Nativity scene at Christmas could have been ruined if Christ would not been retrieved from the boxer’s jaws before she could chew on him, reminisces Renée Henning from USA.
When we speak of Jesus christ, we often imagine divine serenity and heavenly strength. But one christmas, in a humorous twist of fate, even the savior needed a bit of saving—this time from the jaws of a mischievous dog.
It happened a few years ago, during the festive season.As part of our holiday traditions, I lovingly set up the nativity scene in our home. The delicate arrangement included Mary, Joseph, the infant Jesus, a few shepherds, and lambs. Each small statue held sentimental value, representing the heart of the christmas story.
But there was one challenge—our spirited boxer. Known for her habit of stealing and gnawing on anything within reach, especially items on low counters, I decided to play it safe. I placed the entire nativity scene on a high shelf,
positioning baby Jesus prominently at the front of the display.
The fur baby was there with baby Jesus firmly gripped between her teeth.
The author Renee Henning from Usa
I had barely finished admiring the setup when I heard the unmistakable thump of paws on wood. My heart sank.
I rushed into the room to find the dog with baby Jesus firmly gripped between her teeth. She looked proud of her prize and bolted, tail wagging.
What followed was a comical chase around the house. Thanks to its circular layout, the dog had a clear path for endless laps. around and around we went—her having the time of her life, and me shouting with increasing desperation, “Give me Jesus!”
Eventually, I cornered her and managed to rescue the tiny figurine from her drooling mouth. Thankfully, he had survived the ordeal unscathed—save for a thorough coat of slobber. a quick bath restored him to his rightful glory, ready to return to the nativity scene.
In hindsight, it was a hilarious and oddly touching moment—one where the savior of the world needed a little earthly intervention. and every year since, as we unpack our christmas decorations, the memory returns. It’s a reminder that the spirit of the season lies not only in reverence but also in the joyful, unexpected moments we share with family—fur babies included.
About the author: Renée Henning is an attorney and an international author who lives in USA. Her written work has appeared in earlier issues of Buddy Life. She has to her credit a book Mystery and the adopted child. Her writeups have appeared in other publications in North America (Washington Post), South America (Salto al Día),
Europe (Oslo Times), Asia (activeMuse), Africa (Modern Ghana) and Oceania (in several publications).
