A Forgotten Dog's Christmas

A Forgotten Dog's Christmas

T'was the nite before Christmas
When all thru the house
Not a creature was stirring
Not even a mouse

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care
In hopes that St. Nick soon would be there
The children all nestled snug in their beds
With no thought of the dog filling their heads.

And mama in her kerchief and I in my cap
Knew the dog was cold, but didn't care about that.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter
I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash
Figuring the dog was free of his chain and into the trash.
The moon on the breast of the new fallen snow
Gave the luster of midday to objects below.

When what to my wondering eyes should appear
But Santa Claus with his eyes full of tears.
He unchained the dog once so lively and quick
Last year's Christmas present now painfully sick.

More rapid than eagles he called the dog's name
And the dog ran to him despite all his pain.
Now Dasher, now Dancer, now Prancer and Vixen
On Comet, on Cupid, on Donner and Blitzen.

To the top of the porch, to the top of the wall
Let's find this dog a home where he will be loved by all.
I knew in an instant there would be no gifts this year
For Santa had made one thing quite clear.

The gift of a dog is not just for the season
We had gotten the dog for all the wrong reasons.
In our haste to think of the kids a gift
There was one important thing we missed.

A dog should be family, and cared for the same
You don't give a gift, then put it on a chain.
And I heard him explain as he rode out of sight,
You weren't given a gift, you were given a life.

Author Unknown

I was sent this poem in an email from Tuckers former foster mom. With having 2 rescue dogs in my home, this poem really tugs at my heartstrings. If you are considering giving a pet for a gift, please think long and hard. The holiday will be over quickly, but the commitment to that pet will last for years!

There are too many that will end up in a tiny kennel (or on a chain) in the backyard with no room to run. They will have pent up energy that never gets released and chances are they will then be considered "wild" and taken to a shelter. Sadlly, some will abused and/or neglected, or just tossed out to try to survive on their own (that's how we got Sammi).

And if you are convinced you are making the right decision, please consider finding your new friend at either a shelter, or through a rescue organization. That's how we have gotten any dogs we have had, and they always give you that looks that says "thank you for saving me".