Christmas cards seem to be the bane of my existence every holiday season. I buy cards. I don’t have time to send them out. I start to receive cards. I feel guilty. I vow to send them out next year, just like I have vowed to send them out for the last seven years …

At the Bangor Humane Society, Christmas cards are different, and I have to say they are some of the best presents I ever get to see.

We receive cards from many of our alumni and their new families. Most come with short stories about how the new family member has learned to pee outside or gently kiss the small children of the household.

They also come with pictures that bring tears to the staff’s eyes. To see the joy in the faces of the animals and their new families makes the tough days worthwhile.

As our belated holiday gift to you, I share snippets from some of those that made us smile:

Dear BHS:

My name is Terry and I adopted “Hector” in August. He has improved our love of wild cats. (he, he…) Both my boyfriend and I would like to thank you all for allowing us to adopt him. He loves the outdoors and also inside his new home. He started catching grasshoppers and spiders, which doesn’t bother me. He then found a snake – which has been relocated. Mice are now his latest fashionable attraction. But he is well and happy and so I am also. He brings much happiness to our family and friends.

Affectionately, Terry and Fred

Note: Hector was a very special kitten. He came to us very wild and very, very young. He grew up with us and our volunteers as he learned to trust people. To know he is happy brought smiles to our faces.

To know his new “parents” have the patience to laugh at his antics brought a collective sigh of relief. Just please don’t let him graduate to the birds!

Dear BHS:

“Luan”, whom we now call “Lu” or “Lulu”, is doing very well in her new home. She is pampered – sleeps wherever she’s contented and eats what’s good for her plus what she likes to eat. She gets along with her other three siblings very well and so far we have had no unpleasant mess and no fights – heaven forbid! “Lu” behaves very well and doesn’t have any bad habits – she’s a “normal” cat!!! She sends love to all of you at BHS.

Sincerely, Norma

P.S. She purrs all the time!

Note: No bad habits and still considered normal. Maybe my pets take after their mother – bad habits abound in my pet household! Congratulations.

Dear BHS:

I would like to thank you for my adoption of a very special kitten. Her name was Muffin and she is now called Rosie Muffin. I am enjoying her being part of my family, although it was hard losing my 18-year-old cat, Hillary. Rosie has helped me a great deal in dealing with my loss.

Sincerely, Dee and Rosie

Dear BHS:

In less than a week, Patch (“Rossignol”) learned to sit and shake hands – and now he sits at the door to go for duty. He’s awesome!

Thanks, Annie

Dear BHS:

I love my new home and the people here keep saying I’m precious.

Love, Patch (AKA Rossignol)

Hey, Patch – we know why they call you precious. You are.

To all the alumni of the Bangor Humane Society and their new adoptive parents: we wish you much happiness together throughout the New Year. Please stop by for a visit next time you are in town. We’d love to see you.

Bev Uhlenhake is executive director of the Bangor Humane Society, 693 Mt. Hope Ave., Bangor. For information, call 942-8902.