The Real Zoe

Yes, Virginia, there is a Zoe.

In fact, there's a Kaja (that's how we spell it, but it is pronounced "Kaya"), a Jojo and a real cat, whose name in real life is Eunice.

All of these creatures came from shelters, and live with us in our house in the woods in Ledyard.

Our daughter adopted Zoe, years and years ago, from the Connecticut Humane Society in Waterford. Zoe was somewhat blind when we got her, and now, she's mostly blind. She can see light and dark, we know, and sometimes, she can see movement. Still, if you didn't know she was blind, you'd never guess she was – unless you saw her pointing in the wrong direction, begging for treats.

She is a jaunty, happy little dog who loves to snuggle and cuddle, and play with the other dogs. Our best guess is that she is 12 or 13.

Kaja is about 12. We adopted her when she was a puppy from a shelter in Maryland. We think she's part chow and part German shepherd. She's deaf as a stump now, has arthritis in her hips and legs, and she has slowed down a lot. But in her day, she gave deer and rabbits a good run for their money.

Kaja is one of the great dogs of the world. She is smart, beautiful, protective, and has been a loyal friend and companion for all her many years with us. I think the end of her life is in view, and I treasure every day I have with her.

Jojo, we adopted from a shelter in Pennsylvania. The shelter people said she was a husky mix, but we have surely found otherwise. She's a herding dog with a pit bull's stance, stubbornness and athleticism. She is funny, loving and devilish, and one of the fastest runners you'd ever want to see.

Eunice the cat also came from our daughter. (This is karmic payback from the many animals I left with my mother). Erika showed up one day and told me that if I didn't take the cat, she would bring it to the pound. That was a bluff, but I fell for it, and Eunice has been with us ever since.

She's always been able to go outside, but here, the coyotes are too prevalent. Eunice lives the life of Riley, and has sat next to me, on my desk, walking on the computer, knocking things over, and keeping me company as I've written all these chapters.

Buddy and Brutus are dogs I painted recently in memoriam. Both died within the past month or so. Both were good, good dogs.

I wrote "The Best Present Ever" partly as a way to engage readers, and partly as a gift to the people of Montville, who have been so kind to me.

I don't know anyone who treats animals the way the bad people in this story do, but I know that what I described here, while difficult to write and difficult to read, contains only a whisper of the cruelty that meets so many dogs and cats.

These creatures come into our lives and improve us, I believe. They give us love and loyalty, pleasure and comfort. I think it is our duty to make sure that they are treated as well as possible.

If you see someone abusing or neglecting an animal, please do something about it. Please call the animal control officer, or call the police. Dogs and cats can do little to protect themselves from cruelty and neglect, but we can change their fates.

And the next time you have room in your heart or your home for a pet, please consider adopting one who already needs a home. He might take more patience, he might take more training, but he will give you love like you have never known.

Thank you for reading "The Best Present Ever." I hope your holidays are safe, and warm and rich with the love of family, friends and pets.