December, already? How can that be? Weren’t we just out walking our dogs in the wildflower-strewn hills?
For me and lots of people I’ve surveyed, 2010 has passed alarmingly fast. My theory is that it’s a perception thing, that WE are moving too fast, not taking time out to enjoy the simple pleasures, like stopping to smell the aforementioned flowers. I know the holiday season is not conducive to slowing down and simplifying, but let’s do our best to stay merry and bright.
This holiday issue is designed to help. It begins with a mood-elevating little piece by a Beagle named Bartholomew, his personal letter to Santa Paws. Not all dogs are the same, of course, but I suspect Bart’s gift requests will strike a chord with lots of other canines. Read the letter to yours and see.
For another special holiday treat, read celebrated author Todd Walton’s story about a dog and two men in transition during the holidays. As befits the season, love lights the way.
Yet more fun awaits, dear readers. Last month we asked you to submit high-res photos of your dogs decked out for the holidays. For some special gift ideas turn to the center spread.
Not everything in this issue evokes sweetness and light. On page 14, Elizabeth Kracht tells a terrible yet ultimately inspiring story of rescuing dogs in Puerto Rican. Her experience centers around a place called “Dead Dog Beach,” so be forewarned. In a stroke of synchronicity, just as I was writing this column a news item hit my desk. For the first time ever, a Puerto Rican jury convicted a man in an animal cruelty case, and the perpetrator was sentenced to 12 years in prison. This sends an unmistakable message to the entire country: A new chapter has begun and mistreatment of animals will no longer be tolerated.
Of course, kindness really can’t be mandated – it is cultivated in each heart. Bay Area residents Roy Gaydos and his wife Elaine Lam are good examples of compassionate hearts in action. When their Shih Tzu Oscar lost the use of his back legs several years ago, they refused to give up on him. They found a wheelchair for disabled dogs online, then Ron set out to modify it into a fanciful vehicle for Oscar. They have been out together enjoying fund-raising walks, pet parades, and other fun events ever since.
Bay Woof’s 2011 Beast of the Bay Awards season is well underway. We’ve designed the contest a little differently this time around, with a nomination process followed by a multiple-choice ballot for final voting. When the nomination process ends, the final ballot will appear online and in our January and February issues. We will announce the winners in the March issue, just in time for Bay Woof’s 3rd birthday!
May all dogs and their owners be happy, peaceful, and safe this holiday season…
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