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Hallmark Hall of Fame A Dog Named Christmas Closed Captioned

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It was late summer, I was told,

and even though he had been content with the Connor family,

his departure was predictable.

They'd found him resting on their front porch one winter.

They fed him, cleaned him and vaccinated him.

But the Connors knew that a walk on

could just as easily walk off.

He journeyed west away from the city,

along the river and across the fields.

He must have roamed for quite some time,

following a path that surely led him past many dangers.

Hand me that rock.

Hit the dog.

He couldn't have known how long it would take

or how far he would travel.

But he was being pulled in a very particular direction

to a very particular place.

He'd come a long way,

but his journey wasn't over.

Wow!

Yeah.

Hey.

Hey, Mr. Gopher.

What happened to your leg?

Oh, you're hurt.

Don't worry.

I'm gonna take you home and I'm gonna

[growling]take care of you.

Don't be scared.

It's okay. I'm sorry.

I'm sorry, I gotta... but you're sick.

I'm sorry, I'm sorry.

You can stay in my room.

We're gonna give you some food

and Dad is going to help me give you a bed

and we'll call a professor...

Todd.

Hi, Dad.

That's a good color. What do you call it?

Mr. Erdman's potting shed.

Mr. Erdman gave it to me.

Dad, I could paint all the way to the top

if I could use the ladder.

No, no. No ladders, Todd.

No ladders.

Okay, Dad.

You remember why?

Because I always climb too high

and I don't want to fall and break my collarbone again.

That's right.

I need you to help me fix the front gate.

All right.

I'll clean this up later.

Clean the brush first, son.

Crossing Trails is a small community in Kansas.

Our land, once occupied by the Shawnee Indians,

has been in the family

since my great-great-great grandfather.

All right, come back.

When I was seven, my folks died in an accident

and I came here to live with my grandfather.

I've loved it ever since.

There you go.

Mary Ann McCray, my wife,

teaches music and debate

at Crossing Trails Middle School.

We've been together

since before I shipped off to Vietnam.

Excellent job, guys.

Well, that's it.

Have a wonderful vacation, everyone.

I'll see you all after the break.

See ya. Bye.

She wrote me every day and married me when I returned--

patched up and kind of glued back together.

Together we've raised four children

and added four grandchildren.

Three of our kids are grown with lives of their own,

but... then there's Todd, our youngest.

Todd may look like any other 20-year-old,

but he has his own way of thinking about things.

Okay, I'll hold.

Hey, Dad.

Old Stubbs looks thin.

We should deworm her, right, Dad?

Yeah, I think you're right.

We need to go into town and get some tomorrow.

Okay.

I'm all done with my chores.

Can I take care of my hawk now?

Yes. Go ahead, sure.

Hi. Yeah, can I get 40 bales?

Square bales on Friday?

Hi, Jay. -That'd be great. Thank you.

Are you feeling better today?

I brought you some food.

'Cause Professor Stroud says you have to eat it

and then you'll get all better.

Think you can fly over here?

Come here, Jay.

Come here.

Good!

Your wing's so much better.

See you later, Jay.

Ornithology Department. This is Kim.

Ms. Dowell, this is Todd McCray in Crossing Trails.

Yes, Todd.

Don't I keep asking you to call me Kim?

What's up?

Have you found another injured bird?

No, I still have Jay.

Is Professor David Stroud in?

Just caught him.

Professor?

This is David.

Hi, Professor.

It's Todd McCray in Crossing Trails.

Yes, I heard.

Hi, Todd. How's the hawk?

Did you follow my instructions?

Yes. I think that his humerus is better

because he's flapping and flying around the cage.

That's good. Really good work, Todd.

And he eats all the time.

Sounds like you've taken good care of him.

I have.

Well, then you remember what we talked about--

what comes next, Todd?

See you bought out the store again.

Not quite.

Don't worry, I'll send you back tomorrow for the rest.

He's so much better than he was when I first saw him.

Well, if that's the case,

I think it's time for you to release him into the wild.

All right, I will.

Thank you.

Hi, Mom.

Hi, Todd.

Who were you talking to?

Professor Stroud.

Says it's time to let Jay go.

If I keep him too long,

he won't have a good life.

That's what Professor Stroud says.

Well, he's right.

You wouldn't be doing the bird any favors to keep it

when it can make it on its own.

Why don't you help Todd with that.

I'll get the rest of the groceries and start supper.

All right.

Come on, son, let's go.

It's okay, Jay.

Shh, shh, shh.

Let's put him up on these barrels, Todd.

Shh. Shh.

All right.

Hey.

It's okay.

Don't be scared, okay?

Professor Stroud's right, Todd.

You have to let him go.

Hey, go see your family again.

Bye, Jay.

Hey, hey, hey, you did good.

You did good.

He can be his own master again.

Because I set him free?

Mm-hmm, yeah, that's right.

Okay.

I think Mom's probably got dinner ready.

Let's go in, all right?

Okay. All right, good boy.

Todd, when you're done clearing the table,

I'd want you to go upstairs and clean your room.

Okay.

No, Todd, look at me.

I know you don't like doing it,

but I want you to at least put away your shoes and clothes.

I want that room clean for the Christmas party.

I will.

If that song doesn't get you in the Christmas spirit,

I've got just the thing that will.

We have someone here in our very own studio, Hayley Ronaldson,

manager of the Santee County animal shelter.

Hayley Ronaldson? Don't we know her?

Yeah, Hayley Price. Hannah's friend, remember?

Oh, that's right, yeah.

What we've done is we've created a program

that we call Adopt-A-Dog for Christmas.

Now, our employees and volunteers

naturally would like to take a few days off at Christmas

to spend time with their loved ones.

The problem is, is this leaves us shorthanded at the shelter.

So what we're doing is offering people a chance

to care for a dog for the holidays.

No, Todd.

Come on by the shelter and pick out a dog to take home.

