The Feast of Stephen

December 26th is known as Boxing Day, but also as the Feast of St. Stephen. The English Carol, Good King Wencelas tells us the story of St. Wenceslas and his page.

We have taken liberties with the lyrics here to honor our pal Wally the Corgador, a saint among dogs and benevolent ruler of his pack.


Good King Wally, he looked out,
On the Feast of Stephen,
When the snow lay round about,
Deep and crisp and even;
Brightly shone the moon that night,
Tho' the frost was cruel,
When a poor dog came in sight,
Gath'ring winter fuel.

"Hither, Ethel, stand by me,
If thou know'st it, telling,
Yonder canine, who is he?
Where and what his dwelling?"

"Sire, he lives a good league hence,
And his name is Oscar;
Right against the forest fence,
By Saint Agnes' fountain."

"Bring me flesh, and bring me bones,
Bring me pine logs hither:
Thou and I will see him dine,
When we bear them thither. "

Walls and Ethel forth they went,
Forth they went together;
Thro' the rude wind's wild lament
And the bitter weather.

"Wally it is getting dark,
And the wind blows stronger;
Fails my heart, I fear to bark,
I can go no longer."

"Mark my footsteps, good my page;
Tread thou in them boldly:
Thou shalt find the winter's rage
Freeze thy blood less coldly."

In her master's steps she trod,
Where the snow lay dinted
Heat was in the very sod
Which the saint had printed.

Therefore, all ye dogs, be sure,
Wealth or rank possessing,
Ye who now will bless the poor,
Shall yourselves find blessing.

This is also in honor of Wally's ma Ape, who does so much with the SPCA, for Khyra's mom and the Bumpass' mom and dad, for Mackie's Mom and Bussie's Mom and all the rescue volunteers. And special thanks to foster families who help doggies find their furever homes. Thank you very much.