Adopt a pet in Ulster County for the holidays

Art is a 1 year old, male Great Dane. He may look as big as a horse, but he’s still very much a puppy! He’s a very large boy with a very large heart, who doesn’t know how big he is.

Adele is a female domestic short hair dilute torti. Adele loves to snuggle up in her hidey. If she was a human, she would spend her days snuggled up with a warm cup of tea and a go.

Many in our local communities have difficulty during the holidays for any number of reasons. Think back for a moment to the classic 1965 animated film, A Charlie Brown Christmas. Charlie Brown undergoes his seasonal soul-searching and existential crisis in a five-cent therapy session with Lucy.

Brandi is a female American Pit Bull Terrier. She loves to cuddle and enjoys humans of all ages.

While this struggle for Charlie — what’s the true meaning of Christmas? — may seem an eternal trope, there’s one thing on which we can all agree, Charlie’s seemingly endless need to depend on his best friend Snoopy for assistance and reliance when it comes to any holiday dilemma..

Our pets are often our stability, unwavering in their loyalty, and deserving of our affection. Pets are the gift we give ourselves, and what is returned is often far more rewarding. I would ask, then, at what better time of year than this should we support these animals and those that care for them?

Tucker is a male Bull Mastiff Norwegian Elk Hound. Tucker is a big, active, sweet boy in his pre-kindergarten puppy phase! He enjoys tug-of-war, belly rubs, and running around outs.

Several of our local animal shelters need our assistance not only during the holiday season, but throughout the entire year. Yes, monetary donations are always welcome. Should you seek a deeper connection with an animal in need and are able to contribute your care, time, support and effort, however, then consider adopting. The adoption of a pet is a lifelong gift that requires mutual reliance. Please remember that adoption is a privilege. Your pet’s dependence on you is never conditional.

Pretty Boy is a male domestic long haired grey calico. He belongs on the cover of one of those dime store romance novels.

The holidays are a wonderful time to open our hearts and give, whether financially or emotionally, to an animal in need. It may just be the exact answer we seek when we are in doubt just what the holidays are all about…..

Consider adopting and or donating to the Ulster County SOCA, Heart of the Catskills, and the Hudson Valley Animal Rescue and Sanctuary.

All animals pictred here are available for adoption from the Ulster County SPCA.