It’s Christmas Eve. The day before families gather. Food is probably already being prepared, gifts are being wrapped, and holiday music is playing in the background. For most, it’s a time of joy and togetherness. But here at the rescue, our phones are still ringing. Our inboxes are still filling up. The messages we receive are not ones of holiday cheer, but heartbreaking pleas to surrender animals.
We wish we could pause for just one day. To let the magic of the season sink in and to feel the warmth that this time of year is supposed to bring. And trust me – we do still have so much to be grateful for. The compassion of our volunteers, the dedication of our supporters, and the love we see when animals find their forever families – these moments keep us going. They remind us why we do this work.
But on Christmas Eve, it’s hard not to feel the weight of it all.
The stories behind the calls are often devastating. A family is moving and can’t bring their dog. A new baby has arrived, and there’s no longer time for the cat. Financial struggles have hit hard, and someone can no longer afford to care for their animal. And then there are the cases where the reasons aren’t clear – where the animals are simply no longer wanted.
Knowing that a dog or cat, who may have once been a cherished companion, is being left behind during what is supposed to be the season of love and giving – it hurts. It breaks our hearts.
We want so desperately to believe that Christmas is a time for families to come together, not fall apart. A time to share meals, stories, and laughter – not to let go of those who depend on us the most. But the reality is, rescue work doesn’t stop for the holidays. It doesn’t pause to let us soak in the spirit of the season. It keeps going, because the need never ends.
And so, we keep going, too. We pick up the phone. We open the emails. We say yes as often as we can, even when it feels like we have nothing left to give. Because these animals don’t have anyone else. And while the world outside may be wrapped in ribbons and twinkling lights, we know that behind closed doors, there are still animals who need saving.
To those of you who support us – who donate, volunteer, adopt, and share our stories – we can’t thank you enough. You are the reason we can keep answering those calls, even on Christmas Eve. You are the reason we can give these animals hope when they need it most.
And to anyone reading this, we ask: If you can, please consider opening your home or your heart to an animal in need. Not just during the holidays, but all year round. Let them be part of your family – this season and every season.
We believe in miracles. We see them happen here all the time. And as much as our hearts ache today, we also know that hope is never too far away. So, we’ll keep showing up. We’ll keep answering the calls. And we’ll keep believing that this work makes a difference.
Because it does. And it always will.
Merry Christmas Eve from all of us at Famous Fido Rescue.
