[NAGDU] A Guide Dog's Night Before Christmas

[Terri]

Was thd original all guide dogs? Labs included?



Sent from myMail for iOS


Wednesday, December 15, 2021, 6:52 AM -0800 from nagdu at nfbnet.org  <nagdu at nfbnet.org>:
>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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