Christmas, "the most wonderful time of the year," melodiously sings in our mind and spirit as we envision the warm lights of a Christmas tree as the fireplace crackles in the background. But this is not the picture for many unfortunate dogs in our own community.

We all want a happy ending for all stray dogs, including the joy of an animal united with a kind family in which the dog radiates love, and the same is returned. We especially think this way at Christmastime.

There is a true story of a rescue dog here in Southern Pines, in which the happy ending has not occurred -- yet.

Elmo's story begins two days before Christmas 2008, when a cruelly thin dog with multiple sores, little hair and cauliflower ears was discovered curled up on the front porch of a local farmhouse. Too weak to get up, he could only lift his eyes as the "farm lady" opened the door to let her own dogs out for their bedtime walk.

In desperate need of veterinary care, Elmo was treated and eventually began to recover.

In attempts to find him a permanent home, many ads and photos were placed in The Pilot during the course of the year. Elmo also attended Adoption Weekend at PetSmart, where he was sadly overlooked for younger, cuter dogs. He went from home to home, cage to cage and, frighteningly enough, escaped euthanasia by only a few hours.

Elmo's story is not over yet. He still waits for the "happy ending."

Will it be happy or sad for him and the other numerous abandoned animals here in Moore County?

Consider the commitment you make when adopting an animal. Your pet's rewards will be countless and yours will be even more.

To adopt Elmo, call (910) 693-0304.

Sharon Granito

Southern Pines