Oprah donated $10,000 to the Lange Foundation after receiving a Christmas card from a dog that was rescued from that shelter.

While it’s true that celebrity Christmas cards are definite conversation starters, there aren’t many worth a cool ten grand. In fact, I only know of one. No, it wasn’t a 14 karat gold-plated holiday wish, or a diamond-encrusted piece of cardboard (although I can think of a few famous stars who would probably buy Christmas cards with just those features). Actually, the card in question was sent to the celebrity – by a dog!

Who in the world is likely to receive a Christmas card from a non-human friend? None other than Oprah Winfrey. Can I just go on the record as a full-fledged lover of Oprah?!? I grew up watching The Oprah Winfrey Show and have been there through all of the hair styles and clothing trends. I’ve laughed, and I’ve cried. I’ll even confess to having her old-school 1980s theme song as a ring tone on my phone! But enough about me.

Over the years, Oprah has aired many shows about topics that make you stop and think about the world around you. A philanthropist if there ever was one, she has perfected a way to use her super-mogul powers for good, even in the face of naysayers.

Last year, Oprah did a show on puppy mills. You may be aware that the conditions that many dogs live in at some of these mills is atrocious – and if you didn’t know that, seek out this episode, as Lisa Ling takes video cameras to the scene of what can certainly be described as a despicable way to run a business. Dog and animal lovers nationwide listened up when the guests on the show pointed out how much better it is for all involved when someone adopts a pet from a shelter.

Anyway, back to the $10,000 Christmas card. Oprah received what she said was her favorite Christmas card in 2007 – from an old, blind cocker spaniel who had been rescued from a no-kill shelter called The Lange Foundation. This was a true dog’s eye view – written from the perspective of the dog, who would normally get passed over for a healthy, cute puppy but had somehow been lucky enough to be adopted by a kind, caring owner! The adoption was made in honor of Oprah Winfrey, which is not surprising, as she is a long-time dog lover who has owned several cocker spaniels over the years.

Oprah was so moved by the gesture that she donated $10,000 to The Lange Foundation. Now, if that isn’t a celebrity Christmas card worth every penny, I don’t know what is!