Alternative story telling: Santa for dogs

December 10 2006

A doggone good party Santa brings treats for huskies

James Fuller Daily Herald Staff Writer

'Twas two weeks before Christmas, when DuPage County Forest Preserve District staff realized a plan. Dogs can enjoy Christmas festivities as well as people can.

Owners tied their dogs to Greene Valley Forest Preserve picnic tables on Saturday with care. They hoped St. Nicholas soon would be there.

Adopt A Husky dogs nestled snugly on piles of straw, while visions of joining families occupied them all.

The huskies were joined by other breeds that had homes already. The chance to make new doggie pals made them hard to keep steady.

Dog owners wore gloves, most donned a winter cap, and settled for 40-degree weather after temperatures much lower than that.

Then out in the dog park arose such a clatter, it was Santa with dog treats, the pets couldn't have been gladder.

Up to Santa the dogs ran with a flash, barking and howling like sled dogs they dashed.

Out the dogs frolicked on the white, cold snow, while their owners gathered round a fire's red glow.

Then what to their wondering eyes did appear? The dogs pulling Santa's sleigh wore antlers like reindeer.

Ranger Annette McNeely said the sight was not weird, a club of 48 people began dog sledding in the park this year.

Most of the dogs were huskies that came, "Kodiak" and "Trinity" were among their names.

Over to other picnic tables some flew, for Petco was present to do some grooming on them, too.

And McNeely's eyes twinkled for the dogs were so merry. Their mouths held as many dog treats as they could carry.

"There's a lot of happy dogs here today," McNeely said and she'd know. She owns a husky herself that's fond of the snow.

It's not always a happy day for huskies with their ferocious teeth - they look like wolves McNeely said is a common belief.

Fear keeps people from adopting them, McNeely said. She described them as fun-loving, there's nothing to dread.

With Santa's bag of dog treats empty, it was the end of the day's Christmas work. All gathered their belongings and turned with a jerk.

One last sleigh ride through the park Santa whistled. Off his dog team flew like a missile.

Away from the forest preserve in Naperville Santa mushed out of sight, but not before saying, "Happy Christmas to all dogs, and to their owners a good night."