Perhaps everyday life has kept you too busy to think about homeless and abandoned animals. But there's still time for you to consider donating to help an animal in need. Help a cat or dog to get a caring home, regular meals, love and medical care.

Even just before Christmas, we received a call from Etobicoke (in Ontario, Canada) about a dog, barely skin and bones, tied up to a tree without food or water, and another about a dog being kept in a cold garage. We also have had numerous appeals to help cats in distress.

The holiday season is not a festive time for many animals. At this time of year, quite a number of people abandon their cats or dogs in pounds or on the streets.

We try to help, but need your help. Christmas is a time of giving, so please remember the animals. Consider fostering a cat or dog. Volunteer, donate -- and give generously.