Remember Buddy when spreading good will this holiday season

Every year, Christmas in July rolls around, and as consumers we accept it as fun retail hype. Then summer all too quickly comes to a halt when children go back to school.

Our priorities are pulled in different directions, but yet, the Christmas stuff does not disappear. It lingers into September. Why put it away when the hype starts up again in October?

The great weather holds, but we are barely aware of fall and all of its decorations, because the Christmas trinkets are just across the aisle.

Next, we need to hurry and consume Thanksgiving dinner to shop for those great Black Friday deals, most of which we don't really need.

Instead of buying into the commercialism of the season, we should stop and take the time to give thanks and assist others. It may mean a care package for a soldier, driving a meal to a homebound person, or helping at a food pantry.

Volunteerism may reach a whole new level around the holidays, but it generally puts us in a feel-good mood and raises our self-esteem. Those of us at Buddy hope that your volunteerism and goodwill will extend to our animals this holiday season.

All of our animals would like their own special home. If you cannot assist in this manner, there are so many ways to help the animals.

Buddy has trees located throughout the community and in the lobby of its shelter with animal-themed ornaments for sale. Or, you can bring the family for photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, elves and winter wonderland decorations from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday through Dec. 21.

We will have bake sales as well as an open walk-in policy for Buddy's gift shop. We also need volunteers to care for our animals still waiting for homes.

Most of the animals Buddy has taken in have suffered at the hands of humans or have been discarded by their owners. Help us drape them in loving warmth and caring this holiday season.

Please extend all this holiday cheer to your own animals with proper treats that are not part of your holiday meal. Our seasoning and method of cooking does not agree with our pets.

The pet industry has caught up with the Christmas and holiday hype in a good way. Besides all the silly toys that may be dangerous and not to their liking, healthy treats and foods are now available for our felines, too.

Pumpkin is an ingredient in dry and canned treats without the spices. In some cases, it is even found in limited diet foods like duck or bison. Needless to say, you will not find these at traditional grocery stores. Shopping for our pets should be part of the holiday fun.

Featured felines:

Today's featured felines are Jay Jay, Jack and Tiger. They share a unique story and, as such, Buddy would be thrilled if they could be adopted as a group. To promote this idea, we would offer a special adoption rate, as these three are totally bonded.

All three are 4 years old. Jay Jay and Jack are shades of blue tabby and Tiger is a brown tabby. They are give-ups from the same home. Their senior owner moved to another state to live with family members for assistance with day-to-day care, rather than go to a nursing home.

All three did not understand what happened to their happy home. Upon arrival at Buddy, they all sat in one bed on top of each other. They were sad and very depressed. Slowly they are making progress and show interest in human attention again.

Do you have room for three bonded felines?

• The Buddy Foundation, 65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights, is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization. Call (847) 290-5806 or visit www.thebuddyfoundation.org.