In 1984 a group of musical artists organized by Bob Geldof came together to record a song Geldof had written called “Do They Know It’s Christmas”.  It was written and recorded to bring awareness to a famine occurring in Ethiopia.

The spirit and intentions of the song, performance, and related revenue donated to the cause  was noble and righteous.   It marked a trend of social responsibility from artists wanting to make a difference in the world.  This has been carried on over the years by many others with events like Willie Nelsons’ Farm Aid benefiting farmers with financial challenges and Neil Young’s annual Bridge School Concert that benefits individuals with severe speech and physical impairments.

I thought about the song earlier today when I watched Kali sleeping after a long walk (in the cold and rain – poor me, right?).  It’s Christmas Eve but what the heck does she care.  She’s warm, fed, loved, and rescued. It’s just another day in paradise and for that I am grateful.   It makes me feel good to know that this beautiful soul will be safe and loved for the rest of her life.  It also pains me to know there are so many dogs that aren’t as fortunate as Kali as they wait to be rescued – both figuratively and literally – but may never be.

So on this Christmas Eve does Kali know it’s Christmas?  Of course not. Tomorrow family will be over and we’ll open gifts, eat, drink, reminisce, honor those that have passed before us (I miss you Dad!) and be merry.  But before all of that Kali and I will get up about 6:30, she’ll eat breakfast, she’ll watch me drink coffee and read the paper, she’ll beg while I prepare my breakfast (but retreat to her “spot” when asked), complain that we haven’t gone for our walk yet, go for a walk, return home to a warm bed, nap, and on and on and on like every other day.  So will she know it’s Christmas?  Nope.

And that’s just fine for both of us.

Having said all of that, I think if Kali had a concept of Christmas she would wish each and every one of you a very merry and blessed Christmas.

My favorite picture of my Kali.  She rarely smiles but when she does it’s Golden.