[NAGDU] A Guide Dog's Night Before Christmas

[Jenine Stanley]

Thanks Tracy, 

Yikes, can’t believe it’s been 25 years since I wrote that. 


> On Dec 16, 2021, at 8:16 AM, Tracy Carcione via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Yes.  I'll paste the original, since you asked.  I prefer it, really.  Labradors with visions of anything edible dancing in their heads, oh yeah!
> Tracy
> 
> 'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
> 
> Copyright 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 decoration 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 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!"
> 
> 
> (Author Unknown)
> Jenine Stanley
> 
> 
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