All language subtitles for Christmas With Tucker [2013]

I've always been amazed at how much this
place changes from season to season.

For the first 13 years of my life,
winter wasn't my favorite.

Oh, sure, I loved Christmas just like
any kid, but I remember being told in

Sunday school class once that they
didn't know exactly what month the birds

really happened.

I always had a sense they just placed it
in December as some kind gesture to

help break up those long, cold months.

Ten years ago, my attitude toward winter
changed.

I guess some don't always know when as a
boy they became a man.

But for me, I know exactly when.

It was that December ten years ago.

It was the end of the most defining six
months of my life.

And it was also when I met my best
friend.

It was a trying time.

Grandma and Grandpa and I had already
had Thanksgiving, alone.

It sure didn't feel like the same
holiday we'd shared so many times

My mother and my sisters hadn't been
there because they were coming for

Christmas a month later.

Two long trips within 30 days wasn't
practical.

Hey, Grandpa.

Hi. Oh, handsome.

Everything in that old farmhouse had
changed in June.

The day when my dad died in a farm
accident.

A freak accident, everyone said.

No way to prevent it or see it coming,
they said.

It affected us each in our own way.

Grandpa showed little, brought
everything inside.

Grandma tried to make things as all
right as she could for everyone else.

Me? I just tried to do what I thought my
dad would have wanted me to do.

Frank Thorne got arrested.

Drunk driving again.

He's going to jail this time.

You did what?

Cora, this will work out.

I'm fine with it. I mean, I've always
been fine with it. Are you sure?

I stopped being sure of anything on June
15th.

I brought home a dog.

We got a puppy?

It's not what you think, George. Don't
get excited. It's not a puppy.

And you don't get to keep him.

It's Frank Thorne's dog.

Thorne has to leave his farm for a
while.

You mean the one he keeps in front of
his house? The one that barks like crazy

every time a school bus goes by?

Yes, the one.

Well, he's our neighbor, and your
grandpa told him we'd help him out and

care of his dog while he's gone. But you
always said dogs and dairy cattle don't

make. If somebody needed our help, we'll
make it work.

Dog's in the pickup.

Don't worry.

Let's go. Let's go. Hi.

Hi, kid.

Come on up. Doc seems to like him.

fraction of the energy either of them
have.

What's his name?

Dorn Fino.

Good boy.

Maybe his mom will let him have a dog.

Once he gets to Minnesota.

He told me the other day he wasn't sure
he wanted to go to Minnesota.

All right, all right.

My mom moved to Minnesota in August,
closer to my sister's in college.

It was as if she couldn't be around the
farm without Dad here.

Too much to remind her of him.

I had asked her if I could stay in
Kansas a little longer until Christmas.

I hadn't been ready to leave yet.

Reluctantly, she'd agreed.

Okay, all right, you win.

You can stay.

Dinner's almost ready.

Grandma made a bed for him in the
mudroom.

Grandpa, do you think the dog will be
here for Christmas?

I'm not sure.

I think Mom would like him.

Yeah.

You're saying it could turn cold
tonight.

Feels like, uh...

We could get some more snow.

I've always said you miss your true
calling. That me of yours predicts bad

weather better than anything or anybody
I've ever seen on TV.

Yeah, well, I could have been one of
those slick TV weathermen who work at

minutes a day.

George, if we do get any measurable
amount of snow, I'm going to need you to

help with the morning milking so I can
clear off the roads with the snow plow.

Before school?

That's early.

The county pays us to have those roads
cleared as soon as possible. You can't

wait until the middle of the day to get
started.

Besides, getting up early is good for
you. You know, I've been doing it, hey,

for 60 years, and your dad did it when
he was your age.

And these snow days aren't going to
happen more than 40 or 50 times this

You want to feed Thorne's dog? He must
be hungry after all that running around.

Looks like he's all tuckered out.

I don't think he got too much playing
over at Thorne's place.

Kermit, what time will I have to get up
to finish all the milking before school?

Early.

I'll help you.

I used to help your dad until he got
used to it.

He'll do it when he moves to Minnesota.

Oh.

We'll work something out. That's not
your concern.

Grandma, do you think Thorne's dog may
be sleeping in my room tonight?

You wouldn't even know he was there.

I think we could do that.

On two conditions.

One, you and your grandpa give him a
bath first.

I can do that.

And two, we give him a name. We can't
keep calling him Thorne's dog.

Well...

He was all tuckered out.

I think his name should be Tucker.

I like that.

Well, there you go, Tucker.

Not only do you have a new name, you've
got a new place to sleep.

It's a big day.

Don't mess it up.

When you brought Tucker home,

I couldn't help but think about when
John was little.

All those years of him wanting a dog and
you being so stubborn about him not

having one.

Now you bring one home.

The dog needed a place to go.

I thought it might do George some good.

George has to go to Minnesota and...
Tucker will go back to Thorne once he's

of jail.

I hope it's just not one more thing for
George to miss when it's gone.

Yeah, he's a good boy.

This house is going to get pretty quiet
when he's gone.

We're going to miss him.

All right, come on.

As long as you're down before grandma
gets up.

Pick up McCray.

We're almost there.

Almost where?

Uh, school.

That's where the school bus usually
takes us.

I slept the whole way?

I was up milking cows at 4 .30.

Yeah, I was talking to you for 15
minutes before I knew you were asleep.

