Hi Santa,

Jo here. I’m writing to you because my foster mom says that, “If you don’t ask, you can’t get upset when you don’t receive.” But Santa, I’m a simple pup, and I’ve already gotten so much more than I ever imagined this year. My foster mom says that somewhere out there is a family that will love me more than she does. Can you imagine? Someone who loves me more than my foster mom? They must be really amazing! So maybe you could find them and send them my way? I promise I’d be a really wonderful Christmas present. I’m so small, I’d fit right in a stocking over the fireplace. Then I’d stay nice and warm, too! See how well this would work? But Santa, if you can’t find this special family that will love me forever, could you do something else for me?

Could you please, please find a home for Jack?

Actually, we could use a lot of homes. There’s a bunch of dogs here at ARLP looking for their forever families, but we also need more foster parents. You might not know, Santa, because I know you’re busy with the elves and the snow and everything, but there are a lot of pit bulls living in animal control who will be spending the holidays in cages because there aren’t enough foster homes to get them out. Fostering is a lot of fun, because people get to love and play with and snuggle all kinds of great dogs, but they don’t have to do things like pay vet bills. Plus there’s all the good karma that comes from saving a life! Say, Santa, I bet you and Missus Claus would make great foster parents! I know lots of pitties and rotties that would like to play some reindeer games.

Even if people can’t take another dog into their home, ARLP needs other help. We need people to help transport, to take dogs to doggie school, to work on the website, to help with the education program, to help with research projects – gosh, just about anything! If someone has a skill, we’ll find something for them to do. Just having an extra set of hands around can be a big help.

Another thing ARLP needs is money. We are entirely funded by the kindness of others - that means the rescue doesn’t get any federal or government money. ARLP isn’t raising your taxes, no sir! In fact, any money people send us is even tax deductible. But it also means that we rely entirely on donations to keep dogs like me in kibble and vet visits. And Santa, I really like the vets and techs at Blackberry Vet Hospital. They’re really nice to me, and always give me lots of treats and snuggles. And ARLP is entirely volunteer run, so 100% of donations goes for the care of the dogs and to the programs we run. Yay!

Of course, these days money is tight, and while there is no donation too small, I understand if folks need to spend money on their kids and rent and groceries, Santa. But maybe you know some people who have new or gently used dog gear they’re not using anymore? ARLP always has a need for sturdy collars, leashes, and toys. Food and water bowls, old blankets and bedding, and treats would be much appreciated as well. We need crates, too, Santa. We bullies are hard on our crates – I mangled two of them all by myself before I learned better. The 36 inchers are perfect for dogs my size, although we also have a need for larger, rotti-sized crates and smaller crates for puppies. We’ll take wire or plastic crates, new or used – we’re not picky! Santa, I bet you know lots of people, so maybe you know someone who has a SUV or a minivan they don’t need anymore? It’d be real nice to have a vehicle to transport dogs to vet visits and adoption days. And, y’know, out of Iowa. Lastly, Santa, we could use some winter coats for us dogs. Lady Rachel brought me the biggest jacket we had, and it’s about four inches too short for me! And I’m only 40 pounds!

But for the most part, Santa, the folks here make sure I want for nothing. Maybe you could do me a favor, though? I’d really appreciate it. You see, I would not be alive today if it weren’t for Rachel and Lara here at ARLP, Tim and Donna at BadRap, Rita the Federal Marshall, and Scott and all the other dedicated people who cared for me at Animal Rescue League of Iowa. They saved me, Santa. If I have a future, it is because of them. The tricks that I will learn, and the minds that I will open, the joy that I will feel and the love that I will give - it is because they were willing to say, “This is a good dog, and we will not let your ignorance take her from the world.” Their willingness to fight for me is the reason I am here to fight for others like me. Isn’t that incredible, Santa? So I was hoping you might have something extra special to put under their Christmas trees this year. They deserve so much more than the undying gratitude of one little, black, pittie girl.

Thank you so much, Santa, and Merry Christmas.

Love,

Jo

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