When I got a dog, I became an animal person for life.

Before my wife and I got a dog, I could kind of take or leave pets, so to speak. I had no ill will against them, I'd just never really had a pet before Neko. We had cats when I was a kid, but they weren't "mine" exactly, so I didn't give them much thought. But owning a dog has made me into a giant doofus who loves the crap out of furry creatures.

I also understand that when emergencies happen, it's the worst. A pet emergency cuts right to your very core. And what can make that situation even worse, is if there are obstacles put in place by money. Maybe your pet needed an operation you couldn't afford and had to make some tough decisions.

If you're able, you might be able to help change someone's lives.

The Eastern Maine Emergency Vet Clinic in Brewer has put a Giving Tree for the first time in their lobby. They announced it via their Facebook page a few days ago. They're hoping people will come in and pick an ornament for a certain dollar amount, and all the money raised will go to help pay for treatments where finances could hinder the issue.

Not everyone can afford the expense of surgery for a pet, especially at Christmas time, when inflation is through the roof and the cost of living has skyrocketed. So if you're an animal lover, or a big fan of what they do at the Emergency Vet Clinic, and have maybe the tiniest bit extra in your wallet, this might just be the ticket to you doing something that makes you feel really good during the holidays.

You can call Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:00am - 12:00pm to select an ornament, or you can come by in person. They do ask that you don't come right when they open, as they are crazy busy out of the gate. They prefer you come by after 8:00pm.

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