It is now Christmas Eve. No matter your religious beliefs it is a solemn night. A quiet night. One that will hopefully bring all of us peace and love and comfort. Even better if it comes from a beloved tail-wagging friend nearby. Or atop our head purring at us.

Or in our case, the love of a man named Howard.

He’s the man in the photo. And he’s our real life non-denominational, inter-planetary, honest-to-goodness Santa Claus. But not just for The Pongo Fund. He gives his all to help people and animals near and far. He is the rare breed of philanthropist that gives heart, time and money. And for the luckiest of us, he is also a mentor.

He lives by the Golden Rule. Heck, he might even have been one of the people that invented the Golden Rule. He is a one-of-a-kind human being. And the world is a better place because of him.

He’s also one of Scooby’s very best friends. You know Scooby. Almost 20 1/2 years old. Part Beagle. Part Basset. Part Gandhi. Part the Dalai Lama. And if you could see them together you’d swear they knew each other in a previous life. It’s always a treat-fest when these two get together. Because Howard makes sure that Scooby gets some really good pets. Some soft belly rubs. Some gentle neck scratches. And lots and lots of treats.

Everything else waits because in this single moment in time all that matters is this meeting between Howard and Scooby. Two old friends. Sharing a moment. Exactly as old friends do.

Howard and Scooby are two of the most kind and gentle souls you could ever have the pleasure of meeting. And I love them both.

Howard has another extra special dog friend too. They are BFF’s. His name is Hero. The story of how these two came together is quite special. For their bond is beyond words. I was there when it happened. From the moment they met to the love they share today. I will tell that story sometime too.

My name is Larry Chusid and I founded The Pongo Fund. I have the best job in the world. And the love of a dog named Scooby and the love of a man named Howard makes it even better.

And this is why we Pongo.

Wishing all Peace, Love and Kibble.

Sit. Stay. Eat. Live. Howard. thepongofund.org