If you looked at our credit card bills from last Christmas' present buying — just those designated for our house and not including relatives or friends — it breaks down pretty simply. My wife Eileen and I spent a modest $124, total, on each other and $11,417 on our dog Virgil.

Those of you who are pet owners probably get it.

Why shouldn't animals have a happy Christmas? Unfortunately, way too many animals don't have "forever homes" and might not be remembered this holiday season.

Which is why, on Sunday in Westerly's Knickerbocker Music Center, Speziale & Friends will take the stage for the Fifth Annual Rock & Roll Christmas Show benefitting Stand Up for Animals, an organization that supports, cares for and provides homes for troubled animals.

The event will be hosted by event co-founders — and musicians/animal enthusiasts — John Speziale and Keith Cowley, and will feature players from acts like The Hoolios, Sweet Mercy, Sunday Gravy, The Choos and more. Expect three good-time sets of classic rock and blues, holiday tunes and virtuosic jams. Dancing, food and drink, a photo booth, a strolling fiddler, a silent auction and a Boogying Santa are also part of the fun.

Merry Christmas to all our beloved Beasts!

Rock & Roll Christmas Show, 6 p.m. Sunday, Knickerbocker Music Center, 35 Railroad Ave., Westerly; benefits Stand Up for Animals; $10 donation at the door; (401) 315-5070.