Animals need a merry Christmas, too.

Anybody who has ever had a pet knows the dog or cat is just as aware as anyone that the holidays are a special time of year.

This Christmas, Suzanne Lopez, an employee at Williams Veterinary Clinic, 2389 E. U.S. Highway 59, is hoping somebody will volunteer to become a foster parent for one or more of the 11 cats and five puppies and dogs for which she is caring this season.

“Who knows,” she said, “somebody might just decide to keep the animal and give it a permanent home.”

From the huge, furry, green-eyed cat that somebody dumped on the side of the road to the most adorable puppy anybody ever saw, the critters are just right to warm a cold heart on Christmas morning.

The puppy is really special because his left front leg has recently been amputated.

“They don’t know they’re handicapped,” Lopez said of the injured animals. They can do anything a four-legged animal can do.

All the pets she has are spayed and neutered, current on all their vaccinations and heartworm free. And they are all free to a good home.

“I’d love foster homes,” Lopez said. “But a permanent home would be nice.”

Anybody interested in providing a home for a warm, cuddly pet may call the clinic at 358-1711 to make arrangements to see the animals.