Christmas day at break of dawn
Ollie barks, “Please let me out.”
Down the steps, across the lawn
He’s starting on his route.
Ollie has a job today:
Help bring on a smile,
In his very special way:
His friendship for a while.
Almost there – around the bend,
She’s waiting at the door.
Gray-haired Mrs. Townsend,
He’ll make her smile – and more!
With outstretched arms
She hugs her friend –
A dog with charms
That never end.
Ollie’s done.
It’s time to go.
Another one
Is lonely, so –
Off he goes,
Around the block.
Ollie knows
He’s on the clock.
Mr. Tom is lonely
He needs a visit bad.
Here comes happy Ollie.
A smile shows Tom is glad.
Tom shares a delicious treat
and throws a bouncing ball.
He says, “Ollie, you’re so sweet
to make this special call.”
But Ollie has more work to do,
Another lonesome friend to greet.
A green backyard to cut through
And just across the street.
Mr. Green lives all alone.
No children or a mate.
He never chatters on the phone.
Ollie bustles through the gate.
Mr. Green wheels to the door,
And ushers his guest in.
Ollie helps him with a chore,
And watches his friend grin.
Christmas day is fading fast.
Ollie’s jobs are done.
Helping’s fun. He had a blast!
He heads home on the run.
Ollie’s finished spreading joy.
But he needs mom’s help now.
Hugs, rubs, and “Who’s a good boy?”
And a bowl of puppy chow.
Author’s Note: This story was inspired by a real-life 14-year old blind and deaf golden retriever named Oliver who spends his days visiting his neighbors. The people in the poem are pure fiction.
