Dear Santa, My name is Tater and I'm a ferret. I wasn't around last year, so this is my first letter to you. Paw Paw and Mee Maw said that you would know who I am anyway, so I'm writing to tell you what I want for Christmas. The first thing I'd like you to do for me is for you to visit all the ferrets, and other critters, who will have to spend Christmas Day in pet shops, shelters or, otherwise, alone for some reason. Let them know that they are loved and that Christmas is for them too. I know you may be too busy to get to everyone, but maybe some of your helpers can fill in for you. The important thing is that every lonely creature knows that they are loved and that someone cares about them. Second, I'd like for you to find a way to help all the ferrets who are sick this Christmas - like Kitka and Buddy and all the rest. Paw Paw says that you know who they all are, so I don't have to name all of them here. Maybe you can get your special helper, Baby Jesus, to help you with this. Mee Maw says that you are pretty good with magic, but that Baby Jesus can work miracles - and that this is really His holiday anyway. I don't know, but, if Mee Maw says it's true, it must be true. Next, I'd like you to help all the ferrets, and other critters, who are being abused or mistreated - Logan comes to mind. I don't really understand how humans could ever be mean to one of us, but Paw Paw says that's one reason why human people needed a Redeemer in the first place. I guess he's right. I don't like to watch the news anymore. Finally, Santa, I'd like for you to do something really special for all the human people who are nice to me and my critter brothers and sisters. I've met so many of them on the FML, but I know that there has to many more of them out there - who may not have yet discovered how neat ferrets are - but who love and cherish other beasties. Heck I have nine cats in my house, and I love every one of them. And, really finally now, could you see if you can do anything to help the poor ferrets who are illegal? They need to be able to run around outside, go to the grocery store and just be themselves without being put in jail - or something worse. Paw Paw just looked over my shoulder and read what I've written so far. He asked me if I wasn't going to ask for anything special for myself for Christmas. I told him to read my letter again. I've already asked for everything I really want to get this Christmas. He just smiled, rubbed my head and said, "I kinda figured that, little guy. Why can't everybody in the world be like you? Merry Christmas." Merry Christmas to you too, Paw Paw and Mee Maw. Merry Christmas to my nine cat buddies. Merry Christmas to you, Santa, and Merry Christmas to everybody on the FML. Luv to all, Tater PS: A box of raisins that Mee Maw and Paw Paw don't know about would be kinda nice. [Posted in FML issue 1421]