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  • 2025 Holiday Letter

    Hello everyone. Finally. I get to have my say first. Melody here. The dogs are off galivanting about doing who knows what but probably terrorising some poor toy of theirs. I must let you all know of the conditions I have faced here recently. They are so below par.

    Matt and Sarah have been traveling just FAR too much lately. Matt keeps leaving for work trips to places called “Austin”, “Chicago”, and “India”. Sarah left for somewhere called “Virginia” to visit friends. They left TOGETHER for Jackson Hole so Sarah could ski, Houghton to visit friends and to help out at Michigan Tech, Bakersfield to visit family, and Sweden for 10 days!!! Sarah even keeps going to some place called “the office” twice a week. I thought those days were past us. So many fewer pets during the week.

    I, and the dogs, did get to spend two wonderful weeks with our grandhumans while Matt and Sarah were in Sweden hiking. They spent 5 days on Kungsleden (The King’s Trail) hiking 66 miles. I haven’t heard them stop talking about it so it must have been quite the adventure. They even show all their friends the photos.

    MELODY!! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!? YOU KNOW I WRITE THE LETTER!!! Ugh, I am so sorry about that introduction. Now that I’m back on the keyboard, we can finish this letter Amelia (AND CLARA!!!!) style. Yes, Matt and Sarah do seem to be leaving more but we get such wonderful visitors to stay with us when they go. We miss them, but we do get taken care of very well (I get SO MANY BLACKBERRIES from the road on our walks!!) and we don’t mind toooo much.

    We also got to do some of our own hiking this year. In September, we went to a big ski hill and rode a gondola up the mountain (I was pretty scared…). It took about 12 minutes and then it was amazing views and so many new people to meet! We hung out and listened to the music and then walked down the hill. The trail was a 5.3 mile hike!! It was amazing!! I was ready to go again once we got to the bottom but nobody would let me (you’re crazy Amelia… nobody would want to hike that again). We also got to visit a pumpkin patch! We get to spend time hanging out with our friends at one of the local breweries or around the neighborhood (I’ve got a WHOLE wardrobe now that I can wear so I can feel REALLY BRAVE when I go out).

    We’ve had a pretty great 2025 getting to spend time with all our friends out here. We’d love if you’d like to come visit us – we never turn down more pets and cuddles (COUCH CUDDLES ARE THE BEST!!!!!!!!). We hope you all have a wonderful 2026 and we look forward to hearing from you!!

    A black and white dog laying on a pile of pink pillows in a bed
    I’ll keep the spot warm for you

  • 2024 Holiday Letter – The Secret Letter

    Hi everyone! Amelia here and if you’re reading this… you’ve found the secret letter. We didn’t have one on our card because it wasn’t exactly a year worth putting on a card.

    In February, my sister Clara tore one of the tendons in her knee, the dog equivalent of an ACL. She was very brave about it and handled it much better than when she snagged one of her claws on a pillow a few weeks before (HEY!!! Breaking a nail hurts!!!!). She had surgery to repair her knee and even got a fancy push card to go around the neighborhood for walks (I HATE Push. No more Push. Just walks!!!). She was just getting the all clear in May when the second knee had its tendon go (I’m the kinda dog that likes to go all in…).

    On June 2, Matt’s mom died. We all piled into the car and drove all the way back to Michigan to help clean the house up and get things ready to sell. Clara couldn’t really walk so she had to be carried everywhere in the hotels. All the staff thought it was so adorable watching a 75 pound dog get carried around. Melody stayed and watched the house for us, with the help of our neighbors. She got lots of good cuddles.

    When we were in Michigan, we got to meet so many new people. Lots of friends and family I hadn’t seen in years or never met (I’ve never met them!!) came by to see us. It was great to see so many people and make so many new friends. (I was SO BRAVE!! I wanted to meet EVERYONE!!!).

    We got back to Washington in late July and were able to enjoy the rest of summer and fall. We had some friends come out to visit us which was AWESOME! We love when we get visitors because we get to take them around to all our favorite places. We even got to do smaller long weekends down in Bend, Oregon and then down in Astoria, Oregon. Our friend Ryan even came and stayed with us for 10 days and then went with us down to Astoria!! And I may have helped myself to his beef jerky… my tummy hurt a little after that.

    We’re looking forward to much better 2025. We hope we get to see a lot of you again and under better circumstances! I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season and here’s to the new year!!

