On Friday, Jews all over the world will light the first of eight nights’ worth of candles in honor of Hanukkah, a holiday no one (including The Chosen People) knows how to spell.ย Two weeks later, the goyim will whoop it up over the birth of God’s son in a stinky barn. The day after that, some folks will celebrate Kwanzaa by doing Kwanzaa-esque things, and the Canadians will box each other.

But while we’re getting ready to make merry with friends and family, we should pause and consider another group who is celebrating an important day this time of year. We’re talking of course about Satanists, who will observe the winter solstice December 22. And as any Satanist worth his or her salt will tell you, the Horned-and-Hooved One isn’t really happy without a good animal sacrifice (in case no virgin humans are on hand).

Which is why Hair Balls has checked out the Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care for dogs and cats we’re sure will appease Lucifer like no one’s business. Make sure you snatch one of these offerings up so you get a special mention in The Book of Evil. All Hail Satan!

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Rosa, A1010102

This 7-month-old German shepherd would make an excellent sacrifice for this year’s solstice. Substantial enoughย in size,ย these types of dogsย won’t burn out too quickly, like Chihuahas or anyย teacup breed. You’ll want to of course draw a pentagram onย herย side in cow’s blood to get the most out ofย your sacrifice toย the Lord of the Flies.ย (Cow’s blood sold separately).

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Sebastian, A1009545

We know the Enemy will be happy with the sacrifice of this year-old border terrier. As you may already know, as a child, Satan had a cross-eyed border terrier named Mick. Satan promised his parents that he’d be a goodย demon and walk and feed Mick regularly, but before long, it proved too much for Satan, and he just let Mick run around Hell all day unattended. Sure enough, Mick wasย hit by a car. And then eaten by a serpent. Satan cried for days, but his parents never allowed him to have another dog again. Only aย gerbil.

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Jasper, A1009814

The Father of Lies hasย been able to enjoyย feline sacrifices ever since Dr. Mengele wrote him that Zyrtek prescription. This two-month old female calico was surrendered by her owner, so she’s clearly not wanted on Earth.ย (Remember: as with any calico, you’ll want to first brand her with the Mark of the Beast before the actual sacrifice; calicos just can’t catch without it).

Timothy, A1009251

At four years old, Timothy might be older than your usual animal sacrifice, but this domestic shorthair can show that burnt offerings ain’t just a young cat’sย game. Please give Timothy the opportunity that he can be pinned to a pentagram andย lit aflame to praiseย the Prince of Darkness like anyย cocky kitten out there.

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Pat, Sam, and Robin, A1009685, -686, -687

What’sย better than sacrificing one animal to Satan? Sacrificing three at the same time — HELLO! This abandoned trio makes the perfect demonic gift — whether you throw ’em on the pyre one at a time or all at once, Lucifer will know you went the extra mile to see that he had an especially hellish solstice this year. Who knows — you may just wake up in the morning to find aย shiny new pitchfork under your pillow!

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Thanks as always to Robyn Aroutyย ย for her absolutely stunning photography. (Arouty, by the way, never has any idea how these columns are going to go, so don’tย blame her for any of this Satan stuff….)

And also, PetSmart gift cards are still available for the first six folks to adopt any of these Hair Balls critters — get to it, yo!

SPECIAL NOTE:ย Can’t adopt right now, but still want to help some furry friends this holiday season?ย Pet Paradise,ย a sort of pet boarding/spa/fancy-pants getaway, isย co-sponsoring the first annualย Food for Paws food drive Saturday at all Houston-area Whole Foods locations.ย You can drop off food and supplies from 12-4 that Saturday, but you can also donate at any Pet Paradise location throughย December 19.ย (Wholeย Foods andย Rescue Bank, one of the largest pet-food banks in the country, are the other sponsors).

To sweeten the pot, Pet Paradise is offering a free night of boarding to folks who donate a minimum of a 20-pound bag of dog food, and a free day of daycare to people who buy and donate pet food from Whole Foods during the December 12 food drive. Prettyย cool deal — you get to help hungryย critters, plus do something sweet for your four-legged family member.ย Get crackin’! ย ย 

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Contributor Craig Malisow covers crooks, quacks, animal abusers, elected officials, and other assorted people for the Houston Press.