Oh. Is anything interesting? You'll
never know.

So, when are you going to see Mrs. Lee?

Don't worry.

This will play.

She picked you to play Santa.

What? She's posting it today.

I got a sneak peek at the list.

Well, I didn't try out.

Yeah, well... That never stops Mrs.
Beaks.

Better start working on your ho -ho -ho,
McCrae.

I knew it.

I smell your cookies from halfway down
the road.

No one can say the McCrae men don't have
a highly developed sense of smell.

I was way out in the machine shed when I
first smelled them.

And I don't care how much he begs you,
don't be giving him any. He's already

about half a dozen.

Hello?

Hi, Mom.

I've got some laundry to put away.

Yeah.

Yeah, I've been missing you, too. I
still feel bad that I wasn't there for

Thanksgiving. It would have to be away
from you.

Grandma and Grandpa tried to make it as
good as they could.

But... It wasn't the same without
everybody here.

And Dad.

I know, honey.

I miss him a lot.

I miss him too.

We're looking forward to being with you
at Christmas.

And I can't wait to bring you home with
me.

Honey?

Are you alright?

I'm fine.

Just a little tired.

Good that I stayed here, though.

Grandma and Grandpa need me right now.

I bet they're glad to have you helping,
but I sure miss you.

Oh, and Mom, I have a dog to take care
of now.

His name's Tucker.

Grandma and Grandpa got you a dog?

Not exactly.

He belongs to Frank Thorne, but Frank's
in jail right now, so I'm taking care of

him until he gets out.

Oh, well, I'm sorry to hear that about
Frank. That's too bad.

Yeah. He's got a nice dog, though.

The one that always barked? Yeah, but he
doesn't seem to bark too much here.

I think he just wanted someone to talk
to.

He's a great dog. I just never knew it
before.

Anyway, better make sure the chickens
get watered.

Okay, sweetheart.

Well, you're sisters, and I love you,
and we cannot wait for Christmas.

Love you, too, Mom.

Go get Grandma.

Go get Grandma.

What a good boy.

What a good boy.

Good job, Tucker.

Goddess.

Jigsaw puzzle.

See the picture?

It's of our farm.

Jerry Jensen took it from his crop
doctor so you can see the whole thing. A

family tradition.

We always put it together at Christmas,
so I figured it was time to...

Second, Grandma.

Found the puzzle.

Wonderful.

Listen, why don't you put it on the
table? We need to go.

Go where?

Are you put down here?

Yep. Yep.

No, it definitely needs work.

Oh. All right.

I think it can be spruced up.

Looking good, McCray.

Oh, hello, Marianne. How are you? Better
now that I've seen Santa.

Are you in the play, too? I'm a star.

I'm not the star.

I play a star.

George is actually the star.

I got him his role.

I told Mrs. Weeks that he meant to try
it for Santa, but he forgot.

You what?

His eyes.

How they twinkle.

His dimples.

How merry.

Typecasting, really.

I've never seen him when he's not
barking at the school bus.

He's much friendlier than I would have
guessed.

My dad said don't get out of jail today.

Really?

Bye.

Oh, hey, Grandma.

Let me get those.

Thank you, George.

That's it, gentlemen.

I better get home.

Bye, Mrs. McCray. Bye, George.

Bye, Tucker.

Bye. See you tomorrow.

Dad told her that Thorne's out of jail.

Do we have to get him back?

Tuck, you ever read Shakespeare?

My dad told me it's not that bad.

Well, once you figure out what's going
on.

Sometimes it's about as clear as you
barking something.

You would have liked my dad.

And he would have liked you.

He told me he always wanted a dog, but
never actually got one.

Well, Dad, I've had a dog for a little
while.

I miss you, Dad.

Sometimes I try to stop being sad, but I
can't.

Being with Tucker helps, but now he's
going away, too.

Maybe I shouldn't have even gotten to
know him.

But I did.

And now if I move back to Minnesota, I
might not ever see him again.

But I also... I miss Mom.

I just know if I could talk to you to
help figure this all out.

It's a light couple you are, Dad.

Are there dogs in heaven?

I hope so.

Because then someday you can meet
Tucker.

We could all be together again.

George.

Frank's here for Tucker Okay, tuck

Time to go

Thanks for being my friend

Phil

was kind enough to give me a lift over
here

Sort of don't have a driver's license
right now. Well, we could have driven

to your place. No, it's no problem.

Needed to get some things in town, too.

Anyway, thanks for looking after my dog.

Well, you're welcome. You kind of got
used to having Tucker around.

Come on, dog.

Come on, dog.

You did a good job with Tucker, George.

Don't worry, Tuck.

I'll get you back.

You belong here.

Hey, buddy.

Something you need?

I wanted to talk to you about your dog.

What about him?

Well, I noticed that most of the time,
at least when I come by, he's out here

all alone.

So I was thinking I could maybe help you
out and take him off your hands.

Then you wouldn't have to worry about
him.

You're saying you want me to give you my
dog?

I'd be good to him.

We got along really well when he stayed
at my house while you were away.

Aunt says no, you can't have him.

Morning, McRae.

Actually, do you mind if I call you
Nick? At least until Christmas.

Say, Nick.

Maybe you should practice your lines
when you're looking at cows.

I heard somebody say the classical music
actually helps cows produce more milk.

