[Nyagdu] guide dogs Night Before christmas

[Tracy Carcione]

I've seen it before, but it's always nice.  Thanks!
Tracy

> Guide Dogs' Night Before 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.
>
>   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)
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