Presents! Wrapping Paper! Cuddles!

Elsie, the rescue boxer puppy, gazes in awe at the sparkling Christmas tree, her eyes filled with wonder and curiosity.

Presents! Paper! Sparkles everywhere!

What’s this? What’s that? Glitter in the air!

Crinkle, rustle, ribbon-twirl delight —

My paws go wiggle, my nose takes flight!

Stacks of boxes, smells so sweet,

Is that cake? Is that meat?

I bounce, I boing, I’m ready to zoom —

“Let me at it!” I fill the room—

But… Russ stands still. Soft eyes. Slow breath.

Same calm rules he always sets.

No fuss, no chase, no calling my name,

Just quiet leadership, steady as flame.

Charlie? A statue. King of naps.

One ear twitches. Then it snaps

right back to sleep. He’s seen it all.

Mooby sighs at human sprawl.

I pause. I look. The room feels clear.

If Russ is calm, there’s nowt to fear.

So I settle beside the twinkling tree —

Turns out the magic still finds me.

Maybe Christmas isn’t grabbing it all;

Maybe it’s trusting the one who stands tall.

With calm in charge, the sparkle stays —

and so do cuddles, after I laze.

Love, wiggles, and wags,

Elsie