Read A Lilac Creek Christmas ( a Lilac Creek Dog Story) for Free Online Page A

that they give her a name. She was not going to be put off any longer.  “I think, since we found her at Christmas, it should be a Christmassy name.”  Sam laughed.
    “I wouldn’t exactly say we found her,” he said.  “More like she found us.”
    “Well that’s true ,” said Brinn. “But it was at Christmas time.  I think we should call her Noel.”
    “That is a pretty name, “Julia said. “What do you think Emma?” Emma nodded in agreement.
    “It’s a pretty name. I like it.”  Kaylee was too young to be consulted, and Julia had no better suggestions.  
    “How about you, Sam?” Julia queried.  “Any comment?”
    Sam just shrugged as though he didn’t really need to add his two cents.  He happily delegated all dog related responsibilities to the women of the house.  Then Julia turned to Henry, who appeared to be the true owner of the dog.  “What do you think, Henry?  Do you think Noel is a good name for this pretty lady?”  Henry just nodded and smiled, as he held the little shaggy mutt close to his  chest.
    There was no way he could tell them who he believed with all his heart that this dog really was.  As far as he was concerned, they could call her anything they wanted, but she would always be Anna to him.

Epilogue
    Over the years, Christmas came and Christmas went, always with the same sense of love and celebration.  As the years went by, there were fewer stockings hung on the old fireplace, but those who were no longer with them were never forgotten.  Jasper and Henry grew old together and the black dog remained Henry’s constant companion for all of his days.
    Brinn, Emma and Kaylee grew into strong, compassionate young women who were always ready to open their hearts to anyone in need, and many a Christmas table was set to include friends, acquaintances, and sometimes even those who were almost strangers. 
    Many more dogs left a paw print on the heart of the family as well, and they too knew unconditional love for their entire lives.  Jasper’s spirit guided each and every one of them through their journey.
    And just as they had planned, Sam and Julia grew old together too, and made very good use of the rocking chairs that still sat on the wide verandah.  Like all married couples, they often reminisced about the old days, but they also looked ahead to the day when Grandchildren would sit with them in these rickety old rockers and listen to their stories.  God had blessed them abundantly and they were grateful.
     
    The End