'Twas the Night Before Christmas

'Twas the night before Christmas when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care
With hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.

The children all nestled all snug in their beds
With no thought of the dog filling their head.
And mamma in her kerchief and I in my hat
Knew the dog was cold outside, but didn't care about that.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash
Figuring the dog was loose 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 Clause with 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 pup a home where he'll 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

And in our haste of finding the kids a gift
Sadly there was one important thing we missed.
A dog should be family, and cared for the same
You don't give a gift, then tie it to a chain.

And I heard him explain as he rode out of sight

You Weren't Giving a Gift, You Were Giving a Life!

Illinois Cocker Rescue
Aly Posner
P.O. Box 384
Harvard, IL 60033
Email: ILCockerRescue@aol.com
Website: www.ILCockerRescue.org