OK, so they probably don’t care much about Christmas, but that still doesn’t mean we want neglected cats and dogs spending the most wonderful time of the year alone in a cage at the local animal shelter.

Get in the spirit with Foster a Lonely Pet for the Holidays — a national program inspired by A Dog Named Christmas, a book-turned-TV-movie about a young man who invites a shelter dog into his home for the holidays. Animal rescue groups across the country, including the Animal Protective League and the Sangamon County Animal Control, have joined forces to empty their kennels during the week of Christmas.

In addition to helping Fido and Fluffy, the free, short-term program also alleviates the burden on short-staffed shelters and regular “foster parents” who leave town for the holidays.

To get involved, call the APL at 544- PETS or visit www.apl-shelter.org.