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The Wichita Eagle recently [December
2004] invited readers to participate in a story-writing contest celebrating the season.
Eagle writer Denise Neil has crafted the beginning of a Christmas story, entitled Dasher,
the Christmas Dog, as shown below. Please enjoy these special endings from four
dear Golden friends!
Dasher, the Christmas Dog
It was midnight,
Christmas Eve, and Sam knew his mind must be playing tricks on him again. So many nights
over the past year, hed thought he heard that familiar scratch-scratch-scratching on
the back door. Until recently, hed jump and run to the door every time. But it was
never Dasher. It wasnt Dasher this time either, Sam told himself, and he stayed
planted in his chairremembering.
Dasher was the Campbell familys golden retriever. But he was so much more than a
pet. The family had adopted Dasher from a pet rescue six years earlier, and theyd
been amazed by how smart he wasand how much he loved people. They couldnt
imagine how anyone would have ever let that dog get away. Someones got to be
missing you very much tonight, Lisa, Sams wife, would often tell Dasher,
rubbing him lovingly between the ears.
Sams daughter, Sarah, had started teaching Dasher tricks not long after he moved in.
In his signature performance, which Sarah had dubbed The Christmas Special,
Dasher would retrieve a wrapped candy cane from a bag in the middle of the room and
deliver one to each person.
The family decided one Christmas to take Dasher to nursing homes and hospitals to perform
his trick for lonely and sick patients. It wasnt long before Dasher had become a
local canine celebrity. The media had even come out for the past three years to put
Dasher the Christmas dog on the evening news.
But last Christmas Eve was the worst the Campbells had ever experienced. Theyd
returned from their annual Dasher rounds in high spirits and had let the dog into the
fenced back yard, like they always did before bed. They went to the kitchen to begin
preparations for the next days Christmas dinner. Sam waited for the
scratch-scratch-scratching at the back screen that signaled Dasher was ready to come in.
Dasher wanted to be with his family so much, he rarely stayed out for more than 10
minutes. But when he hadnt scratched after 30, Sam got worried. He went outside.
Dasher. Dasher. Come here, boy! he called.But the dog was gone.
That night and the following days were a blur for the Campbells. They spent Christmas Day
canvassing the city putting up missing-dog posters. The news stations did stories on
Dashers disappearance. Days passed, then weeks. But the Campbells never heard a word
about Dashers whereabouts. The pain had started to lessen a bit by the time fall
rolled around. But the family never stopped thinking about Dasher. Lisa still called the
animal shelter every Monday, hoping a golden retriever had shown up. For his part, Sam
never stopped thinking he heard that scratching.
Suddenly, he was jolted back into the present. There it was again. This time, Sam was
pretty sure he wasnt imagining it. He couldnt stop himself. Sam jumped from
the chair and ran to the door. When he flung it open, his heart nearly jumped out of his
sweater. There sat Dasher, looking just as he had the year before. He even had on his same
collar.
Lisa, Sarah, get down here, NOW! Sam screamed, waking his family from their
Christmas Eve sleep. As Dasher bound into the room, nearly licking the smile from
Sams face, the dog dropped a candy cane hed been holding in his mouth. Sam
then noticed that a note was attached to Dashers collar. As Sarahs joyous
screams filled the room, Sam pulled the note loose and slowly unfolded it.
Here is the Golden ending by Kathy Anne Harris!
Sam read the note...
I have a feeling your Christmas just got
merrier, and mine a little sadder. Over six years ago my wife, Frances, found a
sun-colored pup on our doorstep. She doted on him and he became a member of our
family.
As the pup grew, hed often disappear for days at a time. Frantic at first, we
would search everywhere. Each time wed find him in the company of a human who, for
various reasons, was in need of a friend. He did this so often we started calling him
Dasher. One day he did not return.
Eighteen months ago Frances was diagnosed with cancer. On Christmas Day of last year
your Golden lad scratched on our front door. He looked so much like our Dasher, I started
calling him by that name. He and my wife were inseparable until her death three days
ago.
After the funeral, I had the family reception at our house. While eating we shared
our memories of Frances. When the conversation died down, Dasher padded over to the coffee
table. Frances kept the bowl on the table filled with candy at Christmas time.
Dasher took a candy cane out of the bowl, came over and laid it in my lap. He
whimpered, then trotted to the front door and scratched at it to be let out.
I opened the door. Dasher walked over to the hedges and began digging. In a few
moments he returneda dirty collar in his mouth. He then made soft talking
sounds and dropped the collar at my feet.
As I picked it up I noticed two grimy tags; a license tag and an ID tag. When I read
the ID tag I choked back an unexpected sob.