Oh, Dad... No.

Give him or her lots of love and affection over the holidays,

and then you bring the dog back after Christmas on the 26th.

That is, of course, unless you decide to keep it.

Dad, could we get a dog? No, Todd!

That sounds like a doggone good idea.

And good luck with the program.

It sounds like a real winner.

It's a real winner, Dad. You know...

It's a real winner!

This is a farm, Todd.

We raise animals for a purpose.

That purpose is to make a living.

Mom has horses.

Well, yeah, which are for breeding.

She sells the colts each year.

Dad, the shelter wants us to have a dog for the holidays.

It's just for a few days

so that the dogs aren't alone

in their kennels for Christmas.

You know, it's just... it's not that simple.

They figure that when folks get the dog home,

they're gonna bond with it

and somebody is gonna beg to keep it--

that would be you-- and then somebody else

is gonna give in.

Besides, we don't need any more animals around here.

Most definitely not a dog.

It's a real winner.

Making a list and checking it twice?

It's year-end bills.

So...

about that Adopt-A-Dog thing.

We've talked about dogs before.

No, we've never talked about dogs before.

You've always just said no.

Why can't we bend on this a little?

We never bent with any of the other kids.

I don't want to make an exception with Todd.

But they didn't need it the way Todd does.

And in this case, it wouldn't be permanent.

Exactly. We're going to upset his daily routine for what,

for a week?

He's gonna fall in love with that dog

after three wags of a tail,

and then we're going to force him to take it back.

Do you have any idea how hard that's gonna be on him?

He's raised 4-H calves and sheep

and sold them when it came time.

That's... different.

Livestock don't... get into a boy's heart

the way a dog does.

He's not a boy.

And if you don't want him to be a burden,

he needs these kinds

of opportunities.

My answer is still no.

Got a man in back!

You can put McCray on the chopper.

Hey, good news, McCray. You're going home.

Where's my dog?

Take it easy. Take it easy.

You're not gonna be walking any time soon, okay?

My-my dog.

There wasn't any dog, okay?

Get him on the chopper, guys.

I gotta find him.

I gotta find my dog!

Ooh-ee!

You a lucky man. Yes, sir.

What about you?

You got yourself a girl?

Boy, I get lots of girls,

but not one that writes me every day.

Breakfast.

Oh, Todd.

Mom, can you talk to Dad about the Adopt-A-Dog program?

Because I've been thinking about it a lot, a really lot,

and it's a good thing to help out...

and I'm a responsible person.

I know.

You're a young man now, right?

I am a young man now.

I thought this year we might get a live tree.

One that we could plant somewhere on the place

after Christmas. What do you think?

Yeah. Yeah, I could pick one up.

I have to go into town after work

to pick up dewormer anyway.

You need anything from Hank's?

What do I need to do?

Well, you can help me pick out the tree.

You're a real good tree picker.

No, what do I need to do to get the dog?

The radio says it's a really good idea.

I'm sure they do, Todd. We've been through this already.

But you always say

that anything worth having is worth working for.

And a dog is worth having.

I want to work for a dog.

Son, you don't understand.

But I do. I do understand.

I'm a young man now.

And I want to work for it. What do I need to do?

Look, I'll tell you right now

I don't think this is a good idea.

But if I were to agree,

we would have to do things my way.

When the dog got here,

I would expect you to take care of it--

not your mother and not me.

And I would expect you

to keep up with all of your chores.

I will. I promise.

You have to give your word that when it's time

to take the dog back to the shelter, you'll do it.

Without complaining.

I give you my word.

What about your room?

I know you think it's clean,

you know where everything is,

it all makes sense to you,

but to your mother and me, it's a jungle in there.

I'll clean my room.

No, I mean really clean, Todd.

I don't mean stuffing things in the closet

and putting stuff under the bed.

I'll get it really clean.

That's right, I mean really clean.

Deal.

Well, all right, then, yeah, okay.

Then we have a deal.

Well, let's go feed.

I have to go help Dad.

We're gonna feed the cows.

I don't know why you feel the need

to make this so hard for him.

You need to eat all your food.

Good girl.

You'll grow up big and strong.

All right, that's enough, Katie.

Want some, too, Lucy?

All right, come here. Come here, Lucy.

Good girl. Good girl.

All right, we'll do this on three, all right?

Okay.

One, two, two and a half...

Dad!

You said three!

I said-- well, did I?

You didn't say two and a half.

Hi, Mr. Fisher.

I'm getting a dog for Christmas.

No kidding?

No kidding.

I'm paying for this with my allowance.

Well, not just yet.

You've got a couple things to do first.

I have to clean my room before I can get it.

I have to get it really clean.

I'll hang on to these for you, Todd.

Bye, Mr. Fisher.

Merry Christmas.

-Hey, Todd. -Merry Christmas, Todd.

I'm getting a dog!

Oh, that's great.

We'll see you later.

-Bye, Todd. -He's excited.

Just like you when you were a kid.

Never saw you without that dog of yours.

What was his name?

Uh, Tucker.

-That's right. -Yeah, that's right.

All right, Hank, take care.

Oh, Todd. Hang on a minute.

I almost forgot.

I got something for you.

I kept meaning to bring this paint over to you,

but I just kept forgetting.

Thanks, Mr. Fisher.

All right, we'll see you at our Christmas party

-on the 16th? -You got it.

Oh, do me a favor, will you, George?

Put Jean's ornament at the top of the tree this year

so I don't have to hear her moaning about it like last year.

I'll see what I can do.

Oh, look, Hannah's baby ballet shoes.

Life goes by so fast.

Just some days seem awfully long.

Here, Todd, take this to your mother.

Who gave us this one?

Jonathan made that for you.

For your first Christmas.

He must have been what, ten.

Why don't you put it right there.

Todd, I believe

this is the prettiest tree we've ever had.

Thank you so much for finding it.

May I go clean my room?

You certainly may.

