Veronica told us last week about some awesome women & media organizations that could use your help this season. Since she already covered one topic that is near and dear to my heart, I'll share another with you here. Why not help our animal friends during the holidays this year? Not convinced that animal welfare is a worthy cause? Take a look at this video and see if it doesn't change your mind:

Cute, right? So if you're still scrambling for a last-minute good deed to ensure that Santa doesn't give you a lump of coal on Friday morning, consider donating money or time to your local animal shelter, or The Humane Society. Or, check out Kenneth Cole Presents VolunteerMatch for more animal-related volunteer opportunities. If you have the resources, you might even want to adopt a pet this year. Before you do, however, make sure it's the right choice for you: Impulse pet purchases can lead to more animals in shelters down the road.

If you're like me and can't afford to bring a pet into your life at the moment, think about a virtual adoption instead. Your contribution can help a wild animal survive until next Christmas, and it's not everyone who can say they have a pet dolphin or their very own elephant.

So heed the call of our furry friends and do one thing for animals this season. Big or small, we can all make a difference.