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Brightening Christmas for Cold and Lonely Dogs

December 27, 2007


	©Grace Allen
	Chris Schindler, shown here with his companion Brutus, brings cheer to outdoor dogs on Christmas.

By Catherine Hess

The vehicle was a Washington Humane Society van instead of a sleigh. It didn't have reindeer harnessed to it, and Chris Schindler didn't wear a red suit. All the same, he left home early Christmas morning to take toys and treats to many cold and lonely dogs who would otherwise have gone without.

In the District of Columbia, as in many cities, business owners keep countless dogs on auto repair lots, construction sites or tire stores. Many businesses close for the holiday, so at a time when people pursue comfort and joy, these dogs miss what they crave the most: human companionship.

But for years, thanks to Schindler and other volunteers coordinated by the WHS, these dogs' lonely Christmases have been brightened.

When many people opened the first Christmas presents over a cup of coffee, Schindler hopped out of the van at a fenced lot filled with cars. Carefully staying off the property to avoid trespassing, Schindler tossed a treat-stuffed toy called a Kong within reach of the dog.

"All the dogs know us; the owners know that we go there every year," said Schindler, who left WHS earlier this year to work on animal cruelty and fighting issues with The HSUS. He gives his time "because those dogs get the least attention from people, and it's a good time to check on their welfare."

Friends in Fair Weather or Foul

This Christmas day was mild. Volunteers slogged through pouring rain the previous year. Many years, the dogs, who are usually confined in fenced areas but are sometimes chained up, suffer freezing winter temperatures.

Most dogs seemed to recognize their Christmas visitors, and any initial barking turned to tail wagging as they played with their new Kong toy. A quick check that the dogs had adequate shelter and full water bowls, a few friendly words, and Schindler and WHS humane officer Ann Russell headed back to the van to visit the next dog.


©Sumner Fowler, Marin Humane Society
Outdoor dogs suffer frustration, loneliness and exposure to the elements.

Schindler was glad to see one business with a few huskies who had a "pretty good setup" including a heated shelter and a large clean lot. His favorite two dogs live at a Southeast liquor store. The "really cute" black-and-tan Rottweiler and the reddish mastiff mix are always cuddled up together behind the store.

At another location, a Rottweiler and a pit bull were chained to a car. Russell spoke with the owner, who seemed to live at the site. Russell cited the man for chaining the dogs and for not providing proper shelter, and the dogs got to warm up inside.

A Tradition of Caring

Adam Parascandola, a former WHS officer who now heads Oakland, Calif., Animal Control, started these Yuletide visits years ago. Now the day involves several people who drive around different parts of the city dispensing kind words and tasty tidbits. A pet store or a manufacturer usually donates the Kongs, which the volunteers fill on Christmas Eve with peanut butter and dog biscuits.

This was Schindler's eleventh Christmas spent on a humane mission. Now, he said, "I can't even imagine not doing this on Christmas."

After eight hours of canine care, Schindler returned home to his own companions, a bulldog and a Chihuahua. His reward was knowing that he made a difference for many otherwise forgotten dogs ... and knowing he'll be welcomed with wagging tails again next Christmas.

What You Can Do

You don't have to wait for next Christmas to spread some cheer in your own neighborhood. Pitch in at your local shelter, and give the priceless gift of caring to homeless animals.

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