Never thought you'd hear that, did you, Mr. McCray?

Thank you.

Give... Just give me a bunch.

George.

Guess I'll get Todd to help me deworm that cow tomorrow.

Okay, now go.

Go? Okay.

No, Dad, it's not over there.

Are you sure? Okay. You stop it.

It's over here.

Now don't look -till I say. -Okay.

Can I... how about just one eye?

No, not till I say.

One, two, three...

Look!

Wow. Incredible.

Todd, wow.

I got it really clean.

Can I go pick out my dog now?

Well, what time is it?

8:36.

Well, I think we'll have to wait

till the shelter's open in the morning.

In the morning for sure?

Yeah. In the morning for sure.

Hey, Dad.

You ready to go get the dog now?

I'm feeling kind of sick today.

I got a big old headache.

Might have to spend the day in bed.

You said we could go pick out the Christmas dog this morning.

George, stop torturing him.

I could be getting pneumonia.

Well, Todd, since your dad is feeling so ill,

I guess I'll have to go with you

to get the dog.

And... I think you should drive.

You mean off the farm?

Can I use second gear?

I'm feeling much better.

Pneumonia's gone.

Very funny, Dad.

How much longer, Dad?

About five days.

We've got to cross the Rocky Mountains.

We have to go through the Mojave Desert...

No, how much longer, really?

Ten minutes.

Big day, huh?

It is a big day.

It's a really big day.

And when do we take the dog back?

On December 26.

That's when Christmas ends.

That's when he has to go back to the shelter.

That's when he has to go back to the shelter.

Okay.

Okay. Okay.

I got these.

Okay.

Hey. Help you with something?

Yeah, we're looking for Hayley.

Hayley. Someone to see you.

Mr. McCray. Hey. Hi.

How's Hannah?

Oh, she's great.

I'll tell her you asked.

Uh, Todd is here to pick up his Christmas dog.

Hey, Todd.

I remember the year you won all those ribbons

at the county fair.

Yes, I was in 4-H.

Yeah, and I remember how nicely you treated the animals.

Where are all the dogs?

Come on, they're in the back.

I'll show you.

It's all right.

So you can look over all the dogs,

and then we'll decide if there's a good fit

for you and your family, okay?

-I like your shelter. -Thank you.

How many other people have called in?

Well, you're still the first,

but hopefully...

Wow, that's a lot of dogs.

Yeah, we normally have around 25 in here at once,

but now we've got 33.

Why are there so many?

Where do they all come from?

Dogs come to us for a lot of different reasons.

Um, they get lost.

Their owners drop them off

because they can't afford to keep them.

And sometimes, when people don't want their dogs anymore,

they just dump 'em, and we pick 'em up.

What's this one's name?

That's Pork Chop. Pork Chop?

Hi, Pork Chop. She's a basset hound-beagle mix.

Did she get lost?

Well, she had her collar and her tags.

We were able to contact the owner,

but he never showed up.

Why didn't he come pick up his dog?

She was waiting for him.

How people treat a dog says a lot about them.

Sometimes, people have to spend so much time

taking care of themselves

that they don't have anything left for an animal.

Whoa! Do you want to see this one?

Yeah.

This is Sally.

Hi, Sally.

She's a Border collie.

Oh, she's a pretty Border collie.

Mm-hmm. Hi.

Were you sleeping?

She got hurt, huh?

You're right. How can you tell?

She has a scar.

Hello.

This is Serena.

Hi, Serena.

You're so small.

Who's that?

That's Buddy.

He's really gentle.

He's actually been here for a little while.

Hey, there. Hi.

She's very gentle.

You just go on in. You can pet her.

She's a doll.

I can't see her face.

-Hi, Winky! -And that's a sheepdog.

That's Shelby.

Whoa, so much hair.

Hi. Yeah.

Look at you. You're so pretty.

Lassie? I watched a movie with you.

She's a little shy, but no, she likes you!

What is she? What is she?

She's an Australian shepherd.

He's big.

This is Sarge. Hey, Sarge.

What's his name?

He doesn't have one yet.

We just brought him in yesterday.

Hasn't been here long enough for us to give him a name.

Do you want to look him over?

Now, I checked him out

this morning.

He's had some training. Watch this. Good boy. Good boy.

Now stay.

Sit.

Good. Stay.

Lie down. Lie down.

Good.

Hi.

Why is he so dirty?

I haven't had time to clean him yet.

He's been on his own for awhile.

He hasn't had anybody to take care of him.

Hi!

This one.

I want this one.

-This is your collar. -Nice.

Merry Christmas.

Go on! Yeah!

Come on! Come on, boy!

No, this is our truck right here.

Come here. Come here.

Let's go! Come here, boy!

Come here! Come here!

Such a good boy.

Okay, up!

He's a good dog, huh, Dad?

Yeah, seems like...

seems like a real good dog.

When do we take him back?

We take him back on December 26

because that's when Christmas ends.

Good.

His name is Christmas, Dad.

Well, that's a...

that's a good name for a dog.

That's a... that's a real good name.

Look, Dad, he likes you!

There you go.

Good boy. Come here.

Come here, Christmas. Come here. Come here.

Hang on to him. He's your dog.

Come here, Christmas! Come here!

What took you so long?

I was beginning to worry about you.

Dog picking is hard work. Takes time.

Mom, look, his name is Christmas.

Oh, well...

Todd, what a perfect name.

Watch this.

Christmas? Sit.

Christmas, lie down.

Oh, George, do you see how well that dog minds?

Todd is definitely

a good dog picker.

Yeah, he sure is.

Mom, there were 33 dogs at the shelter.

That many? Yeah.

And the first one was named Pork Chop.

And the next one was named Sally.

She was a Border collie.

You can't catch me! Can't catch me, Christmas!

Drop the ball! Drop the ball!

Come here, Christmas!

I have to have the ball so we can play fetch.

Come here! Come...!

Christmas!

