All language subtitles for The Christmas Shepherd (2014)

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Graham, that's wonderful.

Yeah, absolutely.

I... i-i'm thrilled.

Yeah, it'll be great,
it'll be great.

I'm so excited,
i'm thrilled,

and buddy is, too.

Yeah, i've got some illustrations already started,

and, uh, i think you'll be
very happy.

Okay,

well, i'll get you
the signed contracts asap.

Signed, sealed and
delivered.

Okay, and thank you
so much again, graham.

Buddy thanks you, i thank
you.

Okay.

All right, you take care.

Bye.

Buddy, guess what?

Guess what?

You're gonna be a star!
They loved it!

Come on, buddy.

Good boy.

Up you go.

So you sold
the publisher

the concept?

Yeah. Yeah, it's going to be
about a dog named buddy

born on christmas day.
Thank you.

I've got some of
the illustrations done.

I don't have
the story,

but buddy's going to
help with that.

Will you give me
some celery, please?

I'm so proud
of you, sally.

Dylan would be
over the moon.

Yeah.

Are those for
mom's stuffing?

Yeah, it wouldn't be
thanksgiving without it,

please?
I need help.

Yeah, i'm taking
wednesday off.

I will be
your sous chef.

Okay, good.

It's been so warm,

it's kind of hard to get
into the holiday mood.

Not for buddy.

Yeah?

Oh, yeah, you want
this one?

Or this one?
Which one do you want?

This one's much prettier.
You like that one?

Is that the one you want?

Oh, don't chew it up!
You don't chew it up...

buddy, come here.

Let's go pay for it.

We can't steal it,
you little monkey.

Unbelievable.

What is it, buddy?

Oh, he does this
every time we're in town.

I know.

Papa's on an adventure,
honey.

He's on an adventure.

We'll be together
sometime, i promise.

Yeah...

i miss him, too, bud.

Come on, bud,
let's go.

All right?

Good boy.

You go home.

Good boy.

Pardon me.

Hey.

What happened to photo club?

I decided not to join.

They only shoot digital.

It's tough being
the new kid, huh?

You know, they made fun of
my "ancient" camera.

Old-school is good.

Your old man is old-school.

You're not that old, dad.

Ah, i'm pretty old.

Come on, inside,
i'll make you something.

Dad, we've been
open a month.

I don't get it,
where is everybody?

Well, they are currently
down the road

at the new drive-thru
starbucks.

Don't worry,
we'll turn it around.

Can i get you anything?

Uh, sure.

Banana and blueberry?

All right,
you got it.

Dad, no!

Not "the smoothie dance."

Someone might see you.

What's that,
you can't feel the music, huh?

I know you do this
just to embarrass me.

I live to embarrass you.

Dad!

Say, that
christmas tree lot,

it just opened up
over on mulberry.

What do you say we go
over there and pick one up?

You think it's a bit early?

I just thought
it might be fun, you know?

Just like old times.

It'll never be
like old times, dad.

Well, we'll just
have to make do, all right?

All right.

I'll make you one here.

One of these days,

that rusty old thing
is going to break down

and strand you
somewhere.

I love big red.

She never lets me down.

Honey, no grown woman
ever names her pick-up.

You've been living out
in the sticks too long.

You worry too much.

I was going to
call you last night,

because i heard

the cullen house
is up for sale.

Mm-hmm, and it's
so close to town.

Margie, listen,

i have spent so much of my life living on bases.

When we bought that home,
it was to set down roots.

It's my little acre of
heaven.

Think about your social
life.

My what?

My what? What is that?

What's my social life...

what social life is that?

I have my art studio, my
garden,

my work, my solitude,

i've got buddy,
and that's all.

I'm happy.

Life is good.

But thank you so much
for worrying about me,

it's very sweet.

That's crazy.

It should be snowing
this time of year.

Buddy does not like
this kind of weather.

The national weather service

has issued a severe
thunderstorm warning

for wharton creek and the surrounding communities.

Lightning, high winds,
rain, and hail...

...road visibility is
diminished

as wind and lashing rain
have been reported.

Buddy?

Hey, buddy!

Buddy?

Buddy!

Buddy!

Buddy!

Oh, no.

Oh, no.

Buddy?

Buddy!

- Hey, sis.
- Hi.

Something has
happened to buddy

and i need your help.

Can you help me
find him, please?

I'm sorry,
you guys.

Yes...

i'll be right back.

Hey, babe, hi.

No...

no.

Hi.

No, he wasn't micro-chipped.

I mean, he has a collar on
that's got his name on it.

It's just,
everybody here knows him.

I just never thought
that this would happen.