Dasher... I couldnt believe it. Our Dasher, it had to be. I looked
from the tag to the Golden before me. Dashers expression went from hopeful to
wistful.
Dasher leaned into me, his weight against my legs like the embrace of an old friend.
He looked up at me and I knew his visit was overhe wanted to go home.
After everyone left I called Dasher over to me. I had cleaned his collar and the
tags jingled brightly as I slipped it over his head. I then bent down and sobbed into his
Golden fur.
It was a quiet ride for the two of us, as I drove to your place. When I reached over
to open the door to let Dasher out, he nudged my wrist, licked my hand and sighed.
In my sadness and grief, I had forgotten this letter. I pulled the note out of my
shirt pocket to write the final words. I finished and glanced at Dasher. He smiled and I
saw a flash of red and white under his velvety muzzle. I believe it is a gift for
you.
Thank you, from a stranger whos been warmed by sunlight, wrapped in Golden
fur. Welcome him well. When you hug him, please hug him for me. I couldnt do so to
say good-bye for fear Id not let him go.
Lisa took the note and as she began to read, Sam sank his hands into the warm ruff of
Dashers neck and hugged him long, and well.
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Here is the Golden ending by
Lori Cacciatore! The note was gooey and sticky,
and folded inside it, was a letter. It was difficult, but Sam managed to pry the corners
apart. It read:
Dear Campbell Family, This is Tommy, writing to you about Dasher, your Golden Retriever. I know hes been
away for a good year, and Im sure youve been worried sick about him. I would
have sent him back sooner, but I couldnt bring myself to do it until now.
You see, Dasher used to be my dog. I saw him on the local news clip where he was visiting
the Charity Hospital and wondered whether he used to be my dog Hunter. Im now 18
years old, but about seven years ago, we had to give up our dog to the Rescue because our
family had money troubles and we could no longer afford to keep him. Ive missed him
so much ever since, but knew he would be well taken care of.
Then, last year I saw your family featured on the newscast, and had to find out if your
Dasher was indeed my old Hunter! It was wrong, I know, but I hung around your house and
watched the comings and goings. Last Christmas Eve, when you had let Dasher out, I was
near the driveway and called out Hunter, here Hunter! He ran to the fence and
started yipping a high yip, like he used to when I would play in the snow with him when I
was little. I thought I would just say hello, but something inside me just said Oh,
well only visit for this Christmas and Ill take you back home. Itll only
be for a day.
Dasher/Hunter got into my car eagerly and I drove him to my househis old home. I
know I should have left a note or contacted your family, but I was so nervous. Once I saw
all the Lost Dog posters, I felt too ashamed and guilty for my actions. It was
so hard to let Hunter go again.
You see, last year my Mother became very ill. When we saw the news, she said Oh that
looks just like Hunterhow I miss him. I wonder how he is doing. That got me to
thinking that maybe it really was Hunter, and thats why I was snooping around your
place.
When I brought Dasher/Hunter home that Christmas Eve, I showed my Mom the dog and said
Look Mom, its a miracle! Hunters been found againcan you believe
it after all these years? Hes still frisky as ever! My Mother questioned me
how this came to be, and how on earth Id ever found him again.
I lied and told her that I had contacted the Campbell Familyyour family, on a hunch
that maybe this was our dog we had to give up, that it turned out it was, and that the
family gave the okay to visit. I guess she believed me, because she didnt question
me further, and turned to Hunter and he covered her with sloppy kisses.
I tell youDasher/Hunters kisses and yipping were better than medicine! Mom
didnt even need her regular dose of pain medicine that night. She was happier than I
had ever seen her in a long time.
After that holiday, I tried to bring Hunter back to you. I know I didnt try very
hard though. Whenever I would get in the car and call him, he would refuse to get
inlike he knew hed never be back again. I tried time and time again, but
Hunter would not get into the car. My Mom asked me why he hadnt gone back to his
homeI told her that your family said it was okay for him to stay as long as was
needed. I know I should have contacted your family. Im sorry I didnt. I
figured just for a little while longer. I was working now, so I could pay for the dog food
and buy him dog toys, and Mom wouldnt have to worry.
Over the past year, Hunter stuck by my Mothers side like glue. He was very vigilant,
lying beside her on the bed when she was very sick, and he even would bring her slippers
to her or the heating pad off of the side table. Hed make her laugh when she seemed
down in the dumps and help her forget that she was dying.
