Dogs Night Before Christmas

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

My dogs were nestled, all snug in "MY" bed
While visions of chewie toys danced in their heads
I in my sweat pants and Dad in his sweater
Had just settled down to read the Bill Foundation Newsletter

When up on the roof there arose such a clatter
I sprang from my chair to see what was the matter
Off to the window I flew in a flash
Tore open the shutter and threw up the sash

The moon on the crest of the new fallen snow
Gave a luster of midday to the objects below
And what to my wondering eyes did appear
But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer

With a little old driver so lively and quick
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick
With a sputter of ashes -- a flurry of soot
He slid down the chimney with all of his loot

My dogs stood there so regal and proud
Guarding their home with barks oh so loud
St. Nick showed no fear and called them by name
He knew in his heart they were gentle and tame.

He brought out his list, checking it twice
"Well, my beauties, all year you've been very nice
I have in my bag toys and much more
Just tell me what you pups really long for"

My dogs talked to each other -- much to my surprise
And turned to Santa with tears in their eyes
"We have chewies and balls and ropes to be tugged
We are pampered and coddled and petted and hugged

But for Christmas, dear Santa, we have but one care
That all dogs be loved as much as we are
We want no dog beaten, whipped or chained
No dog abandoned, abused or maimed

We want all dogs, no matter what size
To see love reflected in their master's eyes."
St. Nick stopped for a moment to gather his wits
"I have nothing to stop humans from being such twits."

All dogs are so beautiful and are such a treasure
Living only to be loved and give humans pleasure
This lesson I will try to teach
Then maybe your wish will be within my reach"

St. Nick leaned over and kissed each beautiful head
"Now you gentle ones, go off to bed
Think good thoughts and dream good dreams
Of running and jumping and playing in streams."

St. Nick turned to me, his face wet with tears
"Be proud of your babies, they are such dears."
In an instant St. Nick disappeared in a poof
And I heard him chuckle as he ran on the roof.

He jumped in his sleigh and to his team gave a whistle
And off he flew like the down on a thistle
And I heard him exclaim as the drove out of sight
"Merry Christmas to All and To All Dogs a Good Life"

Fill Out Bowls
(To the tune of Deck the Halls)

Fill our bowls with freeze-dried liver,
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la!
Watch our noses start to quiver,
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la!
Please add bits of cheese and bacon,
Fa-la-la, Fa-la-la, la-la-la!
Happy wags our tails are makin',
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la!
Sniff the gifts and shred the wrapping,
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la!
'Round the Christmas tree go FRAPping*
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la!
Swipe a slurp of grandma's eggnog
Fa-la-la, Fa-la-la, la-la-la!
Then relax and be a bedhog
Fa-la-la, Fa-la-la, la-la-la!

Hush Puppies

• 2 cups sifted fine, stone or water ground white corn meal
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 3/4 tablespoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon minced yellow onion
• 1 egg
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 4 - 5 tablespoons cold water

Stir corn meal, sugar, soda and salt together. Place onion in a small bowl. Add egg, buttermilk and beat until frothy. Pour all at once into the meal and stir lightly to mix. Add just enough of the cold water to make dough a good dropping. Fry in a deep fat fryer for about 2 minutes or until evenly browned.
Makes about 2 dozen.

The Day Before Christmas

'Tis the day before Christmas, and all through the house
The puppies are squeaking an old rubber mouse
The wreath which had merrily hung on the door
Is scattered in pieces all over the floor.
The stockings that hung in a neat little row .
Now boast a hole in each one of the toes.
The tree was subjected to bright-eyed whims,
And now, although splendid, it's missing some limbs.
I catch them and hold them, be good I insist.
They lick me, then run off to see what they've missed.
And now as I watch them, the thought comes to me,
That theirs is the spirit that Christmas should be.
Should Children and Puppies yet show us the way,
And teach us the joy that should come with this day?
Could they bring the message that's written above,
And tell us that, most of all,
Christmas is love!

Author unknown