Okay, okay, when I throw it, then you go get it, right?

One, two, three, fetch!

Fetch the ball, Christmas!

Good boy!

That's fetch!

Drop the ball!

Drop the ball, Christmas!

Ready? One, two, three, go!

Come on. Tucker?

Tucker? Tucker?

Good boy.

Christmas, give me the ball!

Violence here is making it much harder

for the military to carry out its mission.

Both soldiers and civilians

are frequently caught in the cross fire,

and the volatile situation is limiting what soldiers can do.

That puts our forces in a very difficult position.

In the last two months,

Pentagon officials have been pressing for more troops,

but the pressure from both congress and the president,

mounting public...

Good night, Mom.

Good night, Todd.

Good night, Dad.

Night, son.

Come on, Christmas. Let's go to bed.

I'll show you my room.

Fast friends already.

Good night, darling.

Good night. I'll be up in a minute.

-Take cover. -Come on. Stay in line.

Go, go!

Clear!

We're clear!

Hey. Hey!

We got a Charlie!

-What is it, McCray? -We got a Charlie.

Out!

Come out!

Ra ngaoi mau!

What you got there, McCray?!

Hey, Pendleton...

you still got any of that beef jerky your mom sent you?

What are you talking about, boy?

Charlie's looking hungry.

What are you grinning at?

Come here, boy. Here, boy! Come here!

Charlie! Come here!

Come here. Come here, boy.

Come here! Come here!

George?

It's just a bit of a dream.

Go back to sleep.

You all right?

Yeah. No, it's... nothing.

You haven't had one of those in a while.

No, it's-it's nothing.

Really.

Go back to sleep.

Can we go around the corral again?

Yeah, and make her gallop, Uncle Todd.

We're not allowed to gallop.

Whoa.

Jonathan's here!

Hi! Hi!

Hi, Ryan!

Look at us!

Hey!

How is it you get so much bigger after only one month?

We just keep on eating.

Like, every day.

Every day? That must be it.

Hi, Uncle Todd.

Merry Christmas.

Can we have a ride?

Maybe later.

Hey, Alex, you should see the presents under the tree.

There's, like, a ton of them.

You know we can't open them.

-It's not Christmas. -Yeah, we know.

We expected you-- I don't know-- a half an hour ago.

I bet.

Every Christmas, you look a year older.

Why is that?

That's funny, son. Same thing seems to happen to you,

but Faye looks younger.

-Is this cake all for me? -Yes, absolutely,

because you're my favorite in-law.

Oh.

Oh, Mom, that ham looks amazing.

I know. It turned out beautifully, didn't it?

-Hi, Nana! -Merry Christmas!

Hello! Merry Christmas, Nana!

Merry Christmas to you, too!

To both of you. Look at you.

So handsome.

I've got those pictures I took at your soccer match.

Remind me later.

Okay. Can we go look under the tree now?

Yes, please! I need a break already.

Merry Christmas.

Thomas, what's that?

What? Oh.

You can start the celebration now.

Hannah's home!

And this aunt really needs a hug from...

anyone who's under four feet tall!

Aunt Hannah!

You missed our soccer game. We won.

Nice work.

This is amazing.

Thank you.

Can we all do this again on Christmas day?

In-laws get Christmas day.

My mother always wants me to tell you

how much she appreciates that.

Mine, too. Thank you.

Well, when Hannah gets some in-laws,

she's going to change the rules

and everybody's going to come here.

Well, anything to get you from eating your own cooking,

huh, Hannah?

I'm a good cook.

Aren't I, Todd?

You're the best. After Mom, though.

Thank you, Todd.

So, Dad you finally let yourself get suckered

into having a dog on the place.

Yeah, what happened?

You going soft on us?

Okay, that's enough, boys.

I just wish this softie was around

when we were younger.

No. It's just for a few days.

He'll be going back to the shelter the day after Christmas.

Right, Todd?

Right, Dad. On December 26th.

He's going back to the shelter?

What, you're not keeping him?

You know what will happen to him, don't you, Dad?

Mom, may I please have some more ham?

Yes, you may.

Why? What's going to happen, Mom?

Nothing, sweetie. We'll talk about it later.

Come on, Christmas.

Eat up, buddy. This could be one of your last meals.

Jonathan!

Jonathan, you're not supposed to feed him people food.

You're right. You're right.

We never had a dog, so I don't know the rules.

Hey, did you know Christmas can do tricks?

Cool! Can we see?

Okay. Watch this.

Christmas, sit!

Christmas...

lie down.

Christmas, roll over.

Roll over.

Oh!

Can I try?

Sure. But let me show you one more first,

because I taught him this one, okay?

Christmas...

sing!

♪ Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells ♪

♪ Jingle all the way

♪ Oh, what fun it is to ride in a one horse open sleigh ♪

Is that not the sweetest thing?

♪ Hey

♪ Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way ♪

♪ Oh, what fun it is to ride

♪ In a one horse open sleigh

♪ Hey!♪

No, I have it. Thanks.

Okay.

Could you give me a hand, Todd?

♪ Fa, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la ♪

Thanks, buddy.

♪ See the blazing Yule before us ♪

Hi, James!

Hi, Todd!

♪ Fa, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la ♪

Ooh. Be careful with that, Todd.

♪ Strike the harp and join the chorus ♪

♪ Fa, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la ♪

♪ Follow me in merry measure... ♪

Anybody home?

Merry Christmas, -Hank! -Hank! Jean!

Merry Christmas, Hank!

-So glad you're here. -Me, too.

-Hank, Merry Christmas. -Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Jean, Merry Christmas.

Oh, what a beautiful ornament.

I have the perfect place for it on the tree.

Now I know the Christmas season is officially upon us.

Hi, Mrs. Fisher.

You want to see my dog, Christmas?

You got a dog for Christmas?

No, his name is Christmas. He's over here.

This is Christmas.

Christmas,

shake!

