This is the time of year we should all be remembering our pets whether they be dogs or cats, birds or rats, snakes or chickens, fish or turtles. They all rely on us for their every need and in return give us unconditional love and understanding.

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

Not a creature was stiring, not even a mouse;

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;

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.

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."

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 Chrismas present, now painfully thin and sick.

More rapid than eagles he called the dog's name

And the dog ran to him, despite all his pain;

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.

And I heard him exclaim as he rode out of sight,

"You weren't given a gift! You were given a life!"

author unknown

Christmas is a time for sharing and baking. Here is a great link to over 70 mouth watering recipes for the Holidays.

A Special Holiday Blessing
to Remember Through the Year

Somewhere there's an angel.
Just waiting in the wings for you.
Keeping a loving lookout
and helping to see you through.
You'll have the blessing of an angel
behind the scenes of your days,
there to catch any tears that fall
and here for you always.

The sweetest reassurance
as the year ahead unfolds
is to know in your heart
that you're never alone.
And it's such a comfort to know...
that your smile will always
shine bright in your life,
along with the blessing
   of beautiful things.

   Because somewhere
    you have an angel...

    just waiting in the wings.

CHRISTMAS AT RAINBOW BRIDGE

As the midnight hour approaches on Chirstmas Eve, a tremendous celebration begins. If you listen closely you will hear the exuberant sound of Bridgekids preparing for the remarkable moment that comes but once a year. Puppies romp through the tall green grass, chasing butterflies and rolling over and over until fits of giggles bring them to a tumbling stop. The volume increases as kitten, cats, tigers and lions purr in pure delight while the wings of snow white doves gently caress the air. The babbling brook that runs beneath Rainbow Bridge gleefully overflows upon mossy banks and fins of treasured aquatic life quiver in anticipation of this most joyous event. Nestled in the midst of this happy choir of Bridgekids are God's littlest angel tots staring in awe at the majestic Christmas tree adorned with flowing strands of angel hair. Effervescent, twinkling stars seesaw elegantly from the sky and land in glorious harmony upon the stoic limbs of Heaven's most perfect chirstmas tree. Swaying to and fro in nearby rocking chairs are grandmothers, grandfathers, parents, aunts, uncles and loved ones - the sound of their whispered lullabys permeate the air as they sing to tiny angel babies resting quietly in their arms.

Like magic the clock approaches midnight and a great stirring is heard in the distance. Each Bridgekid stops and listens, knowing the time is near, and they choose a fleecy cloud on which to snuggle. The roar of purrs drops to barely an audible hum, the babbling brook ripples hypnotically and the flutter of downy feathered wings fall silent. Heaven's spirited toddlers climb expectantly upon the laps of angeles while babies coo in tranquil unison.

Amidst the warm glow of candle light which rises from the earth below, the arms of the Bridge Keeper envelope the heavens and into the precious hands of each child and the paw of every pet a holy gift is placed. With grand exuberance the ribbons are removed and left to fly on a tender breeze where they dissolve into showers of angel dust. As the golden lids of these heavenly gifts are raised, an amazing aura fills the sky, reaching down to the very core of the earth. Ascending from each and every box is the greatest gift of all . . . unending, unconditional, all-encompasing love. This blessed love gently wraps itself around the cherished souls of heaven, warming their hearts with beacons of radiant light and bringing forth from angels an exquisite chorus. As the clock strikes midnight the distance between heaven and earth is vanished and it is at this very moment on Christmas Eve that God's children, His angeles and Bridgekids send a message to their earthly loved ones.

Listening carefully with an open heart we will hear the familiar voice of our own angel whisper softly into our ear their Christmas message. . . "Let me share with you this love of mine, always and forever. When you need me know that I am here. I have not left you for I am in your heart where I belong. Our love is eternal as is the brilliant glow of candle light which illuminates the path to the heavens and Rainbow Bridge. I wait patiently as do you for our inevitable and glorious reunion. I love you. I love you. I love you."

"Christmas At Rainbow Bridge" copyright by Terri Onorato

A Christmas Story for Dog Lovers

Long ago in the deepest of winters all of the animals on Earth were abuzz with the news.

