<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:m="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"><head><meta http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=us-ascii"><meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 15 (filtered medium)"><style><!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{margin:0in;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;}
span.EmailStyle17
{mso-style-type:personal-compose;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
color:windowtext;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
--></style><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapedefaults v:ext="edit" spidmax="1026" />
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapelayout v:ext="edit">
<o:idmap v:ext="edit" data="1" />
</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black;background:white'>A Guide Dog's Night Before Christmas</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'><br><span style='background:white'>By: Jill Savino Nieglos</span><br><span style='background:white'>'Twas the night before Christmas, the kennels were still,</span><br><span style='background:white'>with most dogs asleep, having eaten their fill.</span><br><span style='background:white'>The labs were sprawled out, quite snug in their beds,</span><br><span style='background:white'>While visions of milk bones danced in their heads.</span><br><span style='background:white'>The Goldens and Labs were curled up on the floor,</span><br><span style='background:white'>some twitched in their sleep and some even did snore.</span><br><span style='background:white'>The dog food was stacked in the feed room with care,</span><br><span style='background:white'>in hopes that a trainer soon would be there.</span><br><span style='background:white'>Off by the window, a kennel cat lay,</span><br><span style='background:white'>surveying the lawn at the end of his day.</span><br><span style='background:white'>Something was different, that little cat knew -</span><br><span style='background:white'>something would happen, it had to be true.</span><br><span style='background:white'>That day as the workers had left to go home,</span><br><span style='background:white'>they'd wished "Merry Christmas" before starting to roam.</span><br><span style='background:white'>The dogs had all noticed that during their walks,</span><br><span style='background:white'>the trainers seemed happier and eager to talk.</span><br><span style='background:white'>In the mall where they worked amid people and stores,</span><br><span style='background:white'>there were decorations, music, distractions galore!</span><br><span style='background:white'>Most dogs pranced along without worry or fear,</span><br><span style='background:white'>some balked at the man with those fake-looking deer.</span><br><span style='background:white'>The cat was near sleeping when he first heard the sound,</span><br><span style='background:white'>a whoosh through the air and a jingle abound.</span><br><span style='background:white'>The sound of a collar when an animal shook,</span><br><span style='background:white'>but the sound just kept growing - he'd better go look.</span><br><span style='background:white'>From the ceiling there came a kind of a thunk,</span><br><span style='background:white'>As the kennel cat climbed up on a pile of junk.</span><br><span style='background:white'>But the dogs were still quiet, all sleeping so sound,</span><br><span style='background:white'>as this man dressed in red made his way to the ground.</span><br><span style='background:white'>He patted the cat as he climbed past his spot,</span><br><span style='background:white'>then made his way right to the old coffee pot.</span><br><span style='background:white'>A labrador sat up, not fully awake,</span><br><span style='background:white'>then a golden soon followed with a mighty loud shake.</span><br><span style='background:white'>That did it...the dogs filled the kennel with noise,</span><br><span style='background:white'>but in spite of the din, the old man kept his poise.</span><br><span style='background:white'>He filled the pot full and it started to brew,</span><br><span style='background:white'>then he pulled up a chair and took in the view.</span><br><span style='background:white'>Dogs all around him, so carefully bred,</span><br><span style='background:white'>he knew well their jobs, and the people they led.</span><br><span style='background:white'>Some had stopped barking and looked at him now,</span><br><span style='background:white'>while others continued their deafening howl.</span><br><span style='background:white'>Laying a finger in front of his lips,</span><br><span style='background:white'>the jolly old man soon silenced their yips.</span><br><span style='background:white'>He smiled, laughed, and took a short pause.</span><br><span style='background:white'>"You may not know me, but I'm Santa Claus,"</span><br><span style='background:white'>He filled up his mug with hot coffee and cream,</span><br><span style='background:white'>and said, "Meeting you all has been one of my dreams."</span><br><span style='background:white'>The cat jumped down to explore Santa's pack.</span><br><span style='background:white'>He said, "Sorry, kitty, I've emptied my sack."</span><br><span style='background:white'>Santa smiled, drank, looked in their eyes –</span><br><span style='background:white'>deep brown and gold, all wide with surprise.</span><br><span style='background:white'>Some of these dogs he'd seen just last year,</span><br><span style='background:white'>All in their homes - cute, full of good cheer.</span><br><span style='background:white'>He'd seen the effect of a pup on a tree,</span><br><span style='background:white'>but now they were here, just waiting to be.</span><br><span style='background:white'>"I didn't bring presents or bones to chew.</span><br><span style='background:white'>But I'll tell you what's better – and what you're to do.</span><br><span style='background:white'>You'll all worked hard and the trainers will share,</span><br><span style='background:white'>both praise and correction, gentle and fair.</span><br><span style='background:white'>You'll go lots of places and face scary things,</span><br><span style='background:white'>you'll ride buses, planes, and hear sirens ring.</span><br><span style='background:white'>Cars will drive at you, you'll know what to do,</span><br><span style='background:white'>Moving from danger, not moving into.</span><br><span style='background:white'>Then, when you think your trainer's the best,</span><br><span style='background:white'>the kindest, and funniest, just toss all the rest;</span><br><span style='background:white'>That trainer will leave you, and give you away,</span><br><span style='background:white'>handing your leash over despite your dismay.