You got him trained already.

Would've taken me months to get a dog trained that well.

Todd didn't have months, Hank.

And Dad says Christmas has to go back

to the animal shelter on the 26th.

What's the matter, George? You don't like Christmas?

He's only here on loan.

Is there something wrong with him?

The shelter wants people to take dogs over the holidays,

so we're just trying to do our part.

Hey, you could do it, too, Mr. Fisher.

Yeah.

Why don't you try that, Hank?

Yeah, well, I'm getting a little too old to be adopting a dog.

No, you're not too old, Mr. Fisher.

I think it's a wonderful idea.

Hank, why don't we?

Well, only if I can find a dog I can warm up to.

And what kind of dog would that be, Hank,

a bulldog?

More like a pit bull.

Jonathan and Thomas,

you guys should do it, too.

Yeah, I can tell you guys think it's a good idea, don't you?

You know, George...

they've really inspired me.

You guys are going to lead by example, aren't you?

Taking in those cuddly homeless dogs

for your kids to love.

Now, that's noble.

Actually, I didn't plan on...

Well, Faye and I are going to go see the folks, so we're, uh...

You know, it's so generous of you

to take time out of your hectic schedule

to go down to the shelter, both of you,

and pick out a dog.

We're getting a dog, Daddy?

Oh, hey,

guys, no way.

I think that it's a fabulous idea, boys.

I can make a list, okay?

Mom, I need a pen and paper.

Well, I'll get them for you.

Okay. Hey, you guys want

to help me sign people up, too?

Yeah, sure. Okay.

Okay. Dad, we're going

to make an Adopt-A-Dog list, okay?

All right. Perfect, perfect.

You know, George,

I think your sons have really started something.

I'm real proud of my boys.

Jonathan gets one.

Mr. Fisher gets one.

Lucy and Thomas...

You know, Dad,

donations to a nonprofit are fully deductible.

Considering all the dogs you placed tonight,

you could probably write off the whole party.

Really? No, Dad.

I can't believe this, Todd.

How many people signed up?

Seven.

We're going to take this over to Hayley in the morning.

And then I can get some more.

No, Todd. One dog.

That's all.

No. More people, Dad.

'Cause Hayley says she needs more people

so that all the dogs have homes for Christmas.

Just until the 26th.

That's when the dogs go back to the shelter.

Right?

Not all the dogs.

Right.

Some people will keep their dogs.

We are not keeping the dog.

I'll see you Christmas day.

Play your cards right, I might let you drive the tractor.

You used to love that when you were a kid.

Yeah, the tractor was always great, Dad,

but I really loved being with you.

Jonathan gets one...

Same here. Still do.

You, don't stay up too late.

You've got chores in the morning.

Night, Dad.

Don't use the help too hard.

We might need them when we're old.

I'll be up in a few minutes.

Night, Dad.

Night, honey.

Ow.

Ow.

That was quick.

Get down.

Get off.

Get.

Just...

Get lost!

Get off.

Good morning, Hayley.

Hey, Todd.

Is everything okay with your dog?

Yes, Christmas is wonderful.

Todd's actually got something he'd like to give you.

It's a lot of people from our Christmas party--

not the kids, though, just the grown-ups--

they all want to take a dog.

Are you serious?

Yeah.

And they didn't know about it, but now they do.

And then they all said yes.

With a little convincing.

Wow, this is amazing.

Todd, I don't know how to thank you.

No one else has even called.

Yeah.

How many more people do you need now?

Well, if everybody on this list takes a dog,

we'll need about... 25 more.

Okay, I'll find some more.

Go on.

But that's okay, Mrs. Erdman.

You don't have to want a forever dog.

You just have to take a Christmas dog.

All you do is go see Hayley, down at the shelter.

Well, you should definitely hurry up

'cause dogs are going fast

and there aren't a lot more days.

Okay. Bye.

She said okay!

You're a hard man to turn down.

You want out?

What is with you?

Don't you have anything better to do?

Shoo!

But it's only until December 26th.

That's when Christmas ends.

Okay. Good-bye, Mrs. Burke.

She said no.

Still at it?

Todd's placed five more dogs already.

I'm telling you, George, he is some operator.

You want to help, Dad?

How many are left?

There are...

...20 more.

We may run out of friends.

Probably already run out of friends.

Dad, we need to work harder.

There's only a few more days.

Well, how many dogs have you placed already?

Twelve? That's amazing.

You should be proud of that right there.

No, it's not good enough.

Well, I'm just saying there's no shame

in not finding a home for every dog.

-It's not good enough, Dad. -Well...

George, instead of discouraging your son,

why don't you help him?

I'm not discouraging him.

You've called everybody we know.

It's been on the radio.

What else are you supposed to do?

What about your Rotary buddies?

Well, why don't you look at your school roster?

Call Betty Meyer.

Give her that little... give her the little poodle.

That little... what was his name?

Hannah took the poodle.

-Her name is Serena. -Hannah?

She's not supposed to...

She's not supposed to have pets in her apartment.

I think she bribed the manager.

Yeah, well, she's turned into a regular little outlaw.

Should have raised her better.

And what's-what's...

Where's Todd? Isn't this supposed to be his thing?

Someone must be lost.

No, they're not.

What is going on?

Todd seems to know.

Hi, I'm Brianna Lewis from Channel 8.

Hi, Brianna Lewis.

My name is Todd McCray from Crossing Trails.

Nice to meet you, Todd.

This is Christmas.

You want to shake hands with him, too?

Uh... absolutely!

Hi, there, Christmas.

I've heard so much about you.

Oh, hi.

You must be Todd's parents.

-We are. I'm George McCray. -Nice to meet you.

-This is my wife, Mary Ann. -Hi. Hi.

Your son called the station

and he was quite persuasive.

I did a little research, and the station manager agreed

that we should do a story about the Adopt-A-Dog for Christmas program.

Can we come in and talk to you all about it?