I'd advise you to
keep making the rounds.

Most of the shelters
around here

aren't set up to board
animals

more than a week.

Okay.

Uh, thank you.

Oh!

You scared the heck
out of me, little guy.

Buddy, huh?

I've got some water
in the back of my chariot

and half a turkey sandwich.

I bet you're starving, huh?

Come on.

Come on...

good boy.

♪ Deck the halls with...

no way.

Hey, buddy, come on, boy.

Come here.

Come here, boy.

Smile, buddy.

Buddy!

Buddy!

He seems a little sluggish,

paws look
kind of bad.

He's probably been doing
a lot of walking.

I'll have our staff
vet take a look.

I wish i could
take him home,

the old lady's
allergic to everything.

His name is "buddy."

Probably a thousand
"buddy's" out there.

Not like this one.

Good luck,
little fellow.

Hey, come on.

We visited
every shelter

within 20 miles from here,

but it's just, just nothing,

so we decided to expand
the search to 40 miles,

you know?

Anything on
the missing pet finder?

No, i just, i go online
every day, but, um...

there's nothing.

I don't know, jack,

he's just, he's been gone
for a week.

I wish i was there
to help you, mom.

I know you do, baby,
i know.

Just, uh,
just say a prayer, okay?

Yeah, i will.

I can almost smell
your stuffing.

Yeah.

Grandma's recipe, right?

Hey, jack!

I made a dutch apple pie
in your honor.

Aw, thanks,
aunt beth.

You look skinny.

Are you eating
over there?

Mom, i'm okay.

Okay, well,
when you get back in june,

we're going to have thanksgiving,
all the trimmings,

all your favorites,

you hear me?

Listen, ma, i gotta go.

They're calling me.

Happy thanksgiving, mom.

Now, don't worry
about buddy, okay?

He's going to find you.

I know, love.

You take care of yourself,
you hear me?

I love you, baby, i love
you.

I love you, too, mom.

Be safe.

I will.

I love you, mom.
Bye.

Bye.

10 dog beds,
10 leashes...

em, your aunt and i
are leaving!

Why don't you
come out and say bye?

'Tis the season.

Speaking of,

i've been thinking
about presents.

Oh, yeah?

I thought you were lobbying
for a low-key christmas?

I thought
it might be fun

to start a darkroom
in the basement.

Like your mom had
in the old house?

Your mom would
love that, em.

Why don't you put it
on your wish list?

Dad, i'm too old
for wish lists.

Aw, you're never
too old for wishing.

Mrs. Carlson will be by
after school.

That essay, i proofread it,
it's on the counter.

And, uh, dinner
is in the fridge

if we're late.

Dad, i can
take care of myself.

Atta girl.

Go, have fun.

Yeah.

Okay, you are
coming with me.

How many can you
take, greta?

Finding forever
homes for 10

is the magic number.

I'll take this
poodle as well.

Hey, fella.

What's your name?

Buddy.

Good name.

We had a shepherd
when we were growing up.

Stella, she was a great dog.

Yeah, look at you.

Look at you...

hey, he likes
military guys.

Huh, buddy? Huh?

I was in the reserves.

Hey...

can i take him out?

Sure.

Get to know
his personality?

Somebody wants to play.

Oh, you see i have it,
don't you?

You want to play, don't you?
Yes, you do...

yeah? You want to
play some fetch?

Yeah?

Let's see what you got, huh?

Here you go.

Why don't you adopt him?

I'd love to,

but i just don't think
that emma's up for that yet.

Someone's going to, right?
Come on.

Oh, no. No, no.

I told you,
we have no room at the inn.

There's no room in that van.

It's full.

Good boy, good boy.

Mom would have
asked me first.

Just because i'm 13,
my opinion doesn't count?

Look, i'm sorry, hon',
all right?

But i had to make
a decision on the spot,

and that's what i did.

Dad, he's sick.

No, he's--he's fine.

His paws got
a little bit beat up

when he ran away.

Your aunt said

that she'll find him
a permanent situation,

but he'll be with us for
a couple of weeks, tops.

I'm sure he's a wonderful dog,
but he deserves a real family,

and i'm not sure
that's us anymore.

Em, come on.

I know what you're doing.

Don't make me
fall in love with you.

You're just
passing through.

You any good with geometry?

Time to get up, kiddo.

Has that been
going on all night?

Pretty much.

I didn't have the heart
to wake him.

Need to go out, bud?

Hey!

Hey...

thanks, buddy!

Good boy.

What a good boy
you are, huh?

What a good boy.

You brought
the paper for me.

That a boy.

Hey.

Hi.