Maybe a classical theatrical piece like
Sand in the Snowman would do the same

thing. You sure talk a lot for this
early in the morning.

I'm sorry, George.

I guess I was just hoping it wasn't
true.

Thanks.

I mean...

Why does he even have a dog if he's just
going to keep it penned up all the

time? Yeah, I know, right?

It's kind of what I said to Thorne.

You did?

Yeah, I offered to take Tucker up with
his hands permanently.

McRae, I'm impressed that you would do
such a thing.

Don't be too impressed.

You turned me down.

Okay.

Well, what did you offer him?

What do you mean?

I mean, how much did you say you'd pay
him?

I didn't.

He's not just going to give you the dog.

McCray, do you understand business?

You don't get something for nothing.

You make a good point.

You know, I do have a little bit of
money saved up for my Christmas and

birthdays and stuff.

I could help.

I've got some money.

I was going to use it to put myself
through law school, but I could argue

is more important.

Hey, Grandpa.

I sent it home from school early.

Said a storm's coming.

They're saying we could get 16 inches of
snow.

Look, I want to talk to you about
something.

You'll be fine. I'll show you everything
you need to know.

It's just a big tractor with a blade on
it.

Oh, you're not talking about having him
run the snowplow.

Well, if we're going to keep up with
this storm, we've got to run... 24 -7.

I'll work a double shift, but without
John, I need some help.

He can do it.

I can do it, Grandma.

I've ridden in the cab plenty of times
with him and Dad.

You know, I wouldn't do this if I didn't
know beyond a doubt that he could

handle it.

Okay.

But don't you do anything if you don't
feel comfortable with it. I mean that.

I won't.

Absolutely. I agree with that.

But does that job pay anything?

I'm trying to earn some money to buy
something special.

Well, in fact, yeah. You do the work,
you get some of the pay.

It's come in handy for us at times over
the years.

Is there any chance I could get paid up
front?

I'm trying to buy in.

What I'm trying to buy, it's... I'm
trying to buy it as fast as I can.

Well, let's see what kind of job you do
out there today.

Then we'll talk about it.

Listen while I lower the blade just one
inch.

What do you hear?

Hungry.

Gravel mixed in with the sun.

That's right.

Some are months. The county pays a lot
of money to put gravel down on these

roads. They don't need the McRae's to
put them back in the ditch.

There's a fine line.

You just need to find it.

By the time we went in for lunch a few
hours later, Grandpa had spoken more

words to me than he had, well, since my
dad died.

It was the start of a big change in our
relationship.

Without us saying it, maybe we both
sensed we could help begin to fill a

for the other.

Oh, I see the snowplow still seems to be
working. That's good news. How are the

roads? Better than they were.

He did great. What can I say?

Filling his dad's shoes.

Kids are natural.

How many calls came in so far?

Sherry Rath is pregnant, due any day.

Hadley's worried about getting her to
the hospital, so we're hoping to keep

their road clear.

And that's just off Waverly Road. Do you
know where that is?

Yeah, south of the highway and north of
Lone Elm Road. And Mrs. Slater only has

two days of insulin left.

He lives just off the highway by the old
dump site.

I know where that is, too.

And Mrs. Reed called.

And wants to make sure you don't forget
about her. Oh, you mean old lady

reading? Careful, George.

She's only a couple years older than
your grandma. We could have gone all day

without revealing that bit of
information.

Well, she seems much older.

Oh, I love having this boy around.

You advanced on your wages.

I think you forgot something.

Your coat?

Oh, I just have a minute. I'm helping my
mom make dinner.

You cook?

You don't have to sound so surprised.

McRae, I'm a woman of many talents,
including being a world -renowned, or at

least Central Kansas -renowned,
babysitter, which pays okay.

It's not for you. It's for Tucker.

Look, you really don't have to do this.
I know.

George is freaking out here. Would you
just take the money?

I'll pay you back.

Thanks. I'll see you tomorrow with
Tucker.

Hi, Mr. Thorpe.

I came by because I was thinking I
didn't make myself clear

earlier.

I'd be interested in buying your dog.

You would, huh?

Yes. Yes, I would.

And I've got money.

I don't want your money.

Dog's not for sale.

Why? You just leave him out here in the
cold.

I can do with him what I want. He's my
dog and he's not for sale.

You McCrays aren't better than me.

Time for you to go.

you didn't eat much at dinner. Are you
sure you're feeling okay?

I'm fine.

She thinks she might be down because
you're missing Tucker.

Maybe. Oh, honey.

I wish I could be there to make things
better. I'm sorry everything has been so

unsettled lately.

It's just not fair, Mom.

I know, Georgie. I'm sorry.

Dad always taught us to deal with things
head on.

Tucker should be with me where he can
run around and play.

All he does at Thorne's is Bark.

I'd bark too if I was alone all day.
Well, then we'll try not to leave you

too much when you get here. We wouldn't
want you waking the neighbors.

Funny mom.

I'm sorry about Tucker George.

Yeah.

Me too.

Morning, Grandpa.

The weather's gotten worse today.

Yeah, it stopped snowing all night. I
can vouch for that.

You out on the snowplow all night?

Yeah, until about an hour ago.

I've already done all the milking.

Why hasn't anybody waken up?

Well, you've got a long day ahead of
you.

We figured we'd let you sleep in a bit.

What's all this about?

Milk trucks can't get through. The
cooler here is full up.

