[NAGDU] A Guide Dog's Night Before Christmas

Jenine Stanley jeninems at icloud.com
Wed Dec 15 14:51:13 UTC 2021


Thanks Steve for the slight edits to my original. 😄🦮🎄 

> On Dec 12, 2021, at 3:16 PM, Steve Cook via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> A Guide Dog's Night Before Christmas
> 
> 'Twas the night before Christmas, the kennels were still,
> with most dogs asleep, having eaten their fill.
> The German Shephards were sprawled out, quite snug in their beds,
> While visions of milk bones danced in their heads.
> The German Shephards were 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.
> Off by the window, a kennel cat lay,
> surveying the lawn at the end of his day.
> Something was different, that little cat knew -
> something would happen, it had to be true.
> That day as the workers had left to go home,
> they'd wished "Merry Christmas" before starting to roam.
> The dogs had all noticed that during their walks,
> the trainers seemed happier and eager to talk.
> In the mall where they worked amid people and stores,
> there were decorations, music, distractions galore!
> Most dogs pranced along without worry or fear,
> some balked at the man with those fake-looking deer.
> The cat was near sleeping when he first heard the sound,
> a whoosh through the air and a jingle abound.
> The sound of a collar when an animal shook,
> but the sound just kept growing - he'd better go look.
> From the ceiling there came a kind of a thunk,
> As the kennel cat climbed up on a pile of junk.
> But the dogs were still quiet, all sleeping so sound,
> as this man dressed in red made his way to the ground.
> He patted the cat as he climbed past his spot,
> then made his way right to the old coffee pot.
> A German Shephards sat up, not fully awake,
> then another German Shephards soon followed with a mighty loud shake.
> That did it...the dogs filled the kennel with noise,
> but 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, and the people they led.
> Some had stopped barking and looked at him now,
> while others continued their deafening howl.
> Laying a finger in front of his lips,
> the jolly old man soon silenced their yips.
> He smiled, laughed, and took a short pause.
> "You may not know me, but I'm Santa Claus,"
> He filled up his mug with hot coffee and cream,
> and said, "Meeting you all has been one of my dreams."
> The cat jumped down to explore Santa's pack.
> He said, "Sorry, kitty, I've emptied my sack."
> Santa smiled, drank, looked in their eyes –
> deep brown and gold, all wide with surprise.
> Some of these dogs he'd seen just last year,
> All in their homes - cute, full of good cheer.
> He'd seen the effect of a pup on a tree,
> but now they were here, just waiting to be.
> "I didn't bring presents or bones to chew.
> But I'll tell you what's better – and what you're to do.
> You'll all worked hard and the trainers will share,
> both praise and correction, gentle and fair.
> You'll go lots of places and face scary things,
> you'll ride buses, planes, and hear sirens ring.
> Cars will drive at you, you'll know what to do,
> Moving from danger, not moving into.
> Then, when you think your trainer's the best,
> the kindest, and funniest, just toss all the rest;
> That trainer will leave you, and give you away,
> handing your leash over despite your dismay.
> The one who will feed you might see just a tad,
> Or maybe it's just that their focus is bad.
> So you little buggers will work as their eyes
> To be a great team and discover the prize.
> The prize isn't kibble, or even new toys,
> It's leading your partner, you good girls and boys.
> Santa sipped coffee, looked over the brood,
> But what he said next seemed just a bit rude.
> “Some may not make it and won't become guides.
> But time here's not wasted, no casting aside.
> Some will be drug dogs and some will find bombs,
> some will be pets with new dads and moms.
> When the last drop of coffee had gone from his cup
> Santa turned, and smiled at each wide-eyed pup.
> "The best gift of all is to give something back.
> And that's why there's nothing for you in my pack.
> Draining his mug, he went to each pen,
> Petting and scratching each dog yet again.
> "The following years, even more after that,
> you'll all give great gifts wherever you're at.
> You might lick a hand on a really bad day,
> or notice a car and step out of its way.
> You might catch a crook or discover some loot,
> bring joy to a old man in a funny red suit.
> Your master will love you and treat you with care,
> knowing your training will always be there."
> After the last had been petted and soothed,
> He rinsed out the mug and made ready to move.
> To the ladder he climbed for the door high above,
> with a smile and a wave as he slipped on his glove.
> All the dog's ears were pricked as he flew out of sight,
> Saying, "Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"
> 
> Steve Cook
> 
> 
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