At SPCA, children write letters for dogs and cats

The white cat mewed her holiday wishes. Caroline Umphlet listened.

Ms. Claus the cat -- no relation to the big guy -- dictated a letter, which Caroline, 7, translated from muffled meows to modern English.

"Ms. Claus wants a family and a home. Can she have a little toy, too? Can she have a great friend? Can she have a loving family?"

Caroline and her friends went to the Richmond SPCA yesterday to help dogs and cats write their holiday letters to Santa.

The group was celebrating the eighth birthday of Lexi Hauser of Glen Allen. In lieu of gifts for Lexi, many guests brought gifts for the homeless animals.

Lexi wrote to Santa on behalf of Brinkley, a three-legged dog. "Brinkley wants a home and a lot of toys and a blanket," she said.

Several other groups of children have aided the SPCA recently, helping draft letters on behalf of the animals, which -- like many area children -- are getting more vocal in their wants at this time of year. The top wish for the dogs and cats: a new home for the holidays.

Zach Hauser, 11, spotted Scrappy, recently rescued from a feral colony. Scrappy has FIV, the feline immunodeficiency virus.

"Dear Santa," he wrote. "I think he would like some cat food and a toy. I would be very happy if he got a home. Also can you help him through his disease?"

Trella, a gray and white kitten reclining in a large cage, relayed her message to Kelsey O'Brien, 7. "I want a [hammock] for me to play in and sleep in. I also want a kitty toy."

Late December is a busy time at the SPCA, said Chief Executive Officer Robin Starr.

"It's a great time to bring in a new family member," she said. "It's a wonderful thing to do for the holidays. It makes the holidays more meaningful."
Contact Lisa Crutchfield at (804) 649-6362 or .