Are we not keeping roads clear enough?

Well, we're doing fine. It's just in
some areas the snow clouds are falling

behind. They don't have the personnel to
run around the clock like we do.

And since the dairy won't accept milk
that isn't fresh, what we can't use

ourselves, we just have to throw away.

That seems like a waste of perfectly
good milk.

Which is why we're bottling it up for
you to give to folks. With more and more

phone lines down and the roads blocked,
folks can't get their basics. People

can't get to the store.

We've got milk to give away.

Here, I'll help you load up.

Pull into every house, knock on their
doors, and make sure everybody's getting

along all right.

Hey, boy. It's me.

How you doing?

Hey, boy.

This is Dorn. You in there?

Hi. How are you?

I know. I know. I missed you, too.

Mr. Thorne?

Hello?

Mr. Thorne?

George McRae?

Mr. Thorne?

Are you in here?

What do you want, boy?

Um, I have milk if you need me.

I don't need milk. I'm sick.

I need medicine.

I don't have any medicine.

No, I suppose not.

I tell you what.

If you drop that snowplow over to Tommy
Turner's place on Blackberry Hill...

And you tell him that Frank Thorne's in
a tight spot, needs two bottles of his

best medicine.

And you bring it back to me?

Maybe we can talk about my dog being for
sale, huh?

You'd sell him to me?

Uh -huh.

That's... my dad.

You didn't know we were friends once?

I guess you wouldn't expect that, would
you?

Your father wasn't always so perfect.

So what do you say, kid?

You want to talk?

Okay.

Don't wanna talk.

I'm gonna get you out of here.

Come on.

Come on.

Come on.

You're John McCrae's son, aren't you?
I'm George McCrae.

My grandfather asked me to check in to
make sure you're all right.

I've got some milk if you need some.

I'll take some milk if you're giving it
away.

I was aware that my wanting Tucker had
put me in the middle of something I

shouldn't have been in the middle of.

I knew Tom Turner's medicine probably
didn't come with a stamp of approval

the American Medical Association.

But being in Turner's presence made it
all more real.

You're Mr. Turner, right?

Yeah, what of it?

Uh, Mr. Thorne's been sick.

He said if I came by this way, I should
ask you for some medicine.

Two bottles.

So Frank sent a medicine. Can't get into
town for more, huh?

You wait right here.

You tell Thorne to take two big glasses
every night, and you let him know I'll

be sending him my doctor's bill.

This business is between me and Thorne,
boy.

No one else needs to know, you
understand?

Yes, sir.

Now go on. Get out of here.

I remember thinking I didn't like Tom
Turner much.

I also remember thinking I bet the
dentist sure didn't like cleaning his

Hey, buddy.

Doug, I'm sorry, but I shouldn't be
giving this to Thorne.

I can't.

Great. You got it.

Wait.

What about Tucker? You said that I could
buy him if I got you... No.

I said we'd talk about it.

Maybe I changed my mind.

You can't change your mind.

You said if I got you... I don't care
what I said.

You'll get paid.

Just not with my dog.

Mr. Thornton!

When I woke up the next morning, one
thing had become crystal clear to me.

No matter how bad I felt about what I'd
done,

Thorne and I made a deal.

I got him his medicine.

I would get Tucker.

Mr. Thorne!

Thorne? We need to talk.

I'm here to take Tucker.

Mr. Thorne.

Mr. Thorne, wake up.

Grandma, I'm at Thorne's house.

He's on the ground. He won't wake up.

Is he breathing?

Yes, but he doesn't look good.

And the house is cold.

I'll call an ambulance. You just stay
there.

It'll be okay.

Where's Tucker?

Tucker?

You're cold.

We've got to get you warmed up.

I

got

you, boy.

Don't get too comfortable.

You being on this couch isn't the start
of some new trend, you know.

But considering what you've been through
today, it's okay for right now.

It's almost like he knows he's lucky to
be alive.

Him and Thorne both.

I guess alcohol poisoning's pretty
serious.

Yeah, well, if you hadn't gone by there,
there's a good chance that neither

Thorne or Tucker would have made it
through the day.

Two quarters, a dime, three nickels, and
seven pennies.

Told you I'd pay you back.

What a break. You got Tucker and you
didn't even have to buy him.

Yeah.

Looks like you still got your appetite.

Hot chocolate and Christmas sugar
cookies.

Thanks.

You make these yourself?

Well, I guess I'll have to take my
chances.

So you got the hang of running with me?

Yep. Thanks.

He likes it.

I wouldn't put too much stock into that.

I haven't seen him turn down food yet.

These are pretty good.

So, when are your mom and sisters
getting here? The 23rd.

And then you'll go back to Minnesota
with them after New Year's?

I guess so.

Will you visit in the summers?

Maybe.

I don't know.

I'd like to.

Well, it's nice that your family will be
here in time to see you in your

starring role as Santa.

You have been learning your lines.

Well, I was thinking that with all the
missed days of school, that the play

might be, you know, canceled.

I wouldn't count on it.

In Mrs. Weeks' words, the show must go
on.

Yeah, I don't think she made that up.

And you don't want to pick up the
gravel.

Just the snow.

Tucker, what's the radio?

Hello?

You like that, huh, boy?

Push it again.

Okay, speak.

George?

Okay, push the button, boy.

Speak.

Tucker? Is that you?