Well, its almost a year to the day that I borrowed Dasher/Hunter from your back
yard; yesterday my Mother lost her battle with cancer. At one point, she was delirious,
and I revealed to her that I had actually taken Dasher/Hunter without your familys
permission, but that this persistent Golden Retriever wouldnt leave her once I had
taken him into our home. I thought she wouldnt remember this admission because she
was so sick, but the next day she said, You know, you have to return Hunter to his
home. Hes somebodys Dasher and I know they miss him as much as we did. Promise
me youll send back home, his real home, when the time is right.
I knew what she meant, but I didnt want to face it.
Yesterday, my Mom was in a bad way, having trouble breathing and was so restless.
Dasher/Hunter left the bedroom and went into the living room. I followed him as he went
back to my Moms room. My Mom managed to breathe, What have you got
there? Goldens are so bouncy as you know, but he slowly approached the bed and
gently leaned his head against my Mothers chest and dropped something near her hand.
She picked it up and saw it was a Candy Cane. It was covered in dog drool, but that
didnt matter. She held it close to her and whispered Thank you Hunter, and
thank you Tommy for this year of happiness. Even though Im not long for this world,
I have to tell you that you both are my two boys and Ill love you
forever.
I left the room, a little teary eyed, and let Hunter and my Mom be together. A while
later, I went to check on my Mom to see if she wanted some hot tea. I felt right away that
something was wrong. Dasher/Hunter was lying next to my Mom on the bed, his head resting
on her shoulder, whimpering softly. I knew that Mom had passed on. I could barely give my
address when I called 911, I was so upset.
The Paramedics came right away. There was nothing they could doshe was gone. It was
only then that Dasher/Hunter would leave her side. I guess he knew his job was done and
that Mom was now at peace and no longer in pain. Before they put her body on the
stretcher, they took something out of her hand and gave it to me. It was the Candy Cane
and a note with itthe one Im including with this letter. It reads Thank
you for the gift of love. Please dont be angry with my boyhe was following his
heart. This beautiful Golden Retriever is returned to you with thanks for the visit and
also an apology that hes been away so long. Hes a dog with the capacity to
love freely, without judgment, unerring in his devotion to making a sad heart smile. He
made me smile. Thank you.
So, heres the Candy Cane, which was a special gift to my Mother from this special
Golden, and now a symbolic gift to your family from me. I hope youll understand. I
know this past year wasnt easy for you. I wish I could make up for the heartache I
know I caused. I knew the only way to make amends was to return your dog home, to his
rightful home. I knew too, that this would be the ultimate Christmas gift to my Mom,
returning our Hunter, your Dasher. Her funeral is in a few days. I clipped a bit of
Dasher/Hunters fur and tied it with ribbon. Ill be putting it in Moms
casket. That dog sure brought her joy.
By the way, near the gate of your fence, Ive left a bag of the food Id been
feeding him, and all of his toys. He really loves the green squeaky ball.
Dasher belongs with your family, but right or wrong, for one year, he was our Hunter
again. I guess he has been a gift to both our families. Ill miss him, but know
hes back where he belongs, with a loving and caring family. I hope you have a Merry
Christmas. May Dasher bring joy to your family for many years to come.
Ill just sign my nameTommyDashers old pal.
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Here is the Golden ending by
Lily Cavanagh! Sam unfolded the note, quietly
reading, soon tears were rolling down his cheeks. The paper dropped to the floor where
Lisa picked it up and began reading . . .
Dear Mr. Campbell, My name is Harry Brown, and Ive been taking care of Dasher for the last 12 months.
Just over a year ago now, my wife was in hospital dying of a brain tumour. One day, just
before she died, she told my son Jimmy and I, about a visit shed had from a Golden
dog, and how much he had brightened up her day, Jimmy loved listening to his mom talking
of this wonderful Golden dog who came to visit his mom
and helped cheer her up Sadly my wife died the next day, and naturally Jimmy and I were
distraught.
Last Christmas Eve, Jimmy ran away from school as he was the only little boy who
didnt have a Mommy to see him in the class Christmas Pageant. Blinded by his tears
he almost walked in front of a truck, but was saved by a Golden dog who ran towards him
and pushed him to safety!
Jimmy immediately thought that his mom had sent this dog to Jimmy as a sign and as a
Christmas gift from her. And so, Dasher and Jimmy came home together.
I immediately recognized this dog from all the stories in the papers and on TV, and I knew
that his real owners would be looking for him. But looking at my little boys face,
his wide smile, as he cuddled this beautiful Golden, I just couldnt bring myself to
do anything about returning him, not then.
Jimmy and Dasher have been inseparable all year. Its been just over a year since my
wife died, and I got to realising that somewhere out there were Dashers real owners,
who must be missing him terribly. So now I return him to you . . . with my deep apologies
and begging you to please forgive this man, who was only thinking of his sons
happiness. Jimmy will be upset, but I will explain it to him as best I can. Please forgive
me.
