‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Dogolas soon would be there; the animals were settled as snug in their beds…

Well, Sam, no one is sleeping with those headlights staring at them. Go to sleep, settle in with Zoe.

There, that’s better, although perhaps not all that dignified.

Everyone in bed, Mollie. That will be fine if that’s where you want to sleep.

Yes, St. Dogolas can find you there. He sees you when you’re sleeping.

Sylvester, if you want to sleep inside, you better close those eyes.

Now, everyone settle your brains for a long winter’s nap,

He’s chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf. I’m sure we’ll see him, if I say so myself.

Will he come to our house before we sleep? Let’s be careful and quiet, not making a peep.

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,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
What to my wondering eyes should appear,

A little old furkid, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Dog.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his leash was all tarnished with ashes and soot;
A bundle of Dog Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a pedler just opening his pack.
His eyes—how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,

… laying his paw aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle,
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,

“ … and to all a good night!”

From Leah, Mark, Sam, Zoe, Sylvester, Chloe, Dusty and Mollie.

Tonight we remember the animals that left us most recently.

Zeke and his brother from another mother, Elroy.

Elroy lived in Littleton, Colorado. He was with us when I visited last year. He was getting old then, and we were worried about him. When I left, I told him I expected him to be there the next time I came out to visit. But it was not to be.

They are gifts, but here only for a while.