To Samia, most loyal and
devoted servant,

Dear Samia,

I must first apologize for the simplicity of this little gift. Perhaps, in your single minded devotion to my well-being, you do not realize that my duties, which involve taking you to Dovercourt, North York, Bobcaygeon, and my home on Dundas Street - even though you are a big help as a chauffeur and navigator - leave me very little time for personal shopping.

I hope you like my little gift. It is not much, but we dogs have a saying: it is not the bark, but what you have in mind to do, that is important.

Speaking of barking, the other dogs do not believe this, but you seem to understand every thing I say: a single bark, and my slightest wish - nay, my slightest whim - is immediately gratified. In moments of perfect communion, I need only raise an eyebrow, and my Samia rushes at once with - for example - my coat and bootees.

I don't like to mention this, but there is the small matter of my cognac. You know that I prefer my drinking water with a modest splash or two - or three at Christmas - of cognac. Now, I am not one to complain, but of late the cognac has not been quite up to the mark. Frankly, it is not a vintage that a sophisticated dog could accept. I suggest we give Eddie what is left of the bottle, and lay in a new supply. Give the label some attention: I am told that there is a Courvoisier '92 that is well spoken of. Please do not be hurt. I know that you do your best.

You may have noticed that when you, in the kindness of your heart, bring strangers into our house, I raise a FEARFUL ROW. Please try to understand why I do this: I do not need any more pets. You are all I can manage.

There is one thing in my household that puzzles me. Do we really need that KAT? She taxes even my great tolerance, stalking about like a queen, taking the best pillows, as though she owned the place. Everyone knows that I, Kemo, am in charge, and that she lives here only because I allow it. But then, this is Christmas, and I tell myself that if I can have Samia as a pet, then it is only fair, I suppose, that Samia should have the KAT as a pet.

Even so, if that KAT continues, at every opportunity, to try to win away my best friends, rubbing up against them in the most shameless way, and making cute KAT sounds, I shall one day lose my temper, and chase her into the street, where she really belongs.

Samia, you have given me years of faithful service. I want you to know that
I no longer think of you as a mere servant, but as an honoured and beloved friend. So, with all my whole heart - Arf! Arf! (you and I know what that means).