25. T'was The Night Before Christmas

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T'was the night before Christmas and all through the suite….

T'was the night before Christmas and all through the suite,

Not a creature was stirring, we were all pretty beat.

Abby had passed out in a nearby chair, 

In the hopes that Comet would stay out of her hair. 

Target was sprawled across Mama's bed,

While visions of tennis balls danced in his head. 

I had just nodded off for a Christmas Eve snooze 

I was dreaming about a Hawaiian cruise

When out in the yard there arose such a kerfuffle,

That inside the house it caused quite a scuffle!

I sprang to my feet, my mind still a fog,

I stubbed my toe on the table, I tripped over a dog!

I unlocked the door and peeked out to the yard 

Target and Comet looked too, they're always on guard!

What I saw before me in a security light beam, 

Made me pinch my own arm, no, it wasn't a dream!

The sleigh was upside down, reindeer scattered over the lawn,

It seemed impossible that gifts could still be delivered by dawn,

St Nick was busy scurrying to and fro, 

From sleigh to reindeer, he didn't know where to go!

When the light from my doorway crept into his gaze,

He looked up,  startled, it brought him out of his haze.

He knew he was in trouble and that my seeing him was folly,

But before he could panic, I called "Do you need some border collies?"

St. Nick nodded slowly,  understanding my plan, 

So, I opened the door wide and said "let's help this man!"

As the dogs got to work,  Santa helped me direct,

Then Target and Comet would move the deer we'd select. 

“There's Dasher, move Dancer, come-by Prancer, push Vixen,"

"Comet's got Cupid, watch Dunder,  where's Blitzen?"

With two dogs and two shepherds working the job was soon done, 

Target and Comet were still trying,  herding reindeer was fun!

With St Nick's help we pushed on the sleigh

And with both of our weights it turned the right way, 

Seeing the sleigh and a chance at a "car ride",

Target and Comet jumped up right inside, 

Once on the sleigh they noticed the sacks,

Stuck their noses inside them looking for snacks.

Surely Santa must have something for two good boys,

Even just one cookie,  a ball or some toys?

While my dogs made the naughty list ransacking his sleigh,

I stood next to St. Nick he had something to say, 

Thank you so much for your help with my mission, 

In the spirit of the holiday, will you accept some commission?

I thought very carefully, unsure how to feel, 

I mean,  after all, I was told Santa wasn't real!

Target and Comet were still playing with undeniable glee, 

And it was with their happiness that the truth came to me, 

I told St Nicholas I am already blessed for all that I had, 

And that love from a dog was enough to be glad.

St. Nick smiled at me then took Target's paw. 

“Thanks for your help and taking good care of your Ma"

He climbed into his sleigh and with a wink and a chuckle,

He grabbed a big seat belt and fastened the buckle,

As he drove away, he told us in signs

Merry Christmas to all,  especially canines!