12/25/2024
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas at Almost Home Shelter
‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the place,
Not a creature was stirring, no one giving chase.
The leashes were hung by the kennel doors with care,
In hopes that forever homes soon would be there.
The dogs were all nestled, snug in their beds,
While visions of playfields danced in their heads.
Hula curled up, her tail tucked in tight,
Dreaming of a beach on a warm, sunny night.
Daddio, ever patient, lay calm on his mat,
His soulful eyes watching for the sign of a pat.
Lark, the young rascal, was stirring a bit,
Chasing a ball in his dream with a lively sprint.
Red, the big-hearted, sprawled out in his space,
His dreams full of running and winning a race.
Tootsie, so sweet, gave a soft little snore,
Hoping tomorrow would bring her much more.
Faith, the elder, lay wise and serene,
Her coat still shining with a silvery sheen.
Farrah, so graceful, like a star in the night,
Dozed in the glow of the red heater light.
Gallagher dreaming of past days of fun,
Curled up by the heater, away from his run.
Patches snuggled in tight with his plush toy near,
A gift from a volunteer who he knew held him dear.
And Jimbo, the joker, sprawled out on his back,
Kicked his paws playfully, chasing a snack.
When out in the yard there arose such a clatter,
Each pup perked up to see what was the matter.
To the windows they dashed, tails wagging in tow,
And gazed at the yard now covered in snow.
The moon shone brightly on snowflakes that glistened,
And all of the dogs sat quietly and listened.
For over the fence, in the crisp winter air,
Came a sleigh full of toys and a man with white hair.
“Is it Santa?” barked Tootsie. “Of Course!” yelled Lark
“Indeed!” boomed Red, following his happy bard.
“Ho, ho, ho!” said the man as he stepped through the door,
“I’ve heard all your wishes, things that can’t be found at the store.
Homes full of love, a yard full of play,
A family to cherish you each and every day.”
With a bag full of goodies, he went kennel to kennel,
Filling stockings with treats, soft toys, and a snuggle.
He whispered kind words to each pup in his care,
Promising soon they’d have love they could share.
Then back to his sleigh he went with a smile,
Calling, “Be patient, dear friends, just wait for a while!
For each of you matters, you’re special, you’re true—
And the right family is out there, waiting for you.”
As the sleigh rose above, through the night sky so bright,
The pups barked together, their hearts filled with light.
“Thank you, dear Santa, for love and for cheer!
And may all find their homes this coming New Year!”