  • 2023 Holiday Letter

    Hi everyone!! Amelia here enjoying some hockey with Clara (HI!!!!!!) and Melody (Hello).

    Matt and Sarah have been doing that thing where they leave again for days at a time. It was so great when they didn’t leave but at least we’ve got to make lots of new friends while they’ve gone to places like Michigan, Minnesota, California, and Ireland. (They LEFT us FOREVER!!!!!!) It was fine though because the people that stayed with us gave us lots of walks. And even though it rains here, we have really sharp looking raincoats (AND LOVE TO SPLASH EVERYWERE!!!!!)

    Ugh… are those two crazy canines going on about their puddle prancing promenades again? I do wish they would act more dignified. It’s much more pleasant to sit inside and watch the birds fly about as I yell at them. My favourite is when two crows fly in and there’s an attempted murder on the lawn.

    Oh, Melody, settle down. You’re just jealous that you don’t get to have fun adventures. This year we got to go walk in the rain forest in Port Ludlow (SO MANY SNIFFS!!!!), lay in the river in Snoqualmie (rivers are SCARY…..), and meet Sarah’s high school friend in North Bend. I personally enjoyed eating all the fine grass she had around the parking lot (AMELIA… it made you SICK….). Shush Clara.

    I will say, we love our new home and how many more walks we get here. All our neighbors (AND THEIR DOGS!!!!) are so much fun and we love getting to spend time with them. We’ve got lots of room and try to keep the right amount of pet hair on the bed for you… though Matt and Sarah keep washing it off.

    Here’s to a great 2024 and we hope we get to see you soon!!

  • 2022 Holiday Letter

    Hi everybody! Amelia here, with Clara (Clara: hi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) because she’s the very definition of Velcro dog, and it’s impossible to do anything without her. Melody is also here judging us from the window. [Melody: Hello.]

    Just wanted to give you a quick update on the second half of our year

    Living my best vest life

    —which has been a lot less hectic than the first half! We have absolutely loved the Pacific Northwest and the Seattle area. We’ve gotten to go out on a lot of hikes, play in the ocean, and get so many treats. Clara has a very stylish vest that she likes to wear (Clara: Vest life, best life!!!) and everyone thinks she is adorable.

    Can’t go out and play so we watched baseball – go Mariners!

    There were a lot of wildfires out here in late summer and early fall. We were safe from any real danger, but the smoke was really bad for a lot of September and October. It was hard to go outside and do anything at all because of how thick the air was. But now that the rainy season has started, the air is clear again and we’re enjoying a lot more outside time. Sarah even bought us raincoats so we don’t even get wet fur now.

    Getting out and exploring the beaches nearby!

    And don’t think we’re just on the go pets. We still enjoy laying on the couch together and gur-ruffing at people on their walks. It’s really only because we’re jealous and we want to go on more walks. [Melody: Amelia, you and Clara go on so many walks. I get amazing kitty alone time without you two racing about and running me over with your playing.] Unfortunately, Sarah installed these things called “blinds” now so they can block us from seeing out. Spoilsports I sill get a few good gur-ruffs in though. (Clara: I have no idea what we’re barking at, but if Amelia is in,  am too!!!)

    All of us hope you have a wonderful holiday season, a happy new year, and are looking forward to new adventures in 2023!!!!

    Amelia, Melody, and Clara

    We hold many debates on what to write to you. We take our work very seriously

  • Go West, young pup, Go West!!

    Hi Everybody!! Wow do we have some NEWS for you!!

    After 6 years of it being normal, having amazing neighbors, getting amazing pets…. the boxes came back. I THOUGHT we were done with this but… apparently no. Clara was super confused because she’s never seen this before. Melody and I were ready though… or so we thought.

    The big orange boxes… partially loaded.

    Yes, Clara is right, we were a bit grumpy, but wouldn’t you be?? That next day we kept driving. We made it into some place called “Montana” and that just went on and on and on. We got out to play at this one rest stop but then there was a sign about “rattle snakes” and Sarah made us get back in the car. We finally made it to our next bed for the night, but Matt still wasn’t there. Clara got have her first elevator ride (why did the floor move??) and we were a lot better in this hotel. The staff was super nice to us too.

    Our first night sleeping accommodations….. we honestly expect better service than this.

