We don’t always know where they come from. They arrive dirty, matted, hungry and alone.

Sometimes we have to stand and hold their leashes while their families walk out the door.

Some are rescued from junkyards, chains or basements, where they waited for help, lonely and cold.

Some are from dog-fighting rings or puppy mills, where they suffered torture, isolation and abuse.

We don’t know where they will be in a few months. Most will go to new families, to new homes. Others are so sick or abused that they will never leave us.

But we know that right now, they are safe. They are out of the cold. They have blankets, toys and food.

Many of them are experiencing kindness for the first time. When they are used to being kicked or yelled at, we give them pets and soft words. When they are used to having empty stomachs, we give them extra bowls of food. When they are used to being forced to fight or breed for their owner’s profit, we show them that we love them just for being.

This holiday season, hundreds of animals are in our care. We will work late into the night to make sure that each one is given special care and love.

That’s what the holidays mean to us at the Pennsylvania SPCA. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to do this work. We do the work of your conscience. Without you, we wouldn’t be here and neither would all the amazing animals in our care. To you and yours, Happy Holidays.