KELLIE WRITES . . .

11 DECEMBER 2010

Hi. My foster mom & dad have told me about all the people who have helped to make my Christmas wish come true. To tell you the truth, I had never even heard of Christmas and I'm still not sure I really understand what it is. I've been around the block a time or two while I was living on the streets in Alabama and I have to tell you, I have never seen a fat man in a red suit pulling a sled across the sky with eight reindeer.

Now, I'm not saying that it can't be done and if you say it can, I believe you. After all, when I found out I was sick and needed this operation, I heard my foster mom talk about all the dollars she was going to need. If dollars are like dog treats I sort of figured she could never get that many dollars. I've had a lot of treats since I've come here, but I know there aren't thousands of them in that cookie jar.

Next thing I hear, her friends had been sending in all these dollars so that I could have that operation.

Listen, the morning we were leaving to go to the hospital, I have to tell you that I was afraid I was going to have to get there on the sled with the fat man since it was my Christmas wish, and my foster dad was wrapping that silly scarf around my neck.

Whew . . . I was relieved when we went down to the garage and got in the car.

I'm supposed to be taking it easy for a couple of weeks. I feel fine. In fact, I've never felt better. I had no idea you could feel this good. I thought I felt fine before I had this thing they call surgery.

The real reason for my note is 'cause my mom is busy today getting ready for a party. All the other dogs had to go to a place called boarding for the night, but I get to stay home and have a party, too.

I'm not sure I'm supposed to be on this computer, so I'll get to the point. To all my friends who got me this Christmas gift, I want to say thanks. Mom says people sent dollars from all over the world. She says they even came from someplace called Down Under. I didn't know there was an under world.

To my friends I say Merry Christmas, God Jul, Joyeux Noel, Feliz Navidad, Froehliche Weihnachten.

Merry Christmas also to Ashley Larson, the best caregiver a dog could have, and to Drs. Hodge & Keene.

AEREM, EMMA & CHILLI FORRESTER & CHESTER HURTT @ WOMBAT BEND:
Dear Kellie,

Mum says she's not supposed to be crying, but we can tell you, there're BUCKETS of tears flooding our office, and there's enough to fill our billabong all over again.

Most of all, we want to say Hip Hip Hoorayyyyy for you & your doctors & your very special Mum & Dad.

You deserve it all, and we have a sneaking suspicion that the nice fat man in the red suit might still have a few more treats in his bag with your name on them.

And yes, there is a place called DownUnder. We know cuz we live here.

We wish you could visit and play with us!

Lots of love, nosepokes, bigbadbarks, tummyrubs and playbows to you from your Aussie pals and all the other DownUnders who love you, too!

JODI KOBLICK:
So very glad that the surgery happened.

BECKY PRESTON:
How wonderful . . . a marvelous Christmas present for us all.

PAM SIMPSON:
This is wonderful news. I am so pleased she is doing so well. Some lucky person is going to get a very happy, sweet pupper!

NEAL SKRENES:
The best "Christmas letter" I've EVER read!

PATRICIA WEBSTER:
What a beautiful Christmas letter, as I sit here crying tears of joy. YIPPEE! Kellie got the best Christmas gift ever.

BOB ANDERSON:
And write well, she does!

KEN DeKOVEN:
What a wonderful, heartwarming note from Kellie. We are so very happy for her continued progress and know also that there will be other gifts for her this Christmas, but none so precious as this gift of a happy, healthy life ahead of her. Merry Christmas Kellie!