The Loyal Dogs of Christmas

Alright gather round. Let me tell you, I love dogs. I like cats too, but when I show up, most cats will run and hide.

But with dogs, I have a charming, magical connection. Most dogs are friendly and happy to see me. There's more than a few that get too excited, when they hear me... coming down the chimney. I really dont mind the hyper dogs, they cant help it. They come flying in, jumping all over me to say hi.

Im usually prepared, though… with a biscuit and a warm hug. I know what they want... a healthy treat, a pat of the head, and to hear they’re a good boy or good girl.

Now, there are always a few dogs every year that make me a bit nervous, you know, those dogs that have a crazy look in their eyes. Take, for example, the Hoskins’ house.  Ive been visiting Julie and Judy Hoskins since the late 90s. When the girls turned three, their family got two dogs, Spencer and Eli. They were Eskimo Spitz, medium size, white, fluffy, and a little jumpy.

Spencer was the sweetest.  He'd come right up to you. Id give him a treat and a scratch behind his ears.

But Eli... Eli did not like me at all. I’ll never understand it.  These dogs were brothers, same litter, but in Eli’s mind, I was a strange man with a beard invading his living room wearing a suit and a funny hat. I think its the beard, Eli just doesn't like my long beard.

Every year, I’d see him halfway up the staircase, showing his teeth, growling, and eventually barking. Imagine Santa tiptoeing past this white ball of fury, tracking my every move. Eli always made me nervous. I get it; he’s doing his job, protecting his home from strangers. But come on, buddy, I bring you treats every year!

It's because of Eli, that we invented the Peppe silencer. We cant have dogs all over the world waking up kids and parents, when I’m dropping off gifts. Peppe the Elf, it was his idea, his brilliant solution was to combine a bubble shooter and the smell of bacon. Now when meet a dog like Eli, I shoot bacon scented bubbles his way. You should see his face… it totally throws him off, and he calms him down.

So now, I don't have to worry about Eli waking up little Julie and Judy Hoskins.

My favorite dogs are the old dogs. The ones that have seen Their child grow up right before their eyes. A dog will live his whole life in the time it takes a child to grow up. These dogs were young and full of spirit when their “kid” came into the world. They smelled the new scents when a baby came home, and they tolerated hundreds of dirty diapers. They were there when that toddler took their first steps, and they chased after as their kid learned to ride a bike. All those years, they just couldn’t wait for their friend to come home from school.

These dogs were happiest when you walked through the front door or picked up the leash for a walk. Their favorite memories were just napping at your feet. The old dogs remember me from last year, and I remember them too. Some even “vouch” for their kid to stay on the Nice List.

So when I see these old friends, I make sure to tell them that they did a good job keeping their child on the Nice list. They give me that look, as if to say, “See you next year, old man.” These dogs know that their time is best spent with their child.

Many of us have a memory stored away of our childhood pet. Mine was Mandy, my pal growing up. She was a Collie and a good girl through and through.

I wish more people were like man's best friend. Dogs still look around and unafraid to say hello to a stranger. A dog knows how to appreciate the simple joys in life. They know what’s important: the people they care about, and the understanding that every day holds new possibilities.

Sometimes, we just need to appreciate the little things to get through the hard times. And it’s okay to be a little distracted by bacon bubbles now and then. Let’s all remember the love our pets give us—and don’t forget to give it back on this Christmas Day.