First, let me preface this by saying I've had a hell of a month. I was lucky that I completed my Presents for Pets Secret Santa gifting early, because I ended up in the hospital for almost a week with a very messed up stomach. I've been home over four weeks now with stitches and super glue holding me together, and been on a liquid diet and unable to do much in the way of sitting up or playing with my poor puppies. They've had it rougher, what with sudden stay with family and sudden lack of Mommy-wrestling.

So when I tell you my hardships are nothing compared to what my Santa went through before getting me my gift, I want you to take my full meaning. My Santa lost their puppy this year, which as any owner knows, is truly devastating. Many people would have given up on the exchange at that point, and I would have completely understood if my Santa did, yet they came through in spades. I want them to know that my gift is the best gift I could have gotten, and the excitement in my house has not stopped since that package got opened today!

First off, my Santa totally stalked me well, and secreted the whole shebang in a Ninja Turtles bag (which is now my new lunch and dog park snack bag). We will use both the squeaky chews with great fetching glee. The hats will keep us warm on long walks in the rain (well, long for them, not me...their little legs are short). The bubbles they will chase across the house, since I can't chase them yet. And the cookie...aahhh, the cookie we are saving for a cold night while snuggled in blankies by the heater.

Thank you, thank you, thank you, Santa. You have been the one sweet happy moment in a very rough month. And as someone who has been devastated by the loss of one of my babies in the past, I'm sending you huge hugs through the internet, along with sweet (well, not the breath) kisses from my puppies. Sophie and Athena love their presents! Thank you!