Oh, that's okay.

Hey.

Getting him ready
for his new home?

That's the plan.

I don't really think he needs this gauze anymore.

I was just getting used to
having him around.

Yeah, it's been great,
hasn't it?

Can i help?

Yeah, go ahead.

He's lucky to have you
taking care of him.

This reminds me

of when we brought mom home
from the hospital.

Remember?

We had to put the bed
in the living room

because she couldn't walk
up the stairs anymore.

Yeah. She was happy to be
home.

I don't want him to go, dad.

Just look at him.

He's so happy here.

Can't we be his forever
family?

That's a big responsibility.

Buddy fits in

like he's already
a part of our home.

Are you sure, em?

Can we still call him
"buddy"?

Absolutely.

You hear that, buddy?

I'll be honest
with you, graham,

i'm finding it
nearly impossible to work.

Just, all i can think of
is where is he,

and is he safe?

Um, i know that you want
the book by christmas,

but i just, i just don't know,
with buddy gone, if i can...

um, can i give you a call
back?

Yeah, okay.

I'm-i'm really sorry,
graham.

Yeah, thanks.

Buddy!

Oh, my god...

buddy...

i just, i don't understand

how he got all the way
to monroe?

I mean,
that's two hours from here.

I didn't check
the shelters that far.

Monroe was the first shelter
that i came across.

Oh, yeah, yeah,
that makes sense.

Was he okay?
Was he hurt or anything?

Considering
he was totally lost,

he was doing pretty good.

Well, i just,
i can't thank you enough.

And you deliver
christmas trees, too,

that's...

that would only happen to
buddy.

He sure seems like
an amazing dog, mrs. Brown.

Yeah.

I'm not seeing
anything in the log.

The clinic director
will be in tomorrow.

Okay, um, the trucker said

that it was sometime
around thanksgiving.

Is there any way you could
check around that date?

Oh, wait a minute, here we
go.

We had a shepherd
named buddy

probably about five years
old?

Yeah, that could
absolutely be him.

Um, he's not here anymore?

Where would he be?

Boston.

In boston?

Noah's ark pet rescue,
this is greta.

Hi, um,
my name is sally brown,

and i'm calling about
my german shepherd.

His name is buddy,

and i was wondering

if he was still at your, uh,
your kennel.

Buddy, y-yeah.

Yes, he wears a white
collar,

and it's got holly--

yeah, with his name
painted on the side?

Ms. Brown,
are you still there?

Yeah, i'm sorry.

Um... is he okay?

He's... he's safe and sound.

Good.

Oh, my gosh, how did he
get all the way to boston?

I rescue pets from shelters
all over the east coast

and bring them back here
and find homes for them.

Oh.

Ms. Brown,

buddy has been adopted out
to a forever family.

But he's-he's my dog.

He's been my dog for five
years.

Yeah, i-i understand.

I know how difficult
this must be for you, but--

no, you...

i'm his owner.

I don't--

i don't get calls
like this very often,

so i'm going to need to see
his registration papers.

I don't have
registration papers for him.

My husband found him
overseas,

and brought him back home.

I can give you those
papers.

I'll do anything it takes,

i just would like to
bring my dog home.

Okay, i'm going to need to get in touch with the family,

and i need to warn you,

this may not be
as easy as you think.

I'll get back to you as soon as i've talked to the family.

Bye.

Where's emma?

I sent her out to walk
buddy.

So, what's the word?

Her papers check out.

In all the years
i have rescued dogs,

i have never had this
happen.

What am i going to say to
emma?

I mean, she's
been through enough

for somebody
twice her age.

This is going to
break her heart.

I know.

This woman would like
to meet with you.

How do you want to handle
it?

"Dear greene family,

"i'm writing to you
about the most amazing dog,

"but then you probably
know that by now.

"We had a huge thunderstorm
here last month,

"and it damaged our fence.

"When buddy got out
and ran away,

"i was devastated.

"He's been my companion,
my muse, and my best friend

ever since my husband died
two years ago."

"He was originally dylan's dog,
and they were inseparable.

"My husband survived
three deployments overseas

"without so much as a
scratch,

"only to come home
and have a heart attack

"while he was out jogging.

"For my son and me,

"buddy is
our last connection to him.

"Please find it in your
heart

"to let him come home
for christmas.

Sincerely, sally brown."

Buddy, come on!

Hello?

Hello, my name is mark greene,
i'm calling about buddy.

Hi, um, how is he?

Is he okay?

Oh, yeah, he's doing just
fine.

Good.

Good, uh, good...

thank you so much
for, uh, getting back to me.

