As a Christmas present to dogs everywhere, let's all resolve to help stop tethering in the New Year.
'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.
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.
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 un-chained the dog, once so lively and quick.
Last year's Christmas 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.
"Now, DASHER! now, DANCER! now, PRANCER and VIXEN!
On, COMET! on CUPID! on, DONNER and BLITZEN!
To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall!
Let's find this dog a home where he'll be loved by all.
I knew in an instant there would be no gifts this year
For Santa Claus had made one thing quite clear.
We had gotten the pup for all the wrong reasons.
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.
"You weren't given a gift! You were given a LIFE!"
Author Unknown
-- Josh Billings



Ellie, thank you for publishing the wonderful poem against tethering. Miami-Dade County needs to enact a strong ordinance against chaining.
Margery
Posted by: Margery Glickman | December 25, 2007 at 09:55 AM