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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland Guide Dog User Committee <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Wishes everyone peace, love, joy and good health for the holidays and upcoming year 2023! <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>All are invited to join us to discuss our priorities for the year 2023. We need your participation, ideas and creative solutions.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>When: Monday December 26, 2022<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Time: 10:00AM to 12:00PM<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Place: Virtual meeting v ia Zoom<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Scroll down for Zoom info after a Guide Dog’s night before Christmas! <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>A Guide Dog's Night Before Christmas<br></span></b><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>By: GDB puppy raiser Jill Savino Nieglos</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>'Twas the night before Christmas, the kennels were still, </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>with most dogs asleep, having eaten their fill. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>The shepherds were sprawled out, quite snug in their beds, </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>While visions of milk bones danced in their heads. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>The Goldens and Labs were curled up on the floor, </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>some twitched in their sleep and some even did snore. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>The dog food was stacked in the feed room with care, </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>in hopes that a trainer soon would be there. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>Off by the window, a kennel cat lay, </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>surveying the lawn at the end of his day. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>Something was different, that little cat knew - </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>something would happen, it had to be true. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>That day as the workers had left to go home, </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>they'd wished "Merry Christmas" before starting to roam. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>The dogs had all noticed that during their walks, </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>the trainers seemed happier and eager to talk. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>In the mall where they worked amid people and stores, </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>there were decorations, music, distractions galore! </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>Most dogs pranced along without worry or fear, </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>some balked at the man with those fake-looking deer. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>The cat was near sleeping when he first heard the sound, </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>a whoosh through the air and a jingle abound. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>The sound of a collar when an animal shook, </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>but the sound just kept growing - he'd better go look. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>From the ceiling there came a kind of a thunk, <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>As the kennel cat climbed up on a pile of junk. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>But the dogs were still quiet, all sleeping so sound, </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>as this man dressed in red made his way to the ground. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>He patted the cat as he climbed past his spot, </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>then made his way right to the old coffee pot. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>A labrador and shepherd sat up, not fully awake, </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>then a golden soon followed with a mighty loud shake. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>That did it...the dogs filled the kennel with noise, </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>but in spite of the din, the old man kept his poise. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>He filled the pot full and it started to brew, </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>then he pulled up a chair and took in the view. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>Dogs all around him, so carefully bred, </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>he knew well their jobs, and the people they led. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>Some had stopped barking and looked at him now, </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>while others continued their deafening howl. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>Laying a finger in front of his lips, </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>the jolly old man soon silenced their yips. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>He smiled, laughed, and took a short pause. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>"You may not know me, but I'm Santa Claus." </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>He filled up his mug with hot coffee and cream, </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>and said, "Meeting you all has been one of my dreams." </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>The cat jumped down to explore Santa's pack. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>He said, "Sorry, kitty, I've emptied my sack." </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>Santa smiled, drank, looked in their eyes – </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>deep brown and gold, all wide with surprise. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>Some of these dogs he'd seen just last year, </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>All in their homes - cute, full of good cheer. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>He'd seen the effect of a pup on a tree, </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>but now they were here, just waiting to be. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>"I didn't bring presents or bones to chew. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>But I'll tell you what's better – and what you're to do. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>You've all worked hard and the trainers will share, </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>both praise and correction, gentle and fair. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>You'll go lots of places and face scary things, </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>you'll ride buses, planes, and hear sirens ring. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>Cars will drive at you, you'll know what to do, </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>Moving from danger, not moving into. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>Then, when you think your trainer's the best, </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>the kindest, and funniest, just toss all the rest; </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>That trainer will leave you, and give you away, </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>handing your leash over despite your dismay. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>The one who will feed you might see just a tad, </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>Or maybe it's just that their focus is bad. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>So you little buggers will work as their eyes </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>To be a great team and discover the prize. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>The prize isn't kibble, or even new toys, </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>It's leading your partner, you good girls and boys.” </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>Santa sipped coffee, looked over the brood, </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>But what he said next seemed just a bit rude. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>“Some may not make it and won't become guides. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>But time here's not wasted, no casting aside. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>Some will be drug dogs and some will find bombs, </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>some will be pets with new dads and moms.” </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>When the last drop of coffee had gone from his cup </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>Santa turned, and smiled at each wide-eyed pup. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>"The best gift of all is to give something back. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>And that's why there's nothing for you in my pack.” </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>Draining his mug, he went to each pen, </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>Petting and scratching each dog yet again. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>"The following years, even more after that, </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>you'll all give great gifts wherever you're at. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>You might lick a hand on a really bad day, </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>or notice a car and step out of its way. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>You might catch a crook or discover some loot, </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>bring joy to an old man in a funny red suit. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>Your master will love you and treat you with care, </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>knowing your training will always be there." </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>After the last had been petted and soothed, </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>He rinsed out the mug and made ready to move. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>To the ladder he climbed for the door high above, </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>with a smile and a wave as he slipped on his glove. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>All the dogs’ ears were pricked as he flew out of sight, </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>Saying, "Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'>Zoom call in information: <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>Join Zoom Meeting<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><a href="https://zoom.us/j/6248138327?pwd=eTZlYUgwR3ZQVVl1dXBLSHcrbml1QT09">https://zoom.us/j/6248138327?pwd=eTZlYUgwR3ZQVVl1dXBLSHcrbml1QT09</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>Meeting ID: 624 813 8327<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>Passcode: 63263<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>One tap mobile<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>+13017158592,,6248138327# US (Washington DC) 16468769923,,6248138327# US <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>+(New York)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>Dial by your location<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText> +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText> +1 646 876 9923 US (New York)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText> +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText> +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText> +1 408 638 0968 US (San Jose)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText> +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText> +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>Meeting ID: 624 813 8327<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>Find your local number: <a href="https://zoom.us/u/amoAkgkwa">https://zoom.us/u/amoAkgkwa</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>--<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>Sherry E. Shirek, Chairperson<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>Guide Dog User Committee<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>National Federation of the Blind of Maryland <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>Mobile 701-781-3055 email <a href="mailto:sherrybeth7@gmail.com">sherrybeth7@gmail.com</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>Pronouns: she, her, hers<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><a href="http://www.nfbmd.org">www.nfbmd.org</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoPlainText>The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:16.0pt;line-height:106%'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>