WILLIAMS: A dog's letter to Santa

Dear Santa,

1. A brand new dog bed. I got one last year, but I chewed off the corners. Plus Mommy would like one that matches her sofa.

2. A new food and water bowl. Mommy got new tile in the kitchen so coordinating dishes would be nice.

3. A new doggie coat. Yes, I know I have fur and it’s not very cold here, but I have to keep up with the newest fashion trends.

4. HDTV. Since Mom and Dad leave Animal Planet on for me, I’d love to be able to see those tiny hairs on the hippo’s snout.

5. A new furbling to play with. Mommy and Daddy are so tired when they come home from work and get angry when I want them to play with me. If I had another dog in the house, I wouldn’t need so much attention.

Actually, those aren’t really the things I want at all.

When it comes to a bed, I can think of no better place than anywhere next to my mom and dad. As for my food and water dish, that doesn’t matter to me. Remember, I’m the one who uses the toilet for a water dish! And I don’t need a new dog coat. Yes, Mommy and Daddy leave the TV on for me, but I rarely watch it. When they’re gone, I spend the day sleeping. That’s why when they come home the first thing I want is their attention. I love other dogs, but a new one would never take the place of my owners. I will always want to spend as much time with them as I can.

So what I really want is for you to keep my pet parents healthy, happy and able to take care of me. And this is my wish for not only my pet parents, but pet parents everywhere.

If you can give me that, not only will my Christmas day be complete, but every day for the rest of my life!

Laurie Williams is a Stafford business owner and certified professional dog trainer. Reach her at onesmartpooch@aol.com.