On Guard

“All right, I’ve had it!” Mother’s famous words. “Get out from under that Christmas tree, all of you. Right now!”1

At age twelve, I, the eldest of six and most responsible one, decided to play back-up support to my mother’s demands. Oh, the temptation for five little ones when eyes become intranced by brightly colored gifts lying under their Christmas tree. 2

“Not until Christmas!” I, retorted as I pulled two curious catlings from under the tree. “No!’ I commanded again as I
positioned myself with arms spread out in front of the tree. 3

“Your not our Mom. We don’t have to listen to you.” said Jimmy, second eldest, as he arm wrestled me trying to squeeze pass. 4

“Mom!” I cried. “They won’t listen to me.” With little help from Mom or Dad and having reached my wits end a clever plan came to mind. After tidying up once more the disheveled gifts under the tree I ran to the garage, reached for a Milk Bone and picked up Nipper, our half Chihuahua, half Terrier pup. Wrapping up the Milk Bone with gift wrap I then placed Nipper with her gift under the bottom edge of the tree branches. Nipper, a one-man dog and I her chosen one man were a perfect match for the feat. Problem solved I thought as I sat back, pleased and confident, awaiting the first trial test. 5

It wasn’t long before a curious george crept up to the tree. Nipper went into immediate action. With fierce snarls and growls she warded off not just one but all who dare approach the tree. Nipper, tenacious and relentless in spirit, kept a constant eye out while she periodically sniffed with satisfaction her guarded
gift. Mom and Dad snickered as they witnessed their Guard Dog on duty. 6

Day and night Nipper lie faithful to her call. With constant praises from me, she took extra pride in dutifully chasing off all intruders. At the dawn of Christmas morn when the early birds flew out of their beds to see what Santa brought, still yet, they met their fearsome guard dog manning her post. 7

“Mary, Mary, wake up,” said Annie, my little sister. Please take Nipper away. It’s Christmas day and we want to open our presents.” By the time I crawled out of bed all my brothers and sisters had awakened with eager anticipation. As I approached the tree, the little guardette wagged and wiggled waiting to hear more words of approval. 8

“Good job, Nipper” I said as I picked her and her wrapped gift up. The little ones screamed with joy and laughter as they scrambled to find gifts bearing their name. 9

Sitting Nipper down in another room I patted her on the head praising her once more. “Good job, well done, Nips.” As I un-wrapped Nipper’s gift she wiggled with leaps and barks anxious to take her first lick. Leaving Nipper to her treat and retirement, I too, happily retired to see what lie under the tree for me. As child among the rest I shared, as well, the joy of unwrapping of my Christmas gifts. 10