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For all the joy and hope Christmas brings to some, it can mean the searing pain of loneliness to others.

I had just pulled onto I-65 at the Franklin exit when I saw a hitchhiker holding a sign that said "Chicago."

My wife's words were echoing in my ears, "Don't pick up strangers when you're out on the road."

Wives are like that. But he looked too old to be much of a threat. Besides, there was a nasty looking cloud moving in from the west. I pulled over and stopped and he climbed in beside me.

I used to work with someone who would on rare occasions step into my office and ask, "Can we talk?"

I immediately knew something was seriously amiss and therefore needed to be addressed in order to avoid potentially disastrous consequences.

Owning a pet is a privilege and should result in a mutually beneficial relationship. Pets are wonderful, loving companions, which can bring much happiness into our lives. However, the benefits of pet ownership come with obligations. A responsible pet owner will:

• Commit to the relationship for the life of your pet. Make sure you are willing to commit to an adult dog or cat for a minimum of 10 years. Some birds actually outlive their owners.

While I still have a month left to get my Christmas shopping done, I am already stressed out. I haven’t checked a single name off my list yet, and there are several on there this year. Of course, at the top of my list is my niece.

This will be her first Christmas, and though I doubt she will remember it, I am determined to find her the perfect present. Or I should clarify, presents.