Twas 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 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 mid-day 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 years 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 site
YOU WEREN'T GIVEN A GIFT YOU WERE GIVEN A LIFE!
