'Twas the night before Christmas....

T’was the night before Christmas and all thru the house not a creature was stirring not even a mouse. Our stockings were hung by the chimney with care in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there. The children were nestled all snug in their beds with no thought of their dog that was filling their head. With mom in her kerchief and I in my cap knew our dog was cold, yet 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 our dog was free of his chain and into the trash. The moon on the crest of the new fallen snow gave the luster of mid-day to objects below. When what to my wondering eyes should appear but Santa Claus with his eyes full of tears. He unchained our 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 our dog ran to him despite all of his pain. “On Dasher, on 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’d be no gifts this year, for Santa had made one thing exceedingly 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 cool gift there was one very important thing that we missed. A dog should be family, and cared for the same. You don’t give a gift, and 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.
A DOG IS NOT JUST FOR CHRISTMAS A DOG IS FOR LIFE!!!!!!!

Great words and I hope people take heed Xx

Love it.

Aw, makes me want to go adopt about a dozen that need love. I have never understood the people who get a dog and don't want it to be a member of the family!

That was amazing. I would never ever think of getting someone a pet as a gift.

Awww Caryll, that was so sad & beautiful at the same time.

How I wish people didn't do such stupid things

Very sad words. I don't think I would ever give a puppy as a present becuase I would be too afraid it wouldn't be cared for properly.

aw how sad this made me cry, but it is so true

Brought a tear to my eye. Ty was a gift to me from my other half for easter but we had discussed getting a puppy before he got me him so he was a lovely welcomed gift and still is very much loved. Shame other people just throw them away like screwed up wrapping paper.

How sad, but great words all the same. I too would never give a dog as a gift. My sheepdog was a gift for christmas one year from my parents, I had begged for a dog for 17 years and they finally gave in and got him. We had him in November, and he was a part of our family for 7 years until he was pts and he is still very much loved and in my heart and thoughts 2 years on!