A Christmas Visitor

This was one of the best Christmases I have ever had. Being surrounded by my family and watching my children's bright eyed wonder filled my heart with happiness. To me, togetherness is an important part of celebrating the birth of Jesus. We spent the day laughing, telling stories, opening gifts and eating too much delicious food. It was a perfect celebration.
The day before Christmas Eve, my mother, who works at a veterinary hospital, called to tell me about a little dog that was abandoned and in bad shape. We are big animal lovers, and she was thinking of bringing him home with her. He desperately needed a good grooming as his fur was completely matted. The groomer had to shave him and the veterinarians looked him over. He seemed to be healthy and they estimated his age to be 1 year. My mom couldn't resist and ended up taking him home for a trial. She brought him over to my house for a visit that night and it was love at first sight. He went home with her and she brought him over again on Christmas Eve.

I have never seen my son so delighted. We already have two dogs and they didn't mind him at all. We decided to call him Walter. He spent the day rolling around on the floor with Brady, getting passed around by the family and being completely spoiled. My husband told me not to get any ideas; we would not be getting a third dog. Well, after Brady begged and pleaded, and I accused James of being a Grinch, Walter ended up spending the night at our house. The next day James reiterated that it would not be logical to adopt Walter. What about the extra vet bills? The grooming expenses? Having another dog to board in the kennel when we go out of town? Taking another dog out to be walked? We all gave James puppy eyes and Walter spent Christmas night with us as well.
He is fitting right in and has made himself completely at home. I see James holding and cuddling Walter when he doesn't think I am looking. I can tell he would love to keep him. The little guy hasn't had any accidents, destroyed any shoes or furniture, and hasn't even barked once. He is a perfect little gentleman. James put his foot down though, and Walter will not be spending tonight with us. He will go to my moms house, where he will continue to be spoiled. I don't know if he will come back here. I have worked some magic in the past, but James is pretty firm on this one, and in my heart I feel that he is probably right. But I think God sent this little guy to be in our lives, even if it was only for Christmas. I have no doubt that he will be just as happy at my parents home and we will still get to see him often. I am just happy for the time we had with him and I hope he wasn't the only abandoned pup to find a special home for the holidays.