[CT-NFB] another virgin of guide dog poetry for x mas. Happy new year to all

[Deb Reed]

Whoever wrote that poem was so talented, thank you for sharing Beth


Deborah J. Reed
Central Chapter President
NFB of CT
Deb.reed57 at gmail.com
860-378-5370
“Be the living expression of kindness, kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, and kindness in your smile.“ Saint Teresa of Calcutta




> On Dec 27, 2022, at 6:20 PM, Elizabeth Rival via CT-NFB <ct-nfb at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> 
> This was written by a guide dog handler. 
>  
>  
> Christmas Poetry
>  
> 'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
> Copyright C 1996 Jenine Stanley
> '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.
> And 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 decorations and music and distractions galore!
> Most dogs pranced along without worry or fear, but some balked at the man on the sleigh and those fake looking deer.
> The cat was almost asleep 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, 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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