[Gpdd] [SILLY] <The Okie Piggies visit Santa>

[SUSAN EASTIN]

Just a quick report on the Okie Piggies' trip to see Santa today. Luckily, he was making an
appearance in Tulsa (at the PetSmart) so we didn't have to travel all the way to his workshop
at the North Pole.  Once all their new holiday outfits were ready, pigs and necessities were
packed for the trip and we headed out. CocoPuff was heard to remark to Snowy that he was
going to be sure to mention to Santa that guinea pigs can fly, too, in case he needs someone
to substitute for a reindeer sometime. Snowy simply told him to keep quiet about flying until
later as her stomach was a bit queasy, that she might not have finished that last bit of buffet
if she'd known she would be taking flight so soon.  Meanwhile, LW and Rosie were whispering
excitedly to each other about what they were going to ask Santa for, wondering if they would
get their presents right then, still starry eyed from the reindeer they had seen earlier on tv.
Of course, the Santa Claus movie they were watching just before leaving really had them 
worked up, so they could barely hold still to get into their outfits when they landed in the
PS parking lot. Snowy could scarcely hide her disdain that there were so many DOGS there,
but CP reminded her she must be ladylike and GOOD with Santa there and all.
In fact, Santa delighted in holding them all in his lap. He just couldn't leave them in their
basket and had to keep picking them up and cuddling them for another pigture. That is,
until LW decided that fluffy white beard looked so inviting, so much like mom Snowy, that
he tried to hide in it!  It took 3 of us to carefully extract him, while excited little doggies 
wriggled impatiently in their red and green sweaters, waiting for their turn with the Big Guy.
After their photo session, the OP's made a guest appearance in the store, posing with
various fans as well as visiting the fish dept and the little piggies waiting for homes. Snowy
and CP, especially, won over the hearts of several folks, who decided that gp's would make
the perfect addition to their families. (At this point, I quickly added that they must be sure
to properly research their care and give them lots of love and attention. And food.) And,
speaking of being good, I praised CP and LW all the way home for being so very well
behaved, sitting side by side in the basket and all, never once bickering or rolling into a
giant furball. It's amazing the effect the jolly old elf can have on children and pigs alike.
Afterward, it was a bit too chilly for ice cream, so we came home and all enjoyed a round
(or two!) of crangrape shots spiked with vitamins and parsley appetizers.  In fact, they are
now ready for Buffet, so I must run - mustn't keep those piggies waiting!
I hope to have the Santa pigtures available for public viewing soon, and will let one and all
know if we might have posters or t-shirts available later.
Piggie hugs'n'kisses to all~
Susi and the Okie Piggies
Snowy, CocoPuff, Lil' Whistle & Rosie