BarkingProse

Something very special happened on Christmas. Something that meant the world to old Jack. Something he never ever expected. Something he will never forget.

Mom and dad were loading the car so I knew they were going out. Mom always tells me right away if I get to go. This time she said Tess and I had to stay home. “What about Jack,” I asked.

Mom signaled for me to sit down so I knew she was going to tell me something important. “We’re going to take Jack with us,” she said. “It’s a surprise. He’s never been to a big dinner party before.”

Tess and I wanted to go too. We wanted to see our Labrador pals and meet some new people. But mom said it would be too many dogs. She said my high energy and six other dogs would be a disaster in a busy kitchen.

That’s true. When I get to the house where my pals live, I tear around looking for their toys. We’re so happy to see each other it’s total chaos.

Mom asked me to babysit Tess so Jack could have this special experience. Tess can’t be left alone because she gets too anxious. I was disappointed but I understood. She promised she would bring treats and we could stay up late when she got home.

Jack was thrilled to go with mom and dad. He didn’t know where he was going but he didn’t care. He just wanted to go. Jack figured he’d have to stay in the car during dinner, but at least he’d have a nice ride.

When everyone was settled mom brought Jack into the house. The other dogs got put outside until Jack was introduced. Mom said the conversation stopped and everyone turned to Jack. He sat down real polite like and greeted everyone. He shook paws with one of the guys.

At first mom kept Jack on a leash so he couldn’t even think about marking. Then she let him loose so he could hang out in the kitchen. Jack was so happy. He was on his best behavior.

After a couple of hours of socializing Jack got tired and asked to go back to the car. Mom walked him out and lifted him onto his bed. She kissed his big flat head and whispered “Merry Christmas Jack.” I think it was the best Christmas Jack ever had. I’m glad. We love Jack.

Lots of people celebrate holy days in December. There’s the winter solstice, Hanukkah, and Christmas. There are other holidays but I don’t know them.

At Asherpark we celebrate Christmas, but we show respect for what other people believe too.

This morning the DailyBark is real short and simple. Me and Tess and Jack wish everybody peace of mind, gratitude for the good things life brings, and all the fun you can handle.

We hope you will find it in your heart to help some poor mutt who doesn’t have it as good as we do. Until every dog has a home we plan to keep on barking!

Tomorrow is Christmas. I know mom got us mutts some fun stuff. She told me what she got Jack and Tess but she won’t say what she got me.

We’ll each have a frozen turkey neck to clean our teeth. Thanks Dr. Brad for telling mom it’s better than a tooth brush.

Jack’s new bed arrived from the Bean store in Maine. He’ll love it. We’ll give his old one to the poor dogs at the shelter.

Tess got an anxiety vest to help her red haired self calm down. She’s gonna wear it when she goes in the car and when the neighbor fools shoot off fireworks in July.

Mom’s been teasing me about my present. She says part of it is silly and the other part serious. I’m curious about the serious part. Mom says it is something special that me and her are going to do together. I hope it’s not another bath!

Not everything is happy this time of year. People get sad when they think about Christmas past. They remember their family and friends who aren’t in the world anymore. Mom calls it bittersweet.

Remembering the good times is the sweet part. Longing for the ones who are gone is an ache in the heart. This year our pack is gonna light a candle on Christmas day for each member we’ve lost: Darcy, Codie and Jesse.

We lost Darcy a year ago. We had a fun Christmas with him and he was having such a good time in our pack. Then he got real sick and died in the hospital.

Codie left us in July 2009. She got very old and asked to be released from her worn out body. I still can’t bark about her without getting choked up.

Jess was gone before I got here. It was nearly twenty years ago but mom still talks about him. She calls it keeping his memory alive.

My advice is enjoy the moment and treasure the past. When you put the two together you’ve got your whole life. Gotta run!