"HE IS BORN! HE IS BORN!" cried the snowy owl.

"Come one and all, rejoice!" roared the mighty lion. "Bring gifts to the new King!"

The forest grew bright with the din of excitement. Every creature was running towards the star. The noise was so loud and joyful that it traveled distant lands. In a quiet glen, under a bramble bush, a small lonely dog raised his head from his slumber and heard the sounds from afar.

He raised his little head and wondered. Slowly he raised his tired body and sniffed the air. He knew something was amiss - but he knew not what. A voice ever so sweet was singing in the distance, this he could hear. The words were not at all clear, but the sound was of waterfalls, and misty mornings and everything dear... Eagerly he followed the sound and soon saw a star. It shone so brightly his little eyes watered. What was this shiny thing that happily glowed? What could be happening that would bring about such a lovely sight?

His little legs beat the path for many days. He became tired and hungry but still he walked on. He had to follow the sound of that voice. The voice that reminded him of warmer and kinder times. He had to follow the light of the star. The star told him of happy things to come. At last he came into a clearing and his eyes beheld a mystifying sight. Animals were everywhere, and each had a precious gift. Some brought shiny berries from the forest, some brought beautiful leaves, some brought twigs from the rarest of trees and even some brought the most precious wildflowers of the fields. They were laying these gifts at the entrance of a stable. Above the stable the light of the star twinkled more brightly than before.

He turned to the deer and asked: "What is all this? Where have I come?"

"You have come to see the new King. He is Born. Where are your gifts for the child?" asked the deer reproachfully.

"I have no gifts..I didn't know..." said the lonely little dog with his head hung low.

The deer sneered and snubbed and quickly walked away as he tossed his head indignantly. The little dog's body trembled all over, his little tail flew between his little legs, and his little head hung lower than ever. He was ashamed.

And yet...he still wanted to get a little peek at the New King. Quietly, ever so carefully, he crept over to the stable. He was so small he could easily hide under the other animals. Ever so sleekly he crept up to the manger and peeked inside.

"WHO ARE YOU!" boomed the voice of the Lion. "WHY DO YOU DARE NOT BRING GIFTS FOR THE NEW KING?" and the little dog cowered, much humbled. He laid his little head at the foot of the manger and hid his eyes. He was ready to be killed by the Lion, and yet he spoke ever so quietly, ever so meekly, ever so bravely: "I have no gifts, I have no berries, or twigs, or bright flowers of the field...all I have is my life and I will gladly give that, for I have shamed all my brethren tonight."

He waited - with his eyes closed, thinking that if he did die tonight, at least he would die beneath the cradle of his King. That's when a warm and gentle hand was upon him. He did not dare to open his eyes, until he heard a woman's voice speak: "Do not fear little one. You are safe here. This bramble in your fur speaks of the gift you have brought to him." The lonely little dog opened his eyes and looked up at the woman.

"But I have no gift to offer, save for myself, and that is very little..."he shyly protested.

The woman smiled and scratched his ears. "Little dog, you traveled far to see the King..that is gift enough when it comes from your heart. What gift is more precious than one given in innocence and humility? No little one, you are welcome here." As she spoke she raised the little dog up.

"Behold, your King, the Son of Man. You shall serve him well." And the baby smiled.

So it came to pass and dog was lonely no more.

And dog has served man ever since, loyal to a fault, and humble he remains. A gift from God to us, for who, but dog will travel miles without explanation? Who, but dog will cower from you even if he is not wrong? Who, but dog will take a scolding even when he is not to blame? Who, but dog is content to die at our feet if he so must?

Let us care for it well.

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CHRISTMAS RETURNS

Santa comes quietly long before dawn

While shops are still busy and lights are still on;

While dinners are simmering 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 back yard

As icy winds blow;

To find the pup he brought last year

Chained up in the snow

And kneeling, he whispers,

"Are you ready to go?"

There are too many stops like this one tonight

Before the beginning of his regular flight.

He leaves not a note or footprint in sight

Just an unbuckled collar

On a cold Christmas night.