     

    Hi… yes… I was fine. I was with my friend Devin and she was watching me. It was so much better than  “packing”. I missed my sisters but my week of luxurious living was phenomenal. Then Sarah showed back up and I assumed… oh so wrongly… it’d be a short car trip home. Well, it was a short car trip…..TO AN AIRPORT!!! I had to fly!! ME!! At least I got to sit in the cabin in relative comfort. When Matt picked Sarah and I up from the airport, I was so aghast at what they had done to me, I didn’t make a peep the entire hour car ride home.

     

    A great view of all the morning walkers. They usually say hi to me and wave!!

    We can see the water from here… and all the people… it’s pretty great

    We’re looking forward to all our new adventures out here and the amazing patios to lounge on and hopefully getting to take a ferry ride some day soon! If you ever want to come out and visit us – we have a room waiting for you!!!!

    Two dogs and a cat sitting in a chair looking out the window at a sunet
    We love sitting in our chair and we’ll gladly make room for you!

  • 2021 Holiday Letter

    Hi everyone!!!! It’s AMELIA!!!! And wow…. What. A. Year. I mean…. WOW!!!!

    So – where to start. How to start?? So much to say!!! So little space….

    two dogs, an older dog and a weeks old puppy, lying on a bed together.
    It’s a Clara…. she’s pretty cute

    When she’s not playing bite ears…. the cuddle game is very strong

    I figured this would be just like any other year and then the most unexpected thing every happened. Matt and Sarah… they brought home A PUPPY!!!! I got my very own puppy!! Her name is Clara and wow is she a lot. It took Melody a little longer to get used to her, but she loved to cuddle and play and we have so much fun together. Her favorite game seems to be “bite ears” which can get a bit old.

    Then somehow things got even better. In May, after her company was sold successfully, Sarah was able to take the summer off and just hang out with all of us! She grew an amazing garden with massive sunflowers, squash, pumpkins, and tomatoes. We got to eat some of the pumpkin and when Melody stole some tomatoes for us… we got some of those too!!







    So many squash and pumpkins




    The sunflowers were no joke… at least 10 feet tall!

    Oh… ow… speaking of bite ears…. Apparently the puppy wants to type.

    Hello…. my name is Clara… you denied treats to my father… prepare to die.

    Hi! Hi!! I’m Clara and I JUST TURNED ONE and I am SO EXICITED to be here. I got to have so much fun with my sisters and friends. A lot of weekends this summer we got to go over to my friends’ house and play in the backyard and it was SO MUCH FUN. I was so TIRED after those adventures. My friend is SO BIG but we RACE ALL AROUND while Amelia lounges in the kiddy pool. IT. WAS. THE. BEST. I have to go now…. There’s more toys to chase!!!!

     


    Who knew kiddy pools were just really puppy pools!!!!

    Please send help… it is in my tower

    Ugh… now that those two are off, I can finally add some refinement to this letter. It had been getting a bit annoying with Matt going into the office more but in September, the best thing happened. He left HIS job and started working with Minted. That’s right, the same place we send our cards from! Now he’s home full time and I get so much more lap time. Of course I join ALL his meetings – it’s what the cool cats do.

    But – I must be off. The dogs are racing back here and I don’t wish to get run over. Matt also seems to be chasing them and he mustn’t see me typing this. Have a wonderful holiday season!


    If you do call us… I may answer… I take many import calls

  • 2020 Holiday Letter

    Hi Everybody! Amelia here again!

    What a year! I mean… woof. Seriously.

    Matt and Sarah standing on the spiral staircase that leads down to news floor of New Broadcasting House

    After I sent last year’s letter, Matt and Sarah went to London for a week. They got to tour the BBC and helped serve Christmas dinner to those who would have been alone otherwise. They keep talking about new and old friends from “The Alex” (a pub) — I hear they let dogs in. Best. Place. Ever.

     


     


    We’re sad… so much room… and no visitors

    2020 started out normal. Matt left every day and Sarah would be gone occasionally but then everything changed. Matt AND Sarah were BOTH home, ALL THE TIME. They never leave. I really enjoy all the attention and walks! But… none of my friends come over to visit any more and that makes me sad. Something about a “virus”. Whatever it is, I hope it goes away soon because I miss all my friends.

    I need to do a big stretch… here’s Melody for a bit

    My catnip toys made it a little better

    Hello everyone… Melody here. I hope all of you are having as good as time as possible. From the bits and bobs that I pick up from various news sources, 2020 sounds awful. I’m fortunate that my humans are staying healthy at home. While I do enjoy all of the extra cuddles I get – and the attention when I join Zoom meetings – it will be nice when things can go back to normal and I can spend all day lounging in a sunbeam in peace. Speaking of which… I think I shall go do that now.

