12 22 02

So,
here it is the week before Christmas and we’re at the local
animal shelter. Anyone who’s been reading this column for any
length of time know that we obtained a ‘pound pooch’ a couple of
years ago. He’s been the best pet we’ve ever had. We’ve had
thoroughbred dogs during the time we’ve been married and they
were certainly good animals for the most part. One in particular
could never be replaced. In fact, when we had to put her to
sleep, we thought long and hard about getting another one of the
same breed, but decided against it since we knew we would always
be comparing the new one to the one that had died. It just
wouldn’t be fair.

So, we ended up at the pound and rescued a “dead dog walking’
since we got him on a Saturday and he was destined for the gas
chamber on Monday. I truthfully believe he knew he was saved
from certain death. Anyway, everyone wants a dog like ours. Our
youngest son is getting ready to move back to our town and has
been searching for a dog that looks like ours. We found
one….smaller, but same basic look. My wife goes over and
reserves it until our son can drive in from out of town to give
it the once over. Meanwhile a friend of ours who has two small
daughters just falls in love with this yet to be adopted pooch.
Our son comes in and decides he doesn’t think it’s the right one
for him….so we call our friend and she brings her entire family
to the pound. Mother, children, husband and husband’s mother.

Everyone is there to look over the dog. Dogs wags her tail, kids
scream…mother lights up and dad heads to the counter to fill out
the adoption papers. Meanwhile all of us are sitting outside
watching the activity as large number of folks come and go, all
intent on obtaining that perfect cat or dog to take home for
someone for Christmas. I’ve always hesitated to just ‘give’
someone an animal without their prior approval since animals are
a responsibility and take lots of time and attention.

You don’t have time for a dog or cat? …get a fish….Dogs need
lots of love and affection. Cats? Well, you know about cats.
But, do think about what you get and how it well your gift may
be received by someone who really doesn’t understand what it
takes to own a pet. Remember it’s a live thing and has to be
fed, watered, bathed and taken to the vet just like a
child….well, maybe not to the vet, but you know what I mean. I
was trying to figure out a nice way to end this without poking
my nose into your business, and lo and behold someone I don’t
know sends me this poem……

CHRISTMAS RETURNS

Santa comes quietly along before dawn…

While shops are still busy and lights are still on….

While dinners are cooking and kitchens are warm….

And children count presents they’ll open by morn.

He slips past the trees in windows aglow..

Through the gate to the backyard, as icy winds blow…

To find the pup he brought last year…chained up in the snow….

And knelling, he whispers,…”Are you ready to go?”

There are too many stops like this one tonight….

Before the beginning of this regular flight..

He leaves not a note or a footprint in sight..

Just an unbuckled collar on a cold Christmas night…..