I wish…

Jennifer Vanderau
Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter

(12/2020) This one will likely be quite different than what we’re used to in terms of holidays and gatherings and celebrations.

But I think it’s important to remember – this year probably more than ever – that there’s still magic around us, no matter what else might be happening.

We still have the twinkling lights, children still have that wondrous expression when they see Santa, the Grinch’s heart will still grow three sizes when he hears every Who down in Whoville, the tall and the small, singing. Without any presents at all.

The spirit of the holidays really is still here. And with that in mind, I’d like to send out some Christmas wishes.

For anyone who is suffering or has suffered with illness this year, I wish you perseverance, strength and hope. When it gets really tough and you feel like you’re at the end of your rope, please tie a knot. And hang on.

For anyone who has lost a loved one this year, know that I understand and have lost people, too. I wish that the memories you have will soothe you and that you can find a little comfort in the thought that they truly are still with us in spirit.

I wish a moment or two of peace and joy for my friends, family, co-workers and loved ones. Even if it’s just stopping for a few moments to breathe. Take that time and find a little serenity in this crazy world.

I wish that everyone who has adopted from the Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter will give the four-legged friend they saved a kiss and a hug for me. Physical touch is so incredibly important. And sharing that unconditional love with an animal really is a balm for your soul.

I wish that anyone who has taken in a stray pet will know that you have helped animal shelters more than you will ever know. We are so lucky to have the folks out there caring for the four-legged souls who show up at their doors.

I wish that all the animals in our kennels will know that even though they may have been discarded, there will always be people who love them and care for them and want the very best for them. And those people will work every day (including the holidays) to make sure those four-legged babies get the absolute best we can give them.

I wish that all of our supporters will know how very much they’ve helped us help the animals. Without them, we couldn’t do what we do every year. They save lives and it’s so humbling.

I wish that all the people and groups who are out there, every day, like we are, helping homeless animals throughout the year can take a moment to truly realize how much good they do. Putting that kind of service out into the world is overwhelmingly powerful, even though it can also be amazingly difficult.

I wish that those who are bitter and unhappy will understand, for just a split second, that there are a lot of things in this world to be grateful for and that embracing even the smallest spark of true joy really can change a life.

I wish that those who hold grudges and anger and animosity will just let every ounce of it go. Even if it’s just for a few minutes. It really is so very freeing.

I wish that those who cry will laugh. I wish that those who yell will whisper. I wish that those who are cold will know warmth. I wish that those who are hungry will be full. I wish that those who hate will know love.

I wish that that animals who have a home will get a snuggle and a kiss and a present under the tree.

I wish that the animals who don’t have a home will be able to connect with that special soul out there who will make sure that he or she has food and water and a safe place to rest.

I wish that those who sing, dance, chuckle so their bellies jiggle, and spread joy in any way they can will keep doing it for as long as they are able because eventually, that kind of light will illuminate the whole world. What a beautiful place that will be to live.

And for you reading these words right now, I wish you a wonderful, safe and merry Christmas and a very happy New Year.

*****

Jennifer Vanderau is the Director of Communications for the Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter in Chambersburg, Pa., and can be reached at cvasoc@innernet.net. The shelter accepts both monetary and pet supply donations. For more information, call the shelter at 717-263-5791 or visit the website www.cvas-pets.org.