I wasn't, um...

wasn't sure that you would,
mr. Greene,

so, thank you so much.

I, uh, i've just,
i've been really very worried about him,

and-and thank god you and your family took him in.

Um...

this may seem a little odd,

i want to make sure

that this is my dog, my
buddy.

Well, didn't greta
confirm with you?

Yes, i know,
i just want to be certain,

if that makes any sense.

Well, um, i could try
and get a picture to you.

My daughter's taken quite a
few.

Okay.

I would appreciate that
very much.

Sure.

Would it be too much to ask

if i could come and see him?

I just live an hour away
in warm springs,

and i could drive down
in a moment's notice,

if that would be okay.

Um, you know, i'm just,
i'm just not sure about that.

I don't mean to intrude,
but--

you know what,

i'm just going to be candid
with you here.

My daughter's
been through a lot

over the last little while.

She lost her mother
two years ago,

and i am, uh...

well, i feel hesitant
to make any decisions

without talking to her about
it.

I'm trying
to take care of my girl.

Okay, thank you very much.

I appreciate it.

Good night.

Em?

There you go.

There's something
we gotta talk about.

Your aunt came by yesterday
with some news.

Buddy's owner has surfaced.

What do you mean?

We're his owner.

There's a woman
in warm springs--

nobody's taking buddy
away from me.

I think you should read
this.

He's our dog.

I know,

and i've been wrestling
with this all night,

but we have to do
the right thing.

There is no right thing,
dad.

No matter what we do,
somebody's going to get hurt.

I feel sorry for this woman,
i really do--

look, she's got
a history with the dog.

It was her husband's.

We've only had him
for two weeks.

She just wants to
come and see him.

She wants to
take him, doesn't she?

Hey...

em...

sally?

Yeah. Uh, mark?

Yeah.

Hi.

Please, come in.

Thank you.

I, uh, i was
a half hour early,

so i've just been driving
around the block in circles.

He sure likes his toys.

Yeah, you should
see my house.

It looks like
a pet shop exploded.

He likes to play hockey
with the pillows.

Oh, yeah. Yeah...

uh...

so, uh, is he here?

Actually, emma
just took for a walk.

He was full of all kinds of
anxious energy

this morning, so...

it was like he knew.

Oh, yeah, trust me, he knew.

That dog knows everything.

They'll be back in a minute.

Can i offer you anything?

A glass of water or
something?

That would be nice, thank
you.

You have a beautiful home.

You should
have seen it

before we moved in.

My daughter thought
i'd lost my mind.

Ah, thank you.

Well, it looks like
you've done a lot of work.

It's beautiful.

Yeah, we were
stripping wood for weeks.

The kitchen demo
was a nightmare.

Okay, let's do
the other side again, ready?

Good...

are you okay?

Yeah, i'm fine.
Can i..?

Oh, yeah.

Buddy?

Buddy! Come here!

Hi, buddy!

Here, come here, buddy.

Come here.

Hi, buddy...

okay...

come here.
Go get it.

He looks really healthy,
like nothing's even happened.

Yeah, well,
he wasn't eating much

when he got here,

but he's turned into
a bit of a chow hound now.

Have you had him
since he was a pup?

My husband found him
outside of his barracks

in beirut
on christmas morning,

had no idea where he came from,
or how old he was,

so we just decided

that christmas day
would be his birthday.

Buddy's a lucky dog.

How often does an animal
find two loving homes

in one lifetime, right?

Sometimes, they
don't find one.

Hey, em, you're
kind of quiet.

You got any questions?

Not really.

A photographer, huh,
is that what you are?

It's just
a hobby for now.

Her mother was
a freelance photographer

for "manhattan style
and living magazine."

This was her camera.

Do you shoot color
or black and white?

Black and white.

Ooh, a purist.

You shoot in color,

and you get pictures
of people's clothing.

Black and white,

more of a picture
into their soul.

You're lucky,

not everybody has
an artist's eye like that.

Are you here to take him
home?

Em...

it's all right.

You know what, emma, i,
uh...

first i just wanted to make sure that he was--

he was healthy and safe--

and you guys are
taking good care of him,

which you are.

The three of us

are just going to
talk about it, okay?

Dad, can i be excused?

Of course.

I guess
the three of us

are not going to
talk about it.

I can't even imagine
what she's going through.

Sally.

Yeah.

Honestly,
i don't know

how we're going
to reconcile this.

She's had to shoulder a lot
over the last two years,

and i don't really feature
hurting her more.

I-i hear you.

I get it.

It's just, uh...

how about we...

how about we talk in a few days?
Is that doable?

Yeah.

Okay.

Hey