Sunday, January 24, 2010

How Much Is That Doggie In The Window?

San Francisco is one of my favorite cities and it’s especially fun at Christmas time when Union Square is decked out for the holidays. Macy’s puts up a huge Christmas tree in the square and this year they also sponsored an outdoor skating rink.

Here’s a photo taken from the fifth floor of Macy’s.


With such mild winter weather, what fun for San Franciscans and visitors to be able to skate outdoors.

What really caught my attention, though, were a couple of Macy’s store windows. This year they teamed up with the San Francisco SPCA to bring awareness to the number of shelter animals in need of homes, and to encourage people to sponsor an animal or become a volunteer.

During our stay we walked past the windows twice and there was always a small crowd gathered outside. Of course I couldn’t resist snapping a couple of photos.

The pet-friendly window displays were as adorable as the dogs and cats in them, and of course I hope that every single pet found a loving home, including this adorable little dog who is surely one of Santa’s helpers . . .


. . . and this fellow who looks as though he’d be right at home anywhere . . .


. . . and apparently the windows were so comfy that this little black and white kitten decided a catnap was in order . . .


I hope these furry friends were able to ring in the new year with a forever family.

Happy 2010 to everyone!

Until next time,
Lee

PS: Last month I ran a contest on my blog, The Writer Side of Life. I announced the winner—Ellen E— on January 1, but I haven’t heard from her! Ellen E, if you’re an American Romance reader, I hope you see this. You'll find my email address on my website. Please send me your address and I will put your treats in the mail.

16 comments:

Rachel said...

What a great way for Macy's and the SPCA to raise awareness – and nice for the animals to be able to watch the action on the street.

Lee McKenzie said...

I agree, Rachel. I've heard a lot of heartbreaking stories about people who've had to surrender much-loved family pets because they can't afford to keep them. I hope it's some consolation to see the attempts being made to find new homes for these animals.

Gillian Layne said...

How sweet and heartbreaking at the same time! I'm sure those adorable babies found good homes.

My mom's latest dog was thrown out the back of a truck right in front of her house. He's fine--we were all in shock. I finally told her that her reputation as a "dog lady" (they live in the country, she's been taking care of and finding home for strays for years) must be really wide spread.

It's great to hear from you, Lee! Can't wait for the new book. :)

Lee McKenzie said...

Gillian, your mother "the dog lady" has all my respect and admiration.

I completely understand that pets are not the right choice for everyone, but that sure doesn't justify cruelty.

My hat is off to your mom and all the wonderful, caring people like her.

Nicole's Book Musings said...

I think it's neat that they brought awareness to the animals because sometimes they get forgotten. The displays are cute!

robynl said...

Oh Ellen I hope you see that you won a wonderful prize;
Rescuing dogs is a wonderful deed.
I applaud those who do it.

Estella said...

What a great way to bring attention to the many dogs and cats needing homes.

Jodie Esch said...

Wow! Imagine if other big department doors adopted the same idea. Perhaps other wonderful animals could be saved.

Lee McKenzie said...

Nicole S, I thought the displays were adorable, especially the one with the fireplace and the little doggie armchair!

Lee McKenzie said...

Estella, thanks for dropping by today! I totally agree.

Lee McKenzie said...

Jodie, that's a great idea for raising awareness. It would probably be good for business, too, because people like me would drop by more often ;)

Lee McKenzie said...

robynl, I'm applauding with you. And I hope Ellen sees this, too!

Linda Henderson said...

I love animals but unfortunately can't have any where I live. I hope all of them found wonderful homes.

shelley galloway said...

Lee,

What cute pictures. Oh, I would have had a hard time doing anything else in San Francisco besides look at those dogs...

Shelley

Lee McKenzie said...

Linda, the SPCA near me has a team of volunteer dog walkers. I've often thought about signing up but right now I don't have enough available time to fit it into my routine.

We have two cats and would love to have a dog as well, but it's those same time constraints that prevent us from taking the next step.

For us, for now, dog ownership is one of those someday things.

Lee McKenzie said...

LOL, Shelley! It would be tempting, but San Francisco is a very interesting city, and very walkable in spite of the hills.