[Nfbf-l] A Guide Dog's Christmas

Tue Dec 24 03:57:35 UTC 2013

Awwwwwww, how adorable.  I love dogs, and this one's a great one.  
Almost cried.
Beth

On 12/23/2013 4:58 PM, Alan Dicey wrote:
> A Guide Dog's Christmas
>
> '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 too 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 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 the rough 
> trap door to a chorus of "Woof!"
>
> 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!"
>
> With Warm  Regards,
> God Bless,
> Merry Christmas
> Alan
> Plantation, Florida
>
>
>
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