    Hi again! All of us hope you are staying healthy, washing your hands, wearing a mask, and checking in on people who might be alone. This isn’t an easy time for folks and you never know when a kind word might just make somebody’s day. And if you feel like writing, I love getting letters!!!

    Here’s to a much better 2021!!!

    •

  • 2019 Holiday Letter

    Hi everybody!!! It’s your favourite canine composer here with her faithful feline friend… who seems to have disappeared attacking something under the couch again. She won’t sit still unless there’s a sunbeam to be had.

    I hope all of you had a great 2019. This might have been the best year ever for me!!! In January, I was getting ready for Sarah to go back to work after her end of year break. But then she didn’t. She just stayed home. And kept staying home. I was so confused! But so happy!! Full time cuddles!!! Then I learned that Sarah had started a new job where she gets to “work from home” (whatever work is… sounds boring) and now we get to hang out all the time. She keeps having “calls” and I hear all these strange voices from her computer but I don’t care – I have a friend at home all day now.

    One of my best friends in the whole world, Jacque, got to stay with me and Melody for a week when Matt and Sarah took another trip to Scotland. They must really love it there! Then in November one of my other best friends in the whole world Margot stayed with Melody and I when Matt and Sarah when to Boston. They got to see Fenway Park and some place called “Cheers” where everybody seemed to know their name. Wait!! I see a bunny…

    Well… now that Amelia has wandered off, I can finally add my piece. I must say, I’ve loved Sarah and this “working from home” routine she has. I get to sit in her lap even more than before. And she made a nice perch for me in her office that’s in view of all her video calls. It’s important people know who is really running the show. Amelia seems to be fixated on the wildlife running through the backyard looking for seeds. I’ll sign off on the letter for now and wish you all a wonderful 2020! 

    From me, Amelia, Sarah, and Matt – have a wonderful holiday season and an incredible year ahead!

  • 2018 Holiday Letter

    (Authors note: I was SO limited with space when I wrote my 2018 letter thanks to an amazing card design)

    2018 was a crazy whirlwind of a year! Just when we thought we’d reclaimed Sarah from grad-school, Matt and & Sarah left for Scotland, again. Following the tirp, Sarah took a new job and was never home for walks or noms.

    Then, in November, they left AGAIN. This time for Paris – don’t they know the city of lights loves cats and dogs? They didn’t leave us much room this year, but as always, we love visitors. We’ll even save a place by the fire!

    With love Amelia (dog) and Melody (cat)

  • 2017 Holiday Letter

    Hi Everybody!!! Amelia Dog here again!! Melody is hiding somewhere… probably climbing the tree… again. She just doesn’t learn… crazy cat.

    Anyways – we had a big year this year. The first part of the year was just like normal then in May, Matt and Sarah left me forever (or 10 days) at one of my favorite boarding places. When they got back, they had lots of friends come visit to hear about a trip they took to some place called Scotland. They apparently did a lot of walking while visiting Islay, Glasgow, and Edinburg. I’m sure I would have had fun, but taking a plane, a bus, and a ferry…. doesn’t sound fun for dogs.  

    After that, they were gone again in June for MORE walking. This time it was in the Rocky Mountains in Colorado for a 3 day, 34 mile hike. That sounds like way too much work – I’m kind of lazy. I was very happy lounging in the wading pool at my boarding place.

    Hang on…. Melody keeps biting my tail while I’m typing… I think she has something to say.

    HI! Melody here, and boy to I have something to say! It has been just the strangest of years, if I do say so. So many new friends have come to watch me, it’s been rather odd. But – they’ve all been in just top form and love playing. Sarah has even started something called “Graduate School”. She’s around so much more and I can lie in her lap while she types. ‘Tis most annoying though how much she types instead of petting me. Rather poor form. And ever since this “school” has started, Matt’s been having friends over regularly for games. Seriously! A consistent group of humans to torture, erm, play with. It really is the best. I would continue to talk but… somebody keeps trying to nose me off the keyboard. Time to pop off and I look forward to talking to you next year!

    Oh! I see Melody talked about Graduate School. Yes, Sarah started that this fall. She’s still working but while she does her homework, I do my best to help her out – by napping on the pillows of course. It’s so nice having her around!

    Anyway – Melody and I, and Matt and Sarah I suppose, hope you have a wonderful holiday season. Please feel free to come visit us anytime! We love to share, explore, and show off our amazing city!!