(For the last 4 Holiday Seasons the Manning Times has printed this story about what Christmas Eve might be like at A Second Chance Animal Shelter. Everyone’s favorite, Kali, has always had a starring role. That’s because she has been at the shelter since November, 2018, waiting for her fur-ever family to find her here. The shelter staff and volunteers can’t understand this: she’s a darling, always smiling and ready for a belly rub. And despite the years of waiting, of seeing her friends get adopted, Kali’s attitude has never changed: she is always a happy dog. As you read this story, think about Kali, and the folks you know: maybe one of them would be her perfect family, and you can be the match-maker that brings them together. Wouldn’t that be the greatest Christmas present ever??!!)
It was the Night Before Christmas at A Second Chance Animal Shelter...
...the staff and volunteers had all left for their homes. Lola, Ferris & Kali (the dogs) and Claire & Kahn (the cats) and all the other animals living at ASCAS were huddled together.
Kali asked everyone: "Hey you guys: have you been hearing all the talk around here about something called Christmas? And Santa Claus? Is that a person??? Lola, you've had a home before: know anything about all that??"
Lola thought for a moment then replied: "Well, Kali, Christmas is something those crazy humans call a holiday. And Santa Claus is this kindly old guy who stops at everyone's home on Christmas Eve, and leaves them special presents he carries in a sack, all while they are sleeping. He wears a red suit and is a
bit roly-poly, kind of like you are, Kali".
"Roly-poly! I'll have you know this is all muscle! And that’s a crazy story! Why would he bring everyone gifts? And how does he get into everyone's house?"
"Kali, you are too a bit, shall we say, overweight. But Santa does stop at every home: he slides down the chimney to get in."
"Ha! If I saw Santa here at the shelter, I'd jump in his sack, then jump out at the 1st home he came to."
"Aw Claire, what do you know: you're just a cat. You'd probably just hide under your bed! Lola, did you ever get a present?"
"Oh Kali: yes I did! But not from Santa I don't think. My humans got me special gifts and treats all wrapped up, then let me tear up all the packaging: great fun, for sure".
Kali got a wistful look on her face, then said "...Geez, presents: wouldn't that be great! But who's gonna think about a bunch of homeless dogs and cats at Christmas?? What would you guys wish for?”
Ferris said “a nice leash so someone could take me for long walks". Lola thought a moment: "a really soft bed for these cold nights would be great". All Kahn could think about was a catnip mouse with a bell.
Kali looked at them all, then said: "All good things, but I bet I know the one present each and every one of us would ask for...". Without a moment’s hesitation, everyone said in unison:
"A home of our very own...fur-ever!!!"
With that, one by one, they drifted off to sleep, dreaming not of Sugarplums but of their own special Christmas dream, hoping to wake up one morning to find it's finally come true.
Maybe you or someone you know can make a dream into reality!
A Second Chance Animal Shelter's staff, board of directors and volunteers wish everyone a joyous, memorable holiday season and a great 2024. And they especially want to thank all those who supported the shelter throughout the year.
ASCAS is a 501(c)3 non-profit, no-kill organization that can only exist with through the generosity and support of its friends and neighbors. If you would like to ensure its efforts continue, please contact the shelter at 803-473-7075 (5079 Alex Harvin Highway, P.O. Box 607, Manning, 29102). You can also support them by visiting the A Second Chance Thrift Store at 537 S. Mill St, Manning (across from the IGA). Purchases and donations all go towards the animals. The shelters 1000’s of residents, past, present and future will purr or wag their tails in appreciation!
