Though millions around the world are familiar with Santa Claus

and his reindeer, far fewer know the story of Santa's dog,

Panzerschauzen. Panzerschauzen, legend maintains, guards Santa's

sleigh and the enormous Elfin Junkyard over the course of the year,

and then accompanies Santa and his sidekick Krampus as they make

their rounds around the world on Christmas Eve and the morning

of Christmas Day. It's said that just as Santa rewards good boys

and girls whilst Krampus rolls out the coal or breaks out the switch

for lads and lasses who have fallen short of the the Kringle Ideal

in the year past, Panzerschnauzen metes out rough justice to

dogs and cats the have been less than obedient and jolly.

'Auf den scharfen, spitzen zähnen des Panzerschnauzen fühlen'

('to feel the sharp, sharp teeth of the Panzerschnauzen')

is a shiver-worthy thought that has seen more than one

Fido and Princess tow the line all season long.