The old dog entered into the ancient city as daylight hours were waning, She had traveled a long distance and her gray coat with its jagged black patches was barely visible under a layer of dust and dirt from her journey. Her large frame sagged from its own weight and the results of her weariness. She was tired, thirsty, and hungry, yet she moved onward in a slow steady pace headed toward a predetermined, though unknown destination. She stopped momentarily to lap a bit of putrid water from a small broken bowl laying on the side of the dusty cobbled street, before she could finish, a large burly man in a flowing tunic began shouting and throwing stones at her. She ran quickly into the darkened protection of an alley and commenced walking. The old dog had never before been in the city, the sights and sounds caused fear to rise up within her, yet she did not hesitate to follow her instinctual drive.  At last she came to a small insignificant stable on an isolated side road, inside she could hear the noises of other animals as they contently feasted upon their evening meal of wild grass and grain.  Silently, she stole into the building to find a darkened corner where she lay down for a well deserved rest.  Somehow she knew she had at last, reached her destination. The other animals readily accepted her in their midst as though they too, knew her presence was mandated by a power greater than themselves. During the evening hours, a man and woman with a small donkey entered the stable. The dog watched from her hiding place as they lay down on blankets thrown over straw.  It was apparent to her, they also sought the comforts of rest from a long journey. The man and woman were not aware of her presence as she intentionally remained hidden from their view.  Sometime during the night she was awakened by the sounds of excitement and movement from the two people.  The animals became restless as the air was suddenly filled with the pungent smells and sounds of birthing.  The first cry of a newborn infant pierced the night, followed shortly by the soothing sounds of a mother comforting her child as it nursed. The infant was then wrapped in cloth and laid in a bed of straw in an old discarded manger. The woman watched over her son until she fell asleep weary from the days journey and the rigors of giving birth. Once again, the occupants of the stable settled down into quiet peaceful slumber. As the hours of late night settled in, cold air surrounded the old dog trembling in her sleep, awakened by the soft whimpering sounds of the infant as he too shivered in the darkness from the cold.  Loud voices echoed from the nearby streets and caused new found fear in the dog. In the silence of darkness she crept forward to where the baby lay, nudging him gently with her nose and licked his cheek with love and devotion. The child stirred in his sleep and shivered from the cold.  With great care and vigilance, the dog circled the child, positioning her body as near to him as she could possibly get.  As she lay her muzzle next to his cheek, her warm breath encircled his face and once again he slipped into a quiet gentle sleep. With the coming of early light, the inhabitants of the stable began to stir. The old dog, awakened by the sounds, slipped back into her darkened corner and there she remained throughout the day, never once letting her presence be known to the couple as they marveled over the beautiful infant and tended his needs.  On each of the forthcoming nights, the old dog crept to his side in the protection of darkness, and gave him comfort throughout the long hours until daybreak. She slept sparingly during the daylight hours, always watching from her darkened corner, never eating or drinking, as she would not leave the presence of the infant.  On her final evening of vigilance, she licked the child's face gently, with love and untold devotion.  The infants small hand reached out and rested momentarily on the old gray muzzle. In that instant of time, a miracle transpired and a gift was passed from the child to his steadfast companion of the night.  The hours of darkness passed quickly as the infant and the old dog slept in peaceful harmony. The old dog returned to her hidden area with the coming of dawn. That morning brought a flurry of activity in the stable as the couple prepared for their long journey back to their homeland. The dog watched in silence as the woman took her place on the back of the donkey while the man placed the precious child in her loving arms.  Off into the distance they traveled, observed only by an old dog standing in front of a small stable on the outskirts of an ancient city. When the old dog lost sight of the man, woman, and child, she turned and retraced her footsteps back toward the direction from which she had started her journey. This time, there was a regal bounce in her stride, and she carried herself with the grace and elegance found only in the most wondrous of Gods' creatures. Gradually she made her way out of the city and journeyed into the annals of unknown history and eternity. Remember this dear friend, the next time you gaze upon a breed of dog called the Great Dane and known as a "Gentle Giant", make note of its regal stride, and its grace and elegance. Also note with wisdom, the unyielding love and devotion for small children. Know that these fine qualities have been passed down from generation to generation for centuries. Who knows, perhaps, just perhaps, they are the enduring gift from a very special infant to an old gray dog, in a darkened stable, on a cold night, many many years ago. May the true meaning of Christmas fill your heart with love for your fellow man and all Gods' Creatures. This story is © and may not be reposted anywhere. You are welcome to link to this page for reading purposes Dont miss the story of: How The Danes Saved Christmas