Sandy's first REAL Christmas

Some of my Mom's incredible crafty Christmas artistry

The past few years, since we've been having Christmas at my aunt and uncle's place, dogs have played a less central role in the festivities. So on Christmas Day, as my dad started up the family van at my sister's house to make the trip out to my aunt's, and I asked him to stop off at my place on the way so I could pick up a couple of things, I wasn't even thinking that one of those things would be a dog. 

But when I saw Sandy in her crate, prepared to spend the afternoon there while we all ate and made merry, I just couldn't do it. It was a nice afternoon and the other dogs had their dog door and could enjoy it, and there seemed nothing more scrooge-ey than leaving a baby puppy in a cage all day. And when I climbed back in the van, my little bundle of joy in tow, my ever-indulgent parents didn't even protest. Right then I knew it was going to be a good Christmas. 

My aunt and uncle are incredibly indulgent and their house is incredibly nice, and I didn't want to take advantage of their indulgence or trash their house with my little ball of fire. So Sandy stayed outside and enjoyed the unseasonably warm afternoon until my aunt insisted that I bring her in. 

So while we ate and drank ungodly amounts of delicious provisions, Sandy got to bond with my sister, 

pilfer snacks from my mom, 

avoid kisses from me, 

and demonstrate her frogdog for all.

I can't think of a better way to realize the spirit of Christmas than to give a scrappy little former stray a day filled with warmth, food, family, and affection. 


Sure made things extra fun for us humans too.