Tell George I'm making a pot roast for
him tonight.

Hey, Grandma.

I was just showing Tuck how to drive the
snowplow.

And I guess he wanted to learn how to
use the radio, too.

Sounds like he's a good student and a
quick study.

Tucker, listen, I have to go out for a
while, so I won't be here if you call.

Where's the button, boy?

Mark.

He says we'll see you when we get home.

Okay.

Good boy, Tucker.

Good boy.

But I could teach you to drive this if I
had enough cookie.

Okay, I'm officially on my lunch break.

But we don't have time to play.

We're going to do something good and
surprise Grandma.

Ever look for a Christmas tree before?

Didn't think so.

But it's an art.

At least, that's what Grandma said.

She likes something full.

You know, lots of branches.

Not too skinny or scrawny.

And tall, but not too tall.

You gotta leave a little room for the
angel that goes on top.

And it's gotta be scotch pine.

Now, Grandpa...

He could go for anything.

A Douglas fir, some kind of spruce, even
a cedar.

Grandma.

Grandma loves her scotch pine.

Well, I think we have a winner.

Oh, it's perfect. I love it.

Thank you, Joe.

Tucker picked it out. Well, he did a
great job.

You both did.

Oh, look at the tree George cut for us.

I think it's as nice as any tree we've
ever had.

Looks like he's taking over all my jobs
around here pretty soon.

I won't be needed at all.

Hey, it looks like that Thorne's going
to be all right.

He's coming home from the hospital
tomorrow.

That's good.

It was touch and go for a while. It
turns out whatever homebrew he was

was contaminated.

Almost killed him. Who knows under what
conditions that stuff gets made?

Yeah, well, he's not talking about where
he got it, but I think we got a pretty

good idea.

So how's he getting home?

That I don't know.

Oh, I do.

I asked if you'd pick me up.

You seem to be moving okay.

Yeah, I feel better.

You got lucky, Frank.

George hasn't been there.

Things could have been worse.

That's all they tell me.

Much obliged to you for that.

We'll be keeping Tucker with us.

George, if you give Thorne a hand, he'll
be needing it.

Didn't he help?

No, I'm fine.

It looks like Cora's here.

Oh, I thought I heard somebody drive up.

Grandma, the place looks different.

Welcome home, Frank.

Not sure I'm in the right house.

Oh, it's the right house, all right.

I bet it feels good to be home.

I figured after a couple of days of
hospital food, you might be ready for a

-cooked meal. So I hope you don't mind.
I'm using your stove.

Yeah, I'm sure he's real upset about
that, I'm afraid.

Look.

Mrs. McRae, you're very kind.

It's being neighborly, but I'm glad
you're feeling better.

You've always been good to me.

John and I did a lot of things together.

But even when I got him in trouble and
we stopped hanging around each other,

always showed me kindness.

Even when I wasn't very nice to any of
you.

I'm going to change my ways.

And I know that's easy to say, but...

You mock my words this time.

I'm glad to hear you say that, Frank.

And we'll be here for you.

Hasn't been Christmas in this house in a
long time.

The idea of angels has always appealed
to me.

Grandma Cora was the closest thing to an
angel I ever knew.

I know Thorn felt the same way.

And Grandma's Kindness made me feel even
worse for what I'd done.

It all made me realize I didn't want to
keep holding it inside.

It was time to tell Grandpa.

Grandpa.

That was a really nice thing that
Grandma did.

Yes, it was, George.

It's your grandmother.

Do you think Mr. Thorne will really be
able to change?

I hope so.

I really do.

There's a good lesson for you in all his
problems.

Nobody starts down that road thinking
they're going to be the one who can't

stop.

Could he really have died?

Yeah.

Thorne's responsible for his actions,
but the person that gave him that stuff,

well, they should have some
consequences, too.

About that.

The person gave it to him? I don't think
it's any secret who that is.

Thorne hasn't said, but I've got a good
idea.

Well, it could be that there's more to
it than... Whoa,

looks like the weatherman was right.

He said there was a winter thunderstorm
on its way and looks like it's here now.

You've probably never seen one, at least
since you were a little guy.

Winter thunderstorm?

You mean like rain? Well, it starts with
rain, then turns to ice.

More snow on top.

You think a snowstorm is bad?

Nothing compared to the ice.

It's going to warm up, and this snow
will turn to rain.

Yeah, that's a good thing we were headed
to get supplies.

Yep, because once things start freezing,
there's nobody going nowhere.

Including us and the snowplow.

You can stay here in the truck with
Tucker if you want.

I'll just be a minute.

It's getting closer, Tuck.

Here, hold on. Hold on right here.

Afternoon, McCray.

Mr. Turner.

I'm going to give you the benefit of the
doubt, presuming you're smart enough

not to tell anyone about any deliveries
you might have made on my behalf to

Frank Thorne.

No, I haven't told anyone about
anything. You see, there's the right

We just want to make sure we keep it
that way.

You like this mug, don't you?

Here's something for you to think about.

If even one person were to get wind that
Frank Thorne got that rotten batch of

booze from me,

well, your dog has played his last game
of fetch.

Is that clear?

Yeah. Huh?

Yes.

What are we going to do?

Well, there's nothing we can do if it
gets as bad as they say it's going to

What about Mrs. Slater and all the
others who depend on us to get them

medicine? I don't like it any better
than you do.

