Twas a Pup Before Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the pound
All the puppies were “sleeping,” except for one hound
Stockings were hung for each handler and pup
Hoping that Santy Paws soon might show up
The handlers were bundled in bed for the night
Having drunk all the red and half of the white
That mischievous mutt, though not very agile
Arose from his bed to wander awhile
On kneepads and mitts to not make a sound
He slipped out of the kennel to just poke around
To the top of the stairs he did quietly slip
Then all the way down (with nary a trip!)
Into the kitchen he quietly crept
Looking for treats while everyone slept
When in by the tree there came a quick noise
That sounded suspiciously like new squeaky toys
With tail all a-waggin’, he ran to the cause
In hopes of a glimpse of Santy Paws
And there by the fireplace, in chaps and high boots
With bulldog and chest hair all covered in soot
Was Santy Paws setting down new puppy dishes
And harness and leashes to fill puppy wishes
For the handlers were gloves and jocks made of leather
For both there were singlets, good for all weather
He kept to his work, ignoring the mutt
Whistling and shaking his nice furry butt
And when he was done, he chuckled with glee
Then glanced at the pup hiding there by the tree
“You naughty pup,” he laughed as he said
“You should be getting back to your bed!”
With a scratch to the ear, he turned with a whirl
Distracting the pup by calling out “Squirrel!”
The pup looked around and when he turned back
Santy Paws had just vanished, along with his sack
But still to be heard, a voice from the night
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!