'Twas the night of a rescue

'Twas the night before Christmas

I've found many canine versions of this Holiday classic – here one of the variants.

*****

‘Twas a night like all others, when throughout the whole mill

All the poor souls were a howling, so hungry and ill.

The food bowls were empty, all covered with grime,

Despair, fear and pain, having committed no crime. 

The dogs were all laying on wire with no beds

While visions of freedom danced in their heads,

An all of the breeds, the young, sick, and old

Tried snuggling together to keep warm in the cold. 

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

They sprang out of fear to see what was the matter.

Away to the cage bars they flew with a howl,

I t must be a person, that creature most foul. 

Through the dark of the night and the cold and the snow,

There was a rescue afoot, but the dogs didn’t know.

When, what to their wondering eyes should appear,

But two rescue vans with people and a mission so clear. 

And one special lady who was so lively and quick

They knew right away, it was Theresa, not St. Nick.

More rapid than eagles her rescuers they came,

And she whistled, and shouted, and called them by name; 

„Now, Jenny! Now, Maxie! Now, Amber and Chuck!

Oh Pamela! On Brian! Let’s hurry it up!

To the top of the kennel! To the top of the wall!

Let’s rescue these souls for that is our call. 

She was dressed all in sweats, from her head to her foot,

And her clothes soon were covered with dirt, urine, and poop.

But what did it matter when saving these souls,

Their freedom’s more precious than silver and gold.

The sick and the old, the moms and the dads,

The puppies, the discards, those hurting so bad.

With hands very gentle, they cut off the chains

Gave each dog a hug and blessed each with a name. 

Ninety dogs loaded – unwanted no more.

If only they knew how much love was in store.

Theresa spoke gently, but kept focused on work,

Prepped each for safe travel; then turned with a jerk, 

While tears filled her eyes, she looked at those left

And under her breath said, ‘we’ll be back for you next’.

She sprang to the van, to her team gave a whistle,

And away they all flew, like the down of a thistle. 

Away from the horror and misery and pain

Away to a new life, finally free from the cage.

We heard her exclaim as the mill went from sight.

“Happy freedom to all, and to all a good night!” 

(Author unknown) 

(Source: National Mill Dog Rescue (12/19/2015)

Please support their mission to rescue puppy mill dogs!)