Yes. It's this way.

Come here, boy.

Come here.

Rolling. Christmas--

the happiest day of the year, right?

At least that's what we want it to be.

Every year, we rush around,

trying to ensure that everything is perfect for the big day--

making lists, getting presents.

But what does Christmas really mean?

Tonight, we're going to talk to a very special young man

who found his own answer to that question.

Oh, there he is. There he is.

When 20-year-old Todd McCray

found out about a program being offered

by the Santee County animal shelter,

the Adopt-A-Dog for Christmas program,

he knew it was something he wanted to be involved in.

Todd, would you tell us about the Adopt-A -Dog program?

It's not really adopting.

You can adopt if you want to, but you don't have to.

You can just take a dog home for Christmas.

And why is it so important

for people to adopt a dog for Christmas?

Why wouldn't you?

The dogs don't have moms or dads.

And... everybody needs somebody to love them.

Especially at Christmas.

It's like... it's like the best gift.

Lucky dogs.

Lucky people.

So, let's all do what we can

to make Todd's dream come true.

The shelter will be staying open late the next few nights

and until noon on the 21st.

Adopt-A-Dog for Christmas.

This is Brianna Lewis, for Channel 8 News.

Wow, that was...

You did real good, son.

-Real good. -It was wonderful!

You were fabulous!

So was Christmas!

I'm just gonna go stretch my legs.

You're a TV star now.

I'm so proud of you.

Post us out there at 1400 hours.

All right. Got it.

"Dear Mary Ann,

"I just received your most recent letter

"and I can't tell you how much it lifted my spirits.

"In answer to your question,

"yes, Good Charlie is still with me

"and in fact, he's become our company mascot.

"Wherever I go, this dog is right by my side.

"In the middle of all this craziness,

"it's Charlie and your letters that have really kept me sane.

"I love and miss you with all my heart.

George."

I think he likes that dog, George.

Well, you're right about that.

How about you?

Do you like the dog?

Well, ye...

Yeah, if you like furry types, I guess he's all right.

It's complicated.

Mm-hmm.

Have I ever told you how much your letters meant to me?

You told me a thousand times.

I should have told you a million times.

It's cold.

Come on.

Hey!

Todd did it!

He did it! Did what?

The phone's been ringing off the hook

the past couple days and it hasn't stopped.

Seems like everybody that was watching TV the other night

decided that they could suddenly foster a dog.

He cleared out the shelter!

That's wonderful, Hayley.

Todd, look what you did.

Good for you.

Is that your dog?

No, I was just locking up when she was brought in.

My mom's in a nursing home over in Wichita

so looks like I'll have some company for the road.

Oh, yeah, keep you from being bored.

Yeah, you've got that right

because she's about to have puppies.

Maybe we should...

No, Mary... No... Mary Ann.

I'm really good at birthing animals!

You guys have done enough already.

It's too much.

She can't have puppies in a car.

It's too much.

Okay, yeah.

Yeah, you can take her.

Come here.

There you go.

George, will you get my horses?

Sure. Come on inside, Hayley.

Oh, thanks, Mary Ann, I can't, but, um...

-Merry Christmas! -Merry Christmas.

Good boy, come here.

Great.

Is there anything I can do?

Not that I can think of.

Okay, little one.

Come on, Ruthie. That's a good girl.

You want to get in your box?

Ruthie? Is that what Hayley wanted us to call her?

Who on earth would name a dog Ruthie?

I would.

I'll be out in the barn.

Oh, no. Ruthie! Ruthie!

Ruthie, come back!

Ruthie! Oh, George!

Ruthie!

Ruthie, come here!

Why did you let her out?! I didn't.

She let herself out.

Ruthie!

Ruthie!

Ruthie?

Here, Ruthie. Here, girl.

Where are you, sweetheart? Where are you?

She's here!

Oh, come on, Ruthie.

Come back inside with us.

Mom, I think she wants to be alone to have her babies.

She'll freeze out here.

No, Todd's right.

I'll get her food.

Make up a bed.

I'll figure out some heat. Okay.

It's okay.

We're gonna make you a little bed.

You'll be okay here.

Come on. Come on.

Yeah, we're coming, we're coming. Okay.

Whoa.

You can open one present now,

but save the rest for after Hannah gets here.

Oh, here we go. Todd.

Ready? Yeah.

-You got me new shoes! Oh, sweet!

-It's a radio! -You like it?

Have just... Ow. You okay?

Have that one.

Just rip it!

It's a tool chest -for Dad. -It matches my sweater.

Are there goodies? Are there goodies?

No, those aren't good for you.

Stop eating the cookies!

You can't do that.

It's a paintbrush!

Oh! Ooh!

See! Very nice!

Come here, sweetie.

-Oh, nice. -It's so many colors!

It looks good on Christmas.

Oh, it looks good.

-It's beautiful! What is that?

What is it?

-With Hannah's help. -You did not pick this.

-Well, Hannah helped me a little. -Hannah picked this.

This is very sweet.

Mom wrapped it.

Oh, she did a really good job.

Hmm...

Yeah, it's my favorite...

-I found it at the river. -Oh!

It's my favorite one that I saw there.

Oh, I love it.

Yeah. Okay.

Oh, there you go.

Yeah. Oh! Snap.

You're so fast. Uh-oh, uh-oh.

Uh-oh. Uh-oh...

What was your favorite present?

Um, the stone. What else?

Bye, Mom. Bye.

Thanks for all the amazing food.

-Thanks, sweetie. -Bye, Dad.

Drive safely, honey.

-I will. -Bye, Hannah.

Bye, Todd. -See you guys soon. -You can go ahead now.

Bye. Hey, away from the table.

The pineapple. Okay.

Get the pineapple on a fork.

Remember how to do this? You dip?

Oh. Go ahead.

Hi, Ruthie.

Brought you some water.

Here.

You thirsty?

I got you a Christmas present.

