'Twas the Night Before the Christmas Canadian Pet Expo

'Twas the weekend before Christmas, when all through the hall,

Not a creature was stirring — except pets, one and all.

The stockings were hung by the booths with great care,

In hopes that new treats, toys and treasures soon would be there.

The dogs were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of agility tunnels danced in their heads.

And cats in their carriers, and birds in their cages,

Had just settled in for the most wonderful of stages.

When out in the rings there arose such a clatter,

It was Best in Show judging — the finale that matters.

Away to the lure course I flew like a flash,

Where hounds chased the flag in a snow-dusted dash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow,

Gave a holiday luster to the Meet the Breeds row.

When what to my wondering eyes did appear,

But Santa Paws waiting with camera and cheer.

With a jolly old handler, so lively and quick,

I knew in a moment it must be Saint Nick... with a click.

Now spaniels! Now shepherds! Now poodles and cats!

On ferrets! On fidos! On fancy-furred rats!

To the top of the stage, to the grooming stand wall,

Now dash away, dash away, dash away all!

So up to the marketplace the families they flew,

With sleigh-fulls of toys, and Canadian-made goodies too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the floor,

The prancing and pawing of each little paw — and one more.

As I drew in my head, and was turning around,

Down the aisle Santa Paws came with a bound.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,

And filled every stocking; then turned with a jerk.

And laying his finger aside of his nose,

And giving a nod, up the expo hall he rose.

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,

And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight —

"Happy Christmas Canadian Pet Expo to all, and to all a good night!"