[Nfbk] The night before christmas, the guidedog version

[John Glisson]

Pretty neat, Joey. Thanks for sharing.  John g.

-----Original Message-----
From: nfbk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfbk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of
Joey Couch
Sent: Monday, December 13, 2010 2:27 PM
To: kentucky-acb at acb.org; glcb at acb.org; nkcb at acb.org;
ksbalum at yahoogroups.com; gduky at yahoogroups.com; nfbk at nfbnet.org
Subject: [Nfbk] The night before christmas, the guidedog version

My friend Abby posted this on her wall on facebook and I thought you
all mite like it read on and enjoy.
Joey
This made me cry. This is for guidedog users, and for those who also
just love dogs. Happy Reading.
Night Before Christmas - Guide Dog Version

'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.

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 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"!



-- 
Joey Couch
cell phone 606-216-8033
email
joey.couch at gmail.com
or
ki4vjd at arrl.net
twitter name @ki4vjd
facebook joey.couch at gmail.com
Skype name joey6584

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