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The children were nestled all snug in their beds, with no thought of the dog filling their head and Mamma in her 'kerchief', and I in my cap, knew he was cold, but didn't care about that.
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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 free of his chain and into the trash.
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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 Claus - with eyes full of tears.
He unchained the dog, once so lively and quick, last year's Christmas present, now painfully thin and sick. More rapid than eagles he called the dog's name. The dog ran to him, despite all of his pain.
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"Now, DASHER! Now, DANCER! Now, PRANCER and VIXEN! On, COMET! On CUPID! On DONER and BLITZEN! To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall! Let's find this dog a home where he'll be loved by all."
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I knew in an instant there would be no gifts this year, for Santa Claus had made one thing quite clear. The gift of a dog is not just for the season, we had gotten the pup for all the wrong reasons.
In our haste to think of the kids a gift, there was one important thing that we missed. A dog should be family, and cared for the same. You don't give a gift, then put it on a chain.
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And I heard him exclaim as he rode out of sight, "You weren't giving a gift! You were giving a life!"
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Author Unknown
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We can do much better than this poem suggests. We can be responsible pet owners. The resources are here. Make sure the cute puppies and kittens that are adopted as Christmas gifts are given a forever home. They are part of your family. Teach your children to properly feed, bath, and care for their new pet; train the new pet to use the bathroom outside; walk on a leash, follow simple commands, and train yourself on how to be a good pet owner. It takes a little time but the rewards are worth it. The love of the cherished pet lasts it lifetime and they will give back more to you and your family than you could ever give to them. Believe me, I know this to be true from a lifetime of personal experience.
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Hundreds of pet education books are available at http://www.everythingnaturalpetfood.com/ in the Pet Education Section. You will find books on: Pet Food/Recipes/Diets, Homemade Pet Food Recipes, Pet Training, Horse Training/Nutrition, Birds, Small Animal Care, Reptiles, Fish & Aquarium Supplies, all pet supplies. This is where to find natural, human grade, organic, & holistic dog and cat food, pet wellness care items for health, bird food and supply's, horse supply's, wild critter supply's, Sales with lots of discounts, and don't forget to give to your favorite animal charity for Christmas. Perhaps your local shelter could use a bag of dog or cat food.
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Merry Christmas to all and to all pets, a wonderful home with a loving family who will keep you for your entire life. Love & Blessings from Everything Natural Pet Food.>