anymore. No one should be alone on Christmas.