</span><br><span style='background:white'>The one who will feed you might see just a tad,</span><br><span style='background:white'>Or maybe it's just that their focus is bad.</span><br><span style='background:white'>So you little buggers will work as their eyes</span><br><span style='background:white'>To be a great team and discover the prize.</span><br><span style='background:white'>The prize isn't kibble, or even new toys,</span><br><span style='background:white'>It's leading your partner, you good girls and boys.</span><br><span style='background:white'>Santa sipped coffee, looked over the brood,</span><br><span style='background:white'>But what he said next seemed just a bit rude.</span><br><span style='background:white'>“Some may not make it and won't become guides.</span><br><span style='background:white'>But time here's not wasted, no casting aside.</span><br><span style='background:white'>Some will be drug dogs and some will find bombs,</span><br><span style='background:white'>some will be pets with new dads and moms.</span><br><span style='background:white'>When the last drop of coffee had gone from his cup</span><br><span style='background:white'>Santa turned, and smiled at each wide-eyed pup.</span><br><span style='background:white'>"The best gift of all is to give something back.</span><br><span style='background:white'>And that's why there's nothing for you in my pack.</span><br><span style='background:white'>Draining his mug, he went to each pen,</span><br><span style='background:white'>Petting and scratching each dog yet again.</span><br><span style='background:white'>"The following years, even more after that,</span><br><span style='background:white'>you'll all give great gifts wherever you're at.</span><br><span style='background:white'>You might lick a hand on a really bad day,</span><br><span style='background:white'>or notice a car and step out of its way.</span><br><span style='background:white'>You might catch a crook or discover some loot,</span><br><span style='background:white'>bring joy to a old man in a funny red suit.</span><br><span style='background:white'>Your master will love you and treat you with care,</span><br><span style='background:white'>knowing your training will always be there."</span><br><span style='background:white'>After the last had been petted and soothed,</span><br><span style='background:white'>He rinsed out the mug and made ready to move.</span><br><span style='background:white'>To the ladder he climbed for the door high above,</span><br><span style='background:white'>with a smile and a wave as he slipped on his glove.</span><br><span style='background:white'>All the dog's ears were pricked as he flew out of sight,</span><br><span style='background:white'>Saying, "Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"</span></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://nfbofsc.org/?p=1985"><span style='color:#0563C1'>Click here to access the membership form for the National Federation of the Blind of SC</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Steve Cook<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>District 2 State Board Member of the National Federation of the Blind of SC<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>President Elect of the Columbia chapter of the National Federation of the Blind of SC<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>1<sup>st</sup> Vice President of the Computer Science & Technology Division of the National Federation of the Blind of SC<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The National Federation of the Blind of SC owns and operates Rocky Bottom Retreat & Conference Center. Below is a link to read more about Rocky Bottom and to make a reservation for a mountain retreat!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://rockybottomofsc.com/"><span style='color:#0563C1'>Rocky Bottom Retreat & Conference Center</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Please join the National Federation of the Blind of SC on Face Book at any of the below links!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://m.facebook.com/NatFedofSouthCarolina/"><span style='color:#0563C1'>National Federation of the Blind of SC on Face Book</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://m.facebook.com/Computer-Science-Technology-Division-of-the-NFB-of-SC-343263089815304/"><span style='color:#0563C1'>Computer Science & Technology Division of the National Federation of the Blind of SC</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://m.facebook.com/RockyBottomofSC/"><span style='color:#0563C1'>Rocky Bottom Retreat & Conference Center</span></a> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://m.facebook.com/Scabs1944/?refid=46&__xts__%5B0%5D=12.%7B%22unit_id_click_type%22%3A%22graph_search_results_item_tapped%22%2C%22click_type%22%3A%22result%22%2C%22module_id%22%3A1%2C%22result_id%22%3A103680927718372%2C%22session_id%22%3A%22dde06b014c19c1fa49889d82a62edcda%22%2C%22module_role%22%3A%22ENTITY_PAGES%22%2C%22unit_id%22%3A%22browse_rl%3Aaed5eb18-5eed-4148-8ec7-5150ce26bf7b%22%2C%22browse_result_type%22%3A%22browse_type_page%22%2C%22unit_id_result_id%22%3A103680927718372%2C%22module_result_position%22%3A0%7D"><span style='color:#0563C1'>South Carolina Association of Blind Students</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://m.facebook.com/groups/375092969314880?_rdr"><span style='color:#0563C1'>South Carolina Parents of Blind Children</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:15.0pt'><span lang=EN style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>The National Federation of the Blind welcomes all blind people, parents of blind children, blind students, those losing vision, and more. We are a family of members and friends that knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. You can live the life you want.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:22.5pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in'><span lang=EN style='font-size:21.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:22.5pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:7.5pt;margin-left:0in'><span lang=EN style='font-size:21.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>How to Join<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:15.0pt'><span lang=EN style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>Federation of the Blind is to attend a chapter or division meeting in your local area. You can find your nearest chapter or division meeting by reaching out to your state affiliate president. Membership in a chapter or division will automatically grant you membership in your state affiliate and the national organization.</span><span lang=EN> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:15.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.nfb.org/get-involved/join-us"><span style='color:#0563C1'>Come join us!</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:15.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>