[Blind-rollers] For Those with Guide/assistance Dogs: Guide Dogs' Night Before Christmas.

[Danielle Antoine]

Bibi,
thanks for posting this. I hadn't seen it in many, many years.
God bless and Merry christmas!

On 12/9/12, Criminal Justice Major <orleans24 at comcast.net> wrote:
>              Guide Dogs' Night Before Christmas.
> Twas the night before Christmas and the kennels were still,
>  With most dogs now asleep having eaten their fill.
>  The Labradors sprawled out, quite snug in their beds,
>  While visions of ANYTHING edible danced in their heads.
>  The Goldens and Shepherds curled up on the floor,
>  Some twitched in their sleep and some even did snore.
>  The dog food was stacked in the feed room with care,
>  In hopes that a trainer soon would be there.
>  On the window ledge, one of the kennel cats lay,
>  Surveying the lawn at the end of this day.
>  Something was different, that little cat knew.
>  Tonight something would happen, it had to be true.
>  For that day as the workers had left to go home,
>  They'd wished Merry Christmas! before starting to roam.
>  The dogs had noticed it to during this past week's walks,
>  The trainers seemed just that much happier and eager to talk.
>  In the mall where they worked through the maze of people and stores,
>  There were decoration and music and distractions galore!
>  Most dogs pranced along without worry or fear,
>  But some barked at the man on the sleigh  and those fake looking  deer.
>  The cat was almost asleep too when he first heard the sound,
>  A whoosh through the air and a jingle around.
>  It reminded him of a dog's collar when the animal shook,
>  But this sound kept on growing. He'd better go look.
> From the ceiling there came a faint sort of thunk,
>  As the kennel cat climbed to the highest pile of junk.
>  Once before people had worked on the roof,
>  And come down through the trap door to a chorus of "Woooof!"
>  But the dogs still were quiet, all sleeping so sound,
>  As this man dressed in red made his way right on down.
>  He patted the cat as he climbed past his spot,
>  Then made his way right to the trainers' coffee pot.
>  A shepherd sat up, not fully awake,
>  Then a Golden followed her with a mighty loud shake.
>  That did it! All the dogs sprang to life with loud noise.
>  In spite of the din, the old man kept his poise.
>  He filled the pot full and it started to brew,
>  Then he pulled up a chair and took in the view.
>  Dogs all around him, so carefully bred,
>  He knew well their jobs, the blind people they led.
>  Some had stopped barking and looked at him now,
>  While others delighted in their own deafening howl.
>  Laying a finger in front of his lips,
>  The jolly old man silenced the excitable yips.
>  "You all may not know me, but I'm Santa Claus,"
>  The old man smiled and took a short pause,
>  While he filled up his mug with hot liquid and cream,
>  "I've always wanted to stop here. It's been one of my dreams."
>  The cat had climbed down and was exploring Santa's sack.
>  "Yes, little kitty, that's an empty pack."
>  Santa smiled as he drank and looked at those eyes,
>  Deep brown ones and gold ones held wide in surprise.
>  Some of these dogs, he'd seen just last year,
>  In their puppy homes, cute and full of holiday cheer.
>  He'd seen the effects of a pup on the tree,
>  But now they were here at the school, just waiting to be.
>  "I didn't bring you presents or bones just to chew.
>  I'll tell you something better, what you are going to do."
>  "You all will work hard and the trainers will share,
>  Both praise and correction, gentle and fair."
>  "You'll go lots of places and face big scary things.
>  You'll ride buses and subways and hear fire sirens ring."
>  "Cars will drive at you but you will stand strong,
>  Not moving into danger, not moving toward wrong."
>  "And then just when you think that this trainer's the best,
>  The kindest, and funnest person, toss away all the rest,"
>  "That trainer will begin to ignore you and give you away,
>  Handing your leash over despite your dismay."
>  "Now the person who pets you and feeds you will be
>  A blind person. That's a person who can't see."
>  " This man or this woman may see just a tad,
>  But their view's missing parts or the focus is bad."
>  "So you, well trained dogs, will act as their eyes.
>  You will work as a team and discover the size"
>  "Of this great world we live in, because you will go
>  A million new places with this person, you know."
>  Santa sipped at his coffee and looked over the brood,
>  Knowing what he had to say next might sound kind of rude.
>  "Not all of you will make it and become canine guides.
>  Your time here isn't wasted though. You won't be cast aside."
>  "Some of you will be drug dogs and some will find bombs.
>  Some will become pets in a home with a dad and a mom."
>  "All these things are important. People wait on long lists,
>  To receive such good dogs as you, the school folks insist."
>  The last drop of coffee had gone into his cup
>  As Santa turned, smiling at each wide eyed pup.
>  "The best gift of all is to give something back.
>  That's why there's nothing for you all inside of my pack."
>  Draining his mug, Santa went to each pen,
>  And petted and scratched each dog again and again.
>  "Now next year and many more years after that,
>  You all will give gifts wherever you're at."
>  "You might lick a hand that's had a bad day,
>  Or notice a car and step out of the way."
>  "You might help catch a crook or discover some loot,
>  Or just bring some joy to a tired old man in a funny red suit."
>  "Your master will love you and treat you with care.
>  In return, your training and trust will always be there."
>  After the last dog had been petted and soothed,
>  Santa put away the coffee pot and made ready to move.
>  Up the ladder he rose to the door high above,
>  With a smile and a wave as he slipped on his gloves.
>  And all the dog ears were pricked as he disappeared out of sight.
>  "Merry Christmas to all, and to all a Good Night!"
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