Can you guess what it is?

It's a bone.

You like it?

Here you go.

You want one, too?

All right.

Come here, Christmas.

Come here.

Good boy!

Come here, Christmas.

Come here.

Come here.

George?

Mm-hmm?

It was a perfect day.

It was.

What are you going to do about Christmas tomorrow?

Christmas was today.

You know what I mean.

The easy thing would be to let Todd keep him.

The easy thing is not always the best thing.

Why not?

Why wouldn't it be the best thing?

Because he has to learn...

About loss?

Life will teach him about loss, George.

We made the agreement.

Todd and I.

To go back on that agreement is not going to help him

turn into a stronger, more independent person.

If you and I are soft,

he'll expect the world to be soft,

and he'll be in for a rude awakening.

You know what I think?

I think you're afraid.

This is about what's best for Todd.

If you say so.

What does that mean?

Nothing.

So, McCray, what's she like?

Too good for you.

Hey, how you doing, Charlie?

-Hey, boy. -Hey, Charlie. Good, boy.

-What's up, buddy. -You a lucky man.

Hey, boy.

What about you?

You got yourself a girl?

Boy, I get lots of girls.

But not one that writes me every day.

What's wrong, Charlie?

What is it?

Medic!

Hey, McCray, good news. Uh, you're going home.

Where's my dog?

I-I have to find him.

Whoa, whoa, whoa, take it easy, take it easy.

Get him on the chopper, guys.

-I've got to find him. -It's gonna be all right.

You're going home.

I gotta find my dog!

What is it? I don't know.

-What's happening, Dad? -I don't know.

-We don't know, honey. -Christmas is barking.

I know. -Why is he barking? -No, no, wait, wait.

-Okay, okay. -Why is he barking, Dad?

Something's outside.

Dad?

Why are you barking, Christmas? Come here.

What is it, boy?

What's wrong?

George?

Dad, something's the matter with Christmas.

-Don't let him out! -What's out there?

What's out there? Todd! No! Don't go out there!

Christmas! Todd!

-Christmas! -Todd, I said stop!

Todd, wait! Mary Ann, turn on the light

-What is it? -I don't know.

Just call the sheriff.

Christmas! Christmas!

Todd, don't go in there!

Christmas!

Todd! Be careful!

Come here, Christmas.

Todd, come back here!

-Get back here! -Come here, Christmas.

Christmas!

Todd!

Todd!

Todd! Come here.

No, Christmas! Stop!

Christmas!

No! Christmas!

Todd, no.

Are you okay?

George?

George, what about Ruthie?

Oh, boy.

Todd, you stay right here.

Do you understand me?

Mary Ann, you and Todd take Ruthie

and the puppies up to the house.

What about Christmas?

Well, let's just get everybody up to the house,

and then... I'll find him.

Todd, come here.

Look.

Ruthie had her puppies, sweetie.

It's okay. It's okay.

I'm going to look for Christmas.

-I want to come. -No. No. You just

take care of Ruthie and you and your mom stay inside.

It's okay.

It's all right.

The sheriff called back,

and I told him there was a big cat, Dad.

He said somebody else saw a cougar, too.

Well, I'm going to get a little rest,

and then I'll, uh,

I'll go back out in a couple hours.

He's home!

Christmas!

I knew that cougar wasn't too big for Christmas.

Right, Dad?

He did good.

Yeah, you did so good.

You got cut.

I'll get you some iodine.

So, you want to be petted, huh?

Well, I guess you deserve it.

You're one amazing dog.

Come here, boy.

You're going to be okay.

So, how's our new mother doing?

She's fine.

They all look good.

Dad?

Mm-hmm?

It's the day after Christmas.

Yeah.

Yeah, it is.

We have to take Christmas back to the shelter today.

Because that's how the program works.

Take the dogs back

on December 26.

That's right.

That's how the program works.

And that was our agreement.

♪ Spend all your time waiting

Yeah.♪ For that second chance

So good.♪ For a break that would make it okay ♪

♪ There's always some reason

♪ To feel not good enough

♪ And it's hard at the end of the day ♪

♪ I need some distraction

♪ Oh, beautiful release

You're a good boy.

♪ They may be empty, oh, and weightless ♪

♪ And maybe...

It's okay, Dad.

-I'll take him in. -All right.

Christmas.

Come here.

♪ In the arms Come here, boy. Good boy.

♪ of an Angel

Good boy.

♪ Fly away from here

♪ From this dark

♪ Cold hotel room

♪ And the endlessness that you fear ♪

Come on. Come here, boy.

♪ You are pulled from the wreckage ♪

Hi!

♪ Of your silent reverie

Bye, Christmas.

♪ You're in the arms of an Angel ♪

♪ May you find some comfort here. ♪

What's Todd up to?

He's painting.

Is this coffee fresh?

Yeah, yeah, I'll get it.

Hello?

Mr. McCray? It's Hayley.

Uh, sorry I missed

you when you came by.

Oh, hi, Hayley.

How are you?

How's your mother?

She's doing well.

But that's not the reason I'm calling.

I want to talk to you about a position at the shelter.

We'd like to offer Todd a job.

Psst.

It doesn't pay much, Come on. Wash 'em.

but he's so good with the animals.

They really trust him.

Would you ask him if that'd be okay?

The shelter is offering Todd a job.

Uh, so...

so, uh, I'm sorry, when would it start?

Is Monday morning too soon?

I, um-- well, it'd probably seem like an eternity for him.

What time? Uh, what time?

Uh, 7:45 should work.

The shelter opens at 8:00.

Yeah, okay.

We'll tell him.

Uh, Hayley, thank you so much.

No, thank Todd.

Oh, uh,

there's one more thing.

There's a family asking to adopt Christmas.

They saw him on the news.

They're-they're coming down tomorrow.

Should I let him go?

Uh, yeah.

Yeah. I guess, yeah.

