Merry Everything and Happy Always: A Christmas Carol

‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the pound

Not a creature was stirring, not even a hound.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that Santa Claws soon would be there!

The puppies were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of Bones danced in their heads

And promises of furever homes sent them to sleep.

There was no need for them to count sheep!

When out on the street there arose such a clatter,

“It’s the alley cats,” scoffed the rats, experts on the matter.

The pups cruised to the window to check the scene,

What they saw certainly was not routine

There were eight tiny dogs pouncing in the snow,

They heard that the shelter put on a puppy show!

They even heard rumors of a bacon buffet–

With their tails between their legs, they lined up by their miniature sleigh.

“Now Boston! Now, Pug! Now Beagle and Poodle!

On, Corgi! On, Shepherd! On, Akita and Husky!

Let’s shimmy up to the chimney

So I can shower these pups with gifts

Santa Claws danced his way through the cozy kennel

He showered them with steak, toys and even some fennel.

He left behind photos of smiling people

With notes that said, “These are your new humans!”

With a wink and a bark, he sprang to his sleigh

While the pooches packed for their new homes and ate their meat soufflés.

And as Santa Claws dashed out of sight, he howled

“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”