Harry
Lisa and Sam looked at each other, and nodded, and Sam picked up the phone.
Christmas morning . . . Harry and Jimmy sat quietly in their house, having unwrapped their
gifts for each other. Little Jimmy, his eyes red and swollen with tears that had been
flowing all night, tried to look happy as he unwrapped the huge fire truck his dad had
given him, but Harry knew his heart wasnt in it . . . he was missing Dasher, and he
couldnt blame him.
Im sorry son, but I had to do it. Dasher had a family before us, and Im
sure they were missing him terribly . . . his voice trailed off as Jimmy burst into
tears and left the room.
Suddenly a loud knocking at the door broke the silence, and a barking, a familiar bark!
Jimmy raced to the door . . . Its Dasher, thats Dashers bark,
hes come home . . . to us!! he was screaming.
As he threw open the door a golden blur launched itself at Jimmy covering his face in
licks, the golden plumed tail wagging frantically back and forth. Harry looked at his son,
at his happy face, and then looked to see a couple with a young girl carrying a huge
basket in her arms.
Sam walked forward, holding out his hand.Hi there, you must be Harry Brown, and that
little boy must be Jimmy. Were Dashers mom and dad, Im Sam, my wife here
is Lisa, and my daughter, Sarah.
Harry shook Sams hand tentatively, his eyes questioning.
We looked up your name in the phone book, thats how we found you. We just came
here to thank you, and especially little Jimmy here, for taking such good care of Dasher.
We really appreciate it, and to show it, we have a surprise for you Jimmy!
Sarah stepped forward, placing the basket gently on the ground and removing its cover. . A
Golden Retriever puppy, so soft, fluffy and adorable, sat there, whining gently. Tied to
her neck was a pink bow and a candy cane.
Jimmy gasped, and stepped forward, dropping to his knees as he caressed the puppys
coat and hugged the puppy to him.. Sam gulped and spoke quietly. Shes all
yours Jimmy, on one condition! The lady who owned her Mommy asked me to make sure that she
had a name that had already been given to her, and thats Candy!
Harry gave a strangled cry and hugged his son and the puppy tightly as he looked up at Sam
and Lisa and sobbed. My wifes name was Candace, Candy for short!
Dasher barked then, loud and long, the puppy joining in. Merry Christmas
laughed Jimmy, Merry Christmas!! |
Here is the Golden ending by
Cheryl Olvera! Sam wondered how Dasher showed
up. He was a little afraid to see what the note said. It didnt say much.
Please see the person standing at the end of the driveway. Sam peered out and
saw a small figure standing back by a minivan parked on the street. He told Sarah to stay
in the house with Dasher as he walked toward the petite woman. But Dasher ran out to see
her and was obviously glad she was there.
Hi, Im Jane, and now I know I have the right house. Please come
in, Sam begged. Id like to know whats going on here. Sarah
brought the visitor a cup of hot tea. Im sure you want to know where your
friend has been for the last year.
Last year, we had moved a few weeks before Christmas and I couldnt bear to be
hundreds of miles away from my mom who had lived in a local nursing home. We packed up her
belongings and drove 400 miles to Florida. When we got home and opened the truck there was
this wonderful golden retriever curled up in a chair. He had a collar, but we
couldnt find his tags. He followed us into the house and nudged Mom as she rolled
her walker into the kitchen. He sat in front of her and smiled. It seemed like he knew
her. We couldnt ask mom, though, as she had Alzheimers and couldnt tell
us who this beautiful guy was.
We put an ad in the paper here but no one called. Money was pretty tight and we
couldnt run the ad for long, but we promised each other that when we got back up
here we would look for his family. We decided to call him Max. Max was the friendliest dog
we had ever met. He slept in Moms room and seemed to watch over her.
Moms health got worse. Weeks turned into months and months turned into a year. And
as anxious as we all were at times, Max seemed to make everything better. He lay next to
Mom when she was so sick she couldnt get up. Sometimes he stayed with her and
wouldnt eat for days. And when she died, he seemed to understand. He was a comfort
to all of us.
As it got closer to Christmas, I realized he had to have a heartbroken family that missed
him terribly. We drove back here and checked with the Humane Society. We had no idea that
some dogs have chips that are implanted in them. The receptionist told us about him and
that his name was Dasher. They also had an old flyer about him. As I read his story, I
realized he did know Mom from Golden Acres. He must have been her friend all along.
I hope you will forgive us for borrowing him for a year.
Sam replied, Consider the year a gift from Dasher. I think his devotion is the best
Christmas present any of us could get. |
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