Hammy to the Rescue

"...As we look ahead to Christmas Day, there will be a heavy snowfall which means we will have a white Christmas..."

"I'm sorry to interrupt your weather report, Mike, but we have breaking news.  The Christmas Thief has struck again.  Let's go live to Julia Anderson, who is at the residence of the latest robbery.  Julia."

Julia nodded her head in sympathy as she heard the anchor's voice come to her ear.

"Yes, the Christmas Thief has indeed struck again, making this robbery the third this week.  Now, I briefly spoke to the homeowner, who wanted her identity kept anonymously, so I will share what she said."

"Mrs. Thompkins, I cannot imagine your devastation with all of your Christmas presents stolen.  I know how much love goes behind purchasing the perfect gifts for family and even close friends.  And so for a heartless stranger to break in and steal...for what gain?"

"Exactly, for what gain.  I know the media is referring to this person as the Christmas Thief, but I would prefer to call him - or her - a real life Grinch.  A Grinch that ruined the holidays not just for me or the other homes, but for this community entirely.  Oh gosh, I'm sorry.  I can't talk anymore."

"That is what Mrs. Thompkins was able to share just a few minutes ago.  Now, the police are still searching for the Grinch...I mean, Christmas Thief.  One potential possibility the police have is the suspect wearing a Santa costume.  Of course, being the holidays, anyone could look like Santa.  At this point, all the police can do is go door to door with the hope of a holiday miracle.  Back to you in the studio."

"And off," said Jim as he turned off the living room television.

Jim deeply yawned and stretched his arms.

The time was half past ten on this Christmas Eve.  Jim's wife and two young daughters were at his wife's parents' home in the city.  Her parents were leaving for Europe in two days, so she wanted to enjoy some time with them.  Jim spent his time alone in the house decorating along to "Deck the Halls" and displaying presents under the tree while listening to "Winter Wonderland."

As the holiday music played, Jim heard a sleepy yawn from his one-year-old German Shepherd pup, Hammy.  Hammy was stretched out on the living room sofa, barely able to move from his grogginess.

Jim lightly laughed at Hammy's laziness.  Hammy was not one to follow in his breed's natural instincts.  He was young and still growing, so he took full advantage of being cute and adorable.  

As Jim turned off the house lights and locked all of the windows and doors, he wished Hammy a good night.  Hammy apparently had no intention of leaving his cozy position.

The Grandfather clock chimed at midnight.  Jim was fast asleep upstairs.  Hammy was fast asleep in the living room.  Silent night...

...Until there arose such a clatter.  Hammy sharply woke up to sounds coming from...the chimney?

Hammy glued his focus to something or someone slowly falling down the chimney.

Plop!  Someone fell to the grate and seemingly appeared to be Santa Claus.  To Hammy, this person was a stranger...who was quickly grabbing all of the presents under the tree.

Hammy let out a vicious bark that woke Jim with a start.

Jim raced down the stairs to find the one and only - the Christmas Thief.

"Put down the presents and raise your hands above your head!  I am a police officer and will have a full squad of backup with one call to 9-1-1!"

"But I'm Santa Claus!  Don't you have any Christmas spirit?!"

Jim didn't answer as blaring police sirens responded on his behalf.

"You heartlessly stole Christmas from this entire neighborhood, so I don't have any Christmas spirit for you.  Get him out of here, guys."

The police handcuffed the Christmas Thief, placed him in a squad car, and left.

Hammy stood just outside with Jim, who looked to him with a beaming smile.  He knew his pup had German Shepherd instinct in him.

Hammy came to the rescue.