03/12/2025
My kind sir:
Imagine my profound pleasure and delight in being invited to correspond with you this holiday season. I have always admired your energy and dedication to the children of the world, and now I have even more admiration for you because I understand that you love animals just as much and are engaging your elves in working overtime to supply the four legged creatures with a wonderful surprise or two when you arrive with your reindeer.
Mr. Claus, I come from a long line of dignified dogs. We are originally from Turkey (the greatly respected and sometimes feared massive Kangal dog breed) and our jobs are extremely important: we keep other animals safe from those who might seek to do them harm. Like my ancestors I am very large, very powerful, and very very cute. In one day I could take down a wolf and enjoy a belly rub and let a lamb jump up and down on me. That is to say (and truly I am not being boastful): my forebears and I are quite special.
I won’t delay you with my story, however; let’s get down to business, shall we? I’ve been instructed to advise you of my needs as a dog on this farm animal sanctuary (not just any dog though, do remember this!).
I have been more and more outside on the job and less and less dallying with my lady friend Stephanie. There is an enclosed dog house and an open air dog house and currently both have no soft padding for me and my buddy Waldo the pig. Please rest assured that I understand he has first dibs on the enclosed dog house whenever he may wish to use it. Here is a very nice looking bed: https://tinyurl.com/bed-for-winston
I now must admit that we are in crisis at the farm with regard to collars. In fact, I should give you fair warning that my comrades may also be asking for collars. You see. How shall I say this? The love of my life, mis ojos, mein Herz, la mia grande amore, the fair Stephanie had a penchant for chewing collars in the past. I believe she has moved past this unfortunate habit, but the dead and dying collars remain largely unusable. I’ve heard that sometimes I “blend in with the background” too much and at night, when someone might need to summon me for something, I cannot be seen. Therefore, I believe a reflective collar might help out this situation. https://tinyurl.com/reflective-collar-for-winston I invite you to determine what shade might best suit my coloring. But, may I ask that you avoid pink unless you plan to purchase a companion collar for Steph?
Along the same lines, at night, as I said, I am inscrutable, unseeable, a shape shifter in the dark. The need to locate me at odd hours remains a mystery to me, but I attribute it to my being so exceedingly useful (and handsome). A good flashlight or two would be so very helpful. Flashlights, like ballpoint pens, have a habit of walking away and so this multi-pack set would mean we can position flashlights in strategic areas for an immediate need at any time! https://tinyurl.com/flashlight-for-winston
I have some wonderful sponsors, but a fellow can never have too many friends. Please do send me some sponsors who will enjoy coming and giving me extended belly rubs! https://shop.stargazingfarm.org/product/sponsor-winston/
Sir, may I extend my gratitude to you, your dear wife, all the elves who work so hard and, of course, the very fine and intrepid reindeer. Please do not be alarmed if I bark at them when you arrive on the roof. They will understand that I’m greeting them with a canine “Merrrrry Christmas!”
Most respectfully yours,
Winston
Star Gazing Farm
16760 Whites Store Road
Boyds, MD 20841
For a list of other things our animals have asked you for, you can visit https://santa.stargazingfarm.org/wishlist/
