This holiday season, we had the joy of hosting three incredible Christmas carol services in London, Loughborough, and Arundel, each with their own special guest speaker (Dame Joanna Lumley DBE, Best-selling author Philippa Gregory and Paralympian Hannah Stodel) offering a unique way to celebrate the magic of Christmas.

Our family-friendly services were filled with singing, laughter, and interactive moments with our amazing dogs.

Below are some stunning photos of our favourite moments.

Below is Philippa Gregory’s original poem as read at our Loughborough Carol Service:

The Guiding Star

And was there a puppy? That night in Bethlehem

When the ox knelt down to the manger of hay?

There was a donkey we know – for he bore our Lady

Nazareth to Bethlehem all the long away.

There was a lamb white and fluffy – the shepherds

Had carried her, Warm in their arms from the hills to the town.

But was there a puppy – Wouldn’t someone have said so?

With eyes bright as buttons? And fur like swansdown?

Really there must have been – maybe a guard dog

Swarmed on his belly to peep in the door,

Watching over the God-given baby,

His tail softly stirring, his nose on his paws

There were Camels with kings

Riding  from Persia, Travelling at night,

it was so hot by day.

They had a guide dog – they must have had one

Tracking through desert, and down dusty ways.

Of course a dog led them  – what other creature

Would be so faithful and travel so far?

They trusted and followed, wherever he took them

A  puppy so brilliant that they called him Star.

Below is the poem read by Bethann Siviter with canine partner Ruben:

The Gift of Partnership 

As Santa came bearing his sack, with great joy
to leave for good children a book or a toy.
a bag full of sweeties would go over well
so he packs in the gifts ‘til the stockings all swell.

Then he notices, quiet, a little pup sits
watching intently as he laid out the gifts.
Santa sees his tail and sweet clever eyes
“And what would you like for a Christmas surprise?”

I could give you a bone, full of nice meat
I could give you some biscuits, savoury and sweet.
a plush little bunny to snuggle and chew
tell me, sweet puppy, what can Santa give you?

The puppy thought long, to answer the Saint
(but Santa is loving, and didn’t mind the slight wait)
the puppy furrowed his brows, as he thought harder and harder
then his eyes light up “Santa, I want a partner!”

“I want to be a helper, who makes  a life good
for a friend who loves me like a real best friend should
I want to help them be safe, and do all things with ease,
Can I be a helper dog, dear Santa, please?”

Santa smiled very broadly, his eyes brimmed with pride
and rummaged in his bag for something special inside.
then his hand found its target- he knew he had cracked it
he helped the puppy to wear a sweet purple jacket.
 

Dear puppy, you are destined for a special fate
you’re not ready yet, there’s a bit of a wait.
but when you are ready, if you work very hard
then being a partner is right on the cards.

The pup wagged his tail with absolute joy
much better than biscuits, better than toys
to wear his jacket with pride and a grin
as he worked alongside his very best friend.

Then it was time, Santa had places to go
he went up the chimney in a sparkling glow
and the pup was left dreaming of the help he would give
to help a disabled person better to live.

Then Santa arrived at the next home on his books
but sadness and heartache were everywhere he looked
an empty dog basket, a collar without a tag
Santa knew the perfect gift to take from his bag.

So he sprinkled some dream dust as the person did sleep
to show them the pup that one day they would keep.
who would help them, support them, with love, every day.
and the promise that their pup was well on his way.

When she awoke, the darkness was light
and her dream showed her it would be alright.
Where once there was sadness, now there was hope
where once there was struggle, now she could cope.
She felt the burden was lifted, she knew he’d be there
to make a good life that as partners they’d share.

Were you Santa’s helper along this pup’s many years?
A staff member, or one of our precious volunteers?
Did you teach that pup what it needed to know
so off with a person as a partner he’d go?

Did you send your spare pennies to help pay the way?
did you tend him and feed him for so many days?
Loving him but knowing he’d have to move on?
Knowing you’d miss him when he was gone?

All because you knew there was a person in need
so instead of holding on you wished him Godspeed.
What an amazing gift to be able to give.
a pup to help someone who struggles, to live.

We send out our thanks, to our friends, one and all
because we cried out for help, and you answered our call.
The gift we receive, with 4 paws and cold nose
is the best gift we can hope for, as all partners know!

At Christmas, we say that Santa is the gift giving saint
but I guess I realise, that Santa it ain’t.
it’s all of you, who get the dogs to walk by our side
so to all of you, we wish a Merry Yule Tide!

May your joys be abundant, your worries be few
may love, health and prosperity all surround you.
may you be comforted by knowing, wherever that pup will be
he will change the life of a person who needs him, like me.

For those who have their partner today
special loving wishes are sent on their way
to keep you both healthy, and happy, as you walk together
when with your dog there is sunshine, no matter the weather!

For those who are waiting, I pray it will not be long
until those paws come running along
to make your life brighter, to make your heart sing
with all of the help that your partner will bring.

Together we share something precious you see.
precious to you, and precious to me.
More than just dogs, we share love and respect
things we always hope for, but learn not to expect.
We work together, supporting each, in our own way
each gives what they can, and tries every day
to think of another and not just ourselves
Making dreams come true as purple-clad elves!