The Slice: To ‘_________’ – Season’s Greetings

So is there someone you would like to acknowledge with a holiday greeting, but you don’t really want to mail a Christmas card?

Consider sending your seasonal message through The Slice.

Imagine your friend’s surprise when he picks up the newspaper and reads, “Merry Christmas, Eric Stratton. You’re the best! Hugs, et cetera. Your pal, Mandy Pepperidge.”

Only we would use your actual names, not characters from “Animal House.”

So go ahead and send me your request. Keep it short. And be prepared to explain to me on the phone why I should pick yours instead of someone else’s.

•Lesser-known legend: Kindergarten teacher Heidi Winegar is a single mom with two sons. Brock is 9, and Zach is 8.

About two months ago, one of the boys required a fair number of visits from the Tooth Fairy.

“Not long after that, I had an unfortunate experience with splitting wood that culminated with losing a toenail,” she wrote. “The boys were so supportive that they both, on separate occasions, left money under my pillow from the Toe Fairy.”

•A question from a reader whose name I will keep to myself: “Have you ever had to reveal a naughty or non-repeatable password to tech support? How embarrassing.”

•Fluffy’s been hitting the merlot again: “Not that you asked, but today we noticed that if you were looking at our recycling bin, you’d think that cats who drink wine were the only inhabitants,” wrote Karyn Chistner and Craig Heimbigner.

•Dogs in public, continued: “In my office, we have an Open Dog Policy,” wrote Mary Cayer, a Spokane accountant. “All dogs are welcome and we get a bit upset if a client comes in and we know that their canine companion has been left in the car. We have big treats and little treats and a water dish for those who are thirsty.

“One of our favorite clients is Bud and his human, Jim. Bud is a yellow Lab with a big tongue. He is always happy and always happy to see us. We love him almost as much as Jim does.”

•Speaking of canines: Remember, service dogs aren’t the same as pets. They have an important job to do. Don’t distract them.

It’s OK to wink or give them a quick thumbs-up.

•Slice answer: “Yes, I read the Christmas Fund stories,” wrote Mary Laflamme. “I read the whole thing. It is wonderful that there are so many generous people among your readers and it is heartwarming to read the reasons that people give.”

•Today’s Slice question: Why do some otherwise got-it-together people have car interiors that look like garbage scows?