I had decided it was time to change my much-loved fall theme to my even more beloved Christmas one. Since the stores are full of Jingle Bell pillows and early Santas, I find the longing to bring in some of Christmas, perhaps a bit early this year.
As I brought out my favorite little snowy bits, the tiny reindeer prancing, a wooly grey fox in a bright red jacket, I decide that of course it’s time to turn on the Christmas music. Fiddling with the dial on our rather too complicated radio system, I was rewarded with the sweet strains of Silent Night, violin and cello achingly sweet. Sudden tears sprang to my eyes, Christmas music always makes me sad, I’d forgotten.
I drift back to my bright laundry room where the puppies were half dosing, waiting for me to do their Christmas photos so they could get back to the more important business of life.
PLAYTIME!!!
No one does Silent Night better than Manheim Steamroller, and as I slowed my pace to catch that poignant old melody, I heard it, a small plaintive “Woooo Woooo Woooo!” “Wooo Wooo Woooo!” Obviously, I wasn’t the only one who gets sad listening to Christmas music.
I peeked around the corner of the hallway, and sure enough, there was a furry little bundle, his nose tipped to the ceiling doing his best to sing along. ‘Woooo Woooo Woooo WOOO!” he wailed. “Ooooo Wooooooo Oooo!” 
There’s nothing more adorable and yet heart wrenching than the sound of a tiny Cavachon puppy mournfully wailing along with Silent Night. It was that cello that did it I’m sure.
After laughing rather unkindly at his little woebegone face,
I scooped him up and told him that all was well, but that sometimes the sweetest things can touch our hearts and make us cry.
He gave me a kiss with his flannel puppy tongue and was soon back at the business of being a puppy, paws waving in the air, trying to make off with one of Santa’s reindeer, he’s only a puppy and can’t stay sad for very long.
Besides, Santa will be here soon and everyone knows Santa always shares his Christmas cookies with any little puppies who happen to be waiting up for his arrival.
Well, I DID IT! I’m so excited about Dahlia I can’t sleep so here I am at 1 a.m. reading the puppy instructions, making a shopping list, and looking at all the beautiful puppies and grown dogs on the Foxglove website!
I love your blog Terry. I have known loneliness too, You may not have children, and I am very fortunate to have three sons, three lovely daughters-in-law, seven grandchildren–six boys, one girl, and four great-grandchildren, two boys, two little girls. Think of all the joy you have brought children, and adults as well with the loving way you raise your “babies”!
I was lonely as an only child, but I had many puppy and kitty friends. They meant a lot to me. There is no better way to teach a child about unconditional love, responsibility, kindness, gentleness, and caring behavior than having and caring for a pet. So when you see the smile of a child when one of your “little ones” is going home with them, just know that you are making a positive impact on that child’s life! God has His purpose for us all. You teach us all about how to love God’s creatures well.
See you soon to pick up my “fur baby” so we can begin our journey together. God bless you.
Linda
Oh Linda you are so kind, bless your heart I know that your little Dalhia will bring much love and those children and grandchildren will be visiting on a regular basis just to take turns holding her! God certainly has blessed me through the puppies who grow into a wonderful dogs that yes, have brought joy that I have been privileged to be a part of. They have inspired me to share my stories another layer of the beauty that he the bestows.