Well, if you change your mind call me by 5:00 tonight.

Hayley, thank-thank you so much for everything.

We're so proud.

Oh, you're more than welcome.

Well, okay. Yeah.

Bye-bye.

I told you.

What did you tell me?

Well, I-I was right.

Taking the dog back.

I mean...

teaching Todd to deal with this

like an adult-- it paid off.

It was just like -I hoped. -Just like you...?

Our son

wasn't offered this job because of anything you did.

It's because of what he did.

And making him take the dog back was not some grand,

character-shaping event for Todd.

You're a fool

for not keeping that dog.

And I just wanted Todd to understand

how important it is he keep his word.

You know, and besides, with the job

at the shelter, he's going to be with dogs all day long.

Makes sense.

Hand me that lubricant, would you?

You know, it's a big deal Todd getting this job.

And I feel like I...

me caving in is just a big step backward.

Sounds like you're trying to convince yourself of something.

I could be wrong,

but Todd having this dog or not having this dog

isn't going to make a blind bit of difference,

not in the long run, at least not to Todd.

Getting this dog would be good for you.

It's not about me.

It isn't?

Seems to me this has everything to do with you

and nothing to do with Todd.

You forget who you're talking to?

I was here when you were a boy

running around with that dog of yours.

And I was here when you got back from the war.

With a lid on things.

All bottled up.

Doesn't have to stay that way forever.

You get to be my age, you're going to regret it.

I don't think it's such a bad thing

for you to let a dog back in your life.

I suppose I could be wrong.

Hi, Dad.

Hi.

Mom says that this is her favorite color.

Oh.

Have you told him about the call?

Not yet.

Why don't you go ahead.

You have a job, starting Monday.

I do?

Mm-hmm.

At the shelter.

Yeah, Hayley was so impressed

with the way you handled the Christmas dog program

that I guess she wanted to snap you up before somebody else

could get you.

Do I get to drive to work

on my own now?

I have my learner's permit.

When you get your license.

Can I use second gear?

Well, yeah. You'll learn to use all the gears.

Thanks, Dad.

Oh, we're so proud of you, Todd.

I'm really proud of you.

Really proud.

And I've been thinking...

that with you having a job,

things might get kind of lonely for me around here.

I'm sorry, Dad.

No, it's-it's okay.

It's just that, uh...

You know the way I always thought how...

family pets don't work out well on a working farm and...

I don't think that anymore.

I think maybe I need a dog.

You know, keep me company when you're at work.

What do you think?

I think Christmas would be a really good dog for you.

Well, you're...

you're a good dog picker, you know that?

Yes.

Yes, you are.

Well, I guess, then...

you should drive,

because I can't be running you to and fro

when you have this job all the time.

So, maybe you better...

Do we have to stay in first gear the whole way?

No, we have to be there before 5:00.

No, I'll teach you how to shift into second.

No, keep... keep the clutch out.

Uh-oh.

Keep the clutch out. That's it.

Foot off the brake.

Look at the road.

Like this? Yes.

Dad?

There's a turn coming up.

That's it, that's it.

Foot off the brake.

That's it. Okay.

It's all right now.

Check your side mirror.

Somebody's behind me.

Yeah, just let him go by.

Okay.

Slow down, slow down.

That's right. Good.

Yep, that's good. Bye!

Yeah, okay.

Good idea to stay on the right-hand side. Okay.

Okay, clutch in.

Brake on.

I'm a good driver, huh?

Yeah.

I'll drive home.

I told you the fence needed fixing two days ago.

I thought you were going to take care of it.

With the holidays, it was hard to get someone out.

Hayley?

I'll try again.

Mr. McCray, Todd.

Well, we're... we're here.

I'm sorry to have to tell you this, but, uh...

there was a weak spot in the dog run, and, um...

apparently, Christmas found it.

He's gone?

He's gone.

Christmas ran away?

I'm so sorry.

Well, what... what time was this?

Hours ago.

Jennifer's been looking for him since about 2:30.

Could be anywhere by now.

Mr. McCray, if he shows up,

I'll call you straightaway.

You have my word.

Thank you, Hayley.

Don't worry, Dad.

Christmas can take care of himself.

That's the way it works with him.

That's how it works with him.

You just missed Jean and Hank.

They came by to pick up Ruthie and the puppies.

They're adopting them all.

What's wrong? Where's Christmas?

Gone.

There was a hole in the fence

at the shelter, and he ran away.

Oh, no.

Yeah. I'm sorry.

I'll take care of the feeding tonight, Todd.

You just help your mom with dinner.

Okay?

Hey.

Oh, where'd you come from?

Where'd you come from?

Hey. Hey.

You want to play fetch? Huh?

Is that what... you want to play fetch?

Mmm.

Come on. Come here.

You ready?

Hey, Todd!

Todd!

Mary Ann!

Get out here now!

What is it?

I just thought of a way to get Christmas to come back.

How?

Well, it's... it's easy.

All I... I just throw a ball,

and he'll fetch it.

What?

What ball?

That ball.

Christmas!

Christmas!

Where did you go? Where did you go?

How did you get back here?

Come here, boy.

So, Christmas...

Came home.

You are such a good boy, Christmas. Mm-hmm.

You're such a good boy.

We were so worried.

He had come home to stay.

And the part of his journey

that could be measured in miles was over.

The rest of his journey-- with our family--

had only begun.

Come back here.

You're such a smart boy.

You're such a good dog, Christmas.

I missed you.

Good boy, Christmas.

♪ He's just a young boy waiting ♪

♪ By his right hand

♪ Is an empty space just as wide as this old farmland ♪

♪ This old fool didn't go yesterday ♪

♪ So when my boy looks back, the picture he'll see ♪

♪ It feels so good with you beside me ♪

♪ Summer days that will never end ♪

♪ Time is as still as the far horizon ♪

♪ When I am walking with my best friend ♪

♪ I am walking with my best friend. ♪