Editor’s note: This column is a fictional story Lennie Rizzo wrote as a compilation of many of the sad situations he has been faced with in his efforts.
A long time ago a beautiful response was written to a young girl named Virginia when she asked “is there really a Santa Claus?”
I wish to thank all my readers for the wonderful, positive response I’ve received for my tale, “The Colaborator.” Many thought that he was real and wished to know about his welfare. Others thought there was a specific dog and family that inspired the tale.  Well, I’m here to express that you all were correct in your assumptions. Yes, dear readers, there is a Cola.
When you hear of a family breaking up and no one will take the dog, he is Cola. When a family decides to move and the dog is left behind, he is Cola.
When a family member passes away and their dog is not wanted, he is Cola. All the abandons, the strays, the sick who cannot or will not be cared for because of financial reasons, all are Cola.
At Christmas time when you witness a bell ringer wearing a Santa suit, he is not Santa but he represents the meaning of Christmas and the gift of giving just as Santa does.
When you visit a shelter or a rescue and look upon the confused and hopeful faces of these magnificent animals, in them beats the heart of Cola.
Cola was not made up, he most certainly exists, I know because I see him each and every day.
My fervent prayer is that I can make enough people believe in him that there will be fewer of him and more of us.