These kinds of storms are extremely
rare, but once they hit us, we're

Morning, George.

Sorry, my alarm didn't go off.

It might be broken.

It wouldn't even light up.

Freezing rain got even worse last night.

The whole Tri -County area is out of
power.

Lines are down everywhere.

Your grandpa's gonna fire up the
generator to give up a little power.

Whoa!

Nasty out there.

Don't you be going out there today. It's
like walking on a sheet of ice.

Too easy to fall and break something.
Well, then what are you doing out there?

Well, if I fall, I'm gonna land on my
head. You said many times it's too hard

break.

I don't like you out there in this.

You fall, break your hip, I'm not taking
care of you.

Look, George, if you let me fall out
there, you're going to be doing some

cooking yourself.

See if that fits your shoe.

I don't like the sound of that.

What is it?

It hooks on your boot. Keeps you from
slipping.

Not in the house. Not unless you want to
redo all my floors.

Well, looks like it'll fit. Good.

Because after you finish eating, we're
going to walk over to Hank Fisher's.

You got me to thinking last night.

I got an idea.

Cookies were George's idea.

He said you couldn't resist helping us
if we brought them.

Boy knows how to bargain.

The dog knows how to get what he wants,
too.

Here you go, Tucker.

I never knew this dog had so much
personality.

Seems as though he's blossoming since
you took him. Now, old Tuck wouldn't

be here if it wasn't for George.

You done a good job?

That doesn't sound too good. I don't
think an old duffer like you ought to be

out walking a mile and a half in this
kind of weather. I'm only a couple of

years older than you. Yeah, and you
wouldn't find me walking to your place

today, either. He used to be tough.

Too many chocolate chip cookies.

Oh, by golly.

I still got them.

I think these just might do the trick.

Grandpa had gotten the idea from our
shoe clamps.

He remembered Hank buying some old
logging chains at a farm auction a while

and had a hunch he'd never done anything
with those chains.

Like usual, Grandpa was right.

Now, cut some of these rods into small
steel studs. Probably work just like

shoes do.

Big test will come when you drop the
blade.

Hopefully the welds will hold. I believe
they will, if we only grade going

downhill.

Takes a little longer, but it beats
staying inside doing nothing.

So, how fast can you have this?

Tomorrow, mid -morning, maybe.

Bring some of those cookies.

So, uh, when did Hank say the chains
would be ready?

Didn't he just sit down in that chair
about 30 seconds ago? He did.

Wish I could get to sleep that fast.

Is it getting any easier to sleep as
time goes by?

Yeah.

I miss being able to talk to him,
though.

So do I.

But the work has made me more tired
and...

That helps me sleep.

Not like that.

He hasn't been feeling so good.

Of course, that's one of the benefits of
getting older.

You can fall asleep anywhere in a few
seconds.

The downside is, though, that you wake
up in the middle of the night wondering

if it's too early to get up.

Well, once I'm asleep, I have no
problems getting up too early.

I hope Mom, Trisha, and Hannah can make
it here for Christmas.

Let's not get ahead of ourselves,
George.

A lot can happen with the weather in a
couple of days.

They'll make it.

It's going to be a hard Christmas.

There are still going to be a lot of
hard days, George.

But we'll get through them.

That was a nice thing you did for Dawn
yesterday.

Frank's had a tough life.

He didn't have much help growing up.

But you and Dad were friends? When they
were young, they were together all the

time. Very close.

Then Frank kind of veered off in another
direction in high school.

Your dad still tried to be his friend.

The only real friend Frank had, I might
say.

But...

Frank went his own way.

Your dad was a very good man.

And you so remind me of him.

And yes, Tucker, you're lucky to have
him looking after you. I swear this

dog understands everything.

Me if she knew what I'd done.

You can go back to bed.

George has already done the milking.

What? He knew you weren't feeling well,
so he decided to beat you to it.

Morning, Grandpa.

Will you be sure and make him an extra
special good breakfast?

A boy like that deserves it.

That he does.

Why don't I just rest up a bit in my
chair?

Well, it seems to be working.

I'll say, indeed it does.

But you be careful out there. Don't you
take any chances.

I won't.

I found it amazing how one bad decision
could seep into everything else around

it and make even good things seem not so
good.

I can see how a person could gain weight
doing this job.

Everybody's grateful for what you're
doing, and nothing shows grateful like a

homemade cookie.

I can't believe you're moving around on
that ice. I mean, I felt twice just

getting out here.

Seems to be working pretty well.

It was Grandpa's idea.

All the McCrays are stepping up.

One's in the family.

You ever done something you wish you
didn't?

Yeah. That time I told Mr. Finnerly that
my cousins in Iowa had more math

homework than we did. That was kind of
stupid.

He suddenly felt like he had to pile
more work on us after that.

No, something quite a bit worse than
that.

What are you getting at, McCray?

George, are you there?

Hey, Grandma. We're here.

George, do you know where Doc Johnson
lives?

Yeah. Good. I need you to go over there
right now and pick him up and bring him

here.

Okay. Is something wrong?

He just needs to come and take a look at
your grandpa.

I've already radioed him. He's expecting
you.

Okay. Right now, George.

You understand?

I'm on my way.

Good.

He's got a severe infection in his
lungs.

It's not pneumonia yet, but it could be
if we aren't careful.

I gave him some antibiotics, and I want
you to make sure that he takes these as

prescribed.

You did the right thing by calling me,
Miss McRae.

This would not have waited for the roads
to open up, despite what a good job

you're doing.

Thank you, Doctor. I really appreciate
it.

Well, if my taxi service is ready...

I'll meet my way back home. Sure.

He's doing a great job out here. Oh, I
know it.

I don't know what we would have done
without him.

Hey, George.

Among everything else you've been doing,
now you've added an ambulance driver.

I'm sure you know this, but...

I'm very, very proud of you.

But I think if you knew the truth, you
wouldn't be.

There's something you don't know.

When I told him the truth, it's the most
disappointment I'd ever seen in

Grandpa's eyes.

Only if I got him some medicine.

And it was the most disappointed I'd
ever felt in myself.

I was wrong.

You don't deserve Tucker.

Oh, that's a bit harsh.

I don't think it is.

When you finish your work at the end of
the day, you go by Thorne's house and

you drop Tucker off with him.

Okay?

I didn't have any choice.

Maybe not, but I'm still sad for him.

I really messed up.

I can push the button.

Hit the radio button.

Hit the radio button.

Good. Good.

Hit it again.

Now bark.

Speak.

All right, you two. Okay. You've got my
attention.

I'm glad you're having fun out there.

Yes, hello, Tucker. Where's George?

I want to speak to George.

Well, all right, then. I'll speak to
you.

Tell me, where's George?

Okay, joke's over now.

This isn't funny, George.

Come on, now. Get down to business.
Where are you? What's up?

George? Come on.

George, where are you?

Where are you, George?

Would someone out there please talk to
me?

Tucker.

George!

Go get help. Go home.

Get Grandma.

Go get Grandma.

Oh, Frank, thank God you're home.
Something wrong, Mrs. McRae?

Well, I'm afraid something may have
happened to George.

He's out in a snowplow. I'm not sure
exactly where, but I do know he was

out toward Old Orchard Road.

I've radioed the county, but they don't
have anyone else in the area.

And our phones are out, but I knew since
we're on the same line, I'd be able to

get through to you. We're going right
now. Don't you worry. I'll find him.

you, Frank.

Cora, George is awake.

George, George, you just stay down now.

You gave us quite a scare.

Doc says he'll be fine.

He's okay.

Hank, we've got to get the snowplough.
People are counting on us out there.

We're way ahead of you, son.

Frank Thorne took it out just after he
got you back here.

She's taking Sherry rather to the
hospital where she's about to deliver

Then it's my shift.

You have a concussion.

So the two of you just plan to take it
easy for a while.

Bo, we got it covered this once.

About time all the people you helped
over the years had a chance to give you

hand.

There's a whole crew of guys out there
with chainsaws clearing trees and

branches off the roads right now.

Your granddad's got a lot of friends.

Good Lord was looking out for you, you
man Tucker.

Where's Tucker?

He's with Frank.

Look, we're more than thankful that
you're safe, George.

But that doesn't change the fact of what
happened before.

The dog belongs to Thorne.

I didn't get a chance to say goodbye.

I missed you so much. I missed you too.

Look at you.

You've gotten older.

You haven't.

How's your head?

Kind of sore.

I bet.

I could save my life.

I heard.

I'm glad to see that knock on your head
didn't destroy your appetite.

How many weeks has it been since you've
eaten?

It hasn't been weeks, but he did sleep
most of the last 36 hours.

I'm guessing I'd be hungry, too.

We are glad you're feeling better, too.
I am indeed, especially now that you all

are here.

George, when you're finished eating, if
you're feeling up to it, I think we've

got something we need to do.

I know how much you wanted Tucker and
what he meant to you, what he means to

you.

And I'm sorry you had to go back to
Thorne.

But if there's anything I want you to
grow up to be, it's a man of character.

And what you did was wrong.

I know, Grandpa.

And I'm sorry I let you down.

I know we've never talked much about
your dad.

He made his bed very proud.

And I know he'd feel the same about you.

Just like I do.

Where are we going?

To see Tom Turner.

You want to threaten me, Turner? Go
ahead.

Now, you ever threaten McCray again, or
anyone else for that matter, you're

dealing with me.

Do we understand each other?

I was just glad Grandpa never used that
tone of voice on me.

I knew he was tough.

But not that tough.

That was one of the best Christmases I
can remember.

For sure, it felt like something was
missing.

It was also like doing a jigsaw puzzle
when you can just start to see the

finished picture forming out of a bunch
of jagged pieces.

Grace?

We had all dealt with the loss of my dad
differently over the past six months,

and we had all done our best to move
forward in our own way.

Dear Lord, we thank you for bringing
this family. But we had also all been

afraid being together at Christmas
without my dad might make us feel worse

again.

Afraid that numbing pain we'd all just
gotten through was going to come back.

But being together had the exact
opposite effect.

We all felt like we were part of
something bigger again.

For that, dear Lord, we thank you.

We were reminded that we were a family
that could never be torn apart by any

loss as long as we were there for each
other.

Hi, Frank.

Merry Christmas.

Jill, Merry Christmas to you.

I don't want to bother you.

You're not bothering us. Heavens, you
just arrived in time for leftovers.

Oh, no.

You got a house full of people. I'm sure
the leftovers will get eaten around

here. There's plenty. Besides, I made
extra.

Really, I don't want to interrupt.

I just wanted to come by and give George
something.

Something for me?

I want you to have Tucker.

You what?

Well, I got a new job, and it's going to
require me to do a lot of traveling for

long stretches.

Well, you'd be doing me a favor if you'd
take Tucker for me.

Just when I thought a day couldn't get
any better, it got better.

Yeah, I mean...

I love Tucker.

It's very gracious of you, Frank.

Well, you've done so much for me.

And George has been a part of that.

Thank you, Frank.

I know we don't know each other very
well, but John always considered you a

friend.

And he didn't just mean when you were
young.

Thank you.

I appreciate you saying that.

You don't beat yourself up, huh?

We all make mistakes now and then.

Your daddy and me started down the road
and got into some things.

But he saw where we were headed and he
stopped.

But I didn't.

And I resented him for being better than
me.

And now I understand I was just hating
myself for who I'd become.

But not anymore.

This family has shown me what kindness
can do.

And because of you, I've got a chance to
change things in my life now.

That's why I want you to have Tucker.

George.

Why don't you...

Frank, he's pregnant.

Grandma and I picked it out.

Go ahead.

Open it up.

We saw that the other frame was broken,
so... Thank you.

That means a lot to me.

It means a lot to us, too.

You know, to have a picture of Dad and
his friend in your house.

And since we're all in this gift -giving
mood here on Christmas Eve, one more

for you.

He made it himself.

So I guess someone was in on the
surprise.

Yeah, when Frank told me yesterday what
he wanted to do.

I thought it was mighty fine of him to
do it. Bo asked me what I thought about

the name Tucker, and I told him I
thought it was the right name.

Oh, Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

What are you doing up?

Oh, well, I thought I'd give you a hand
milking.

I've done it a time or two, you know. I
was married to a dairy farmer.

And he would be very impressed to see
his grown -up boy taking over for him.

Um, can I talk to you about Minnesota?

Yeah, sure. Of course.

What would you say if I said that I was
thinking maybe

that instead of moving to Minnesota, I
should stay here with Grandma and

Grandpa?

I guess you've been thinking about all
this.

I think they need me here.

And maybe you need to be here.

Where you can feel closer to your dad.

I like it here, but I also miss you.

When your dad had his accident, I had to
get away from

here.

Everywhere I looked, all I could see was
him.

Reminders were too painful.

But something you said caught me
thinking.

We need to deal with things head on. And
now that I'm back, I realized I

can't run away.

We're not supposed to run away. We're
supposed to get through it with the ones

we love.

That's why I'm thinking about moving
back here.

What?

This is where I belong to.

I feel closer to him here, just like you
do.

And I like that now.

Wow.

What about Trisha and Hannah?

They're in college.

They're supposed to be on their own.
They don't need me in Minnesota.

Not that you need me. I know that you're
growing up, too.

Well, I might be growing up, but I'm not
sure I'm all the way there yet.

And I know I'd like you here.

Merry Christmas.

Thank you so much for calling me, Mrs.
McRae. I wouldn't have wanted to miss

this. Oh, well, since it was you who
started this, I figured it was the least

could do.

Okay, I'd like everybody's attention,
please.

Now, as you all know, because of all the
snow and ice days, the school's

Christmas play had to be canceled this
year.

Well, I went to a lot of trouble to make
a beautiful suit, and I'll be darned if

I'm going to let it go to waste.

So, we have a visitor this Christmas
morning.

And yes, even with

all we'd gone through, it was a very
merry Christmas indeed.

Looking good, McCray. Er, Nick.

And I hope some of you children aren't
disappointed when you find coal in your

stockings this year. The real Santa
would never say that.

She's right.

Merry Christmas, Grandpa.

Merry Christmas, George.

And as I

look back on that time, of course I'm
aware there was

pain.

Thankfully, I mostly remember the joy.

Tucker's been my friend now for ten
years.

He's still the best Christmas present
I've ever had.

I think of Frank Thorne often and see
him on occasion.

He comes to visit Tucker when we're all
in the area.

I'm very happy to report my dad's old
friend is doing well.

I must say, this Christmas season is
shaping up to be pretty special, too.

First college graduation, and then
moving back here to officially take over

McRae farm.

Two rather substantial events.

But maybe not the biggest events of the
year.

Yep, that's Mary Ann, my old bus riding
partner.

And yeah, we got engaged last night.

You did good, McRae.

Tucker seems to be fine with my choice,
too.

That was important to me.

Look what I found in my bedroom.

Which one of you lost this?

Turns out Hannah's family's ready for a
dog.

I suspect for the kids, the puppy
trumped the ring.

Trisha couldn't come up with any reason
her family shouldn't have a little

Tucker, too.

Hey everybody, look at the camera!

We'll see how Tucker does with his
cousins.

Who knows?

Maybe we need a puppy around here, too,
to keep Tucky on.

I'll let you know Tucker's decision next
year.

Until then, from our family to yours,
Merry Christmas.

Hallmark Movies and Mysteries
presentation.

Buddy brings good luck wherever he goes.

He sure seems like an amazing dog. This
holiday season, one blessed shepherd.

He's a good man. You can tell it in his
eyes.

Will bring a flock together.

Of all the lost dogs and rescue shelters
in the world, somehow he's found me.

Terry Polo stars in The Christmas
Shepherd.

Coming up next, part of Gold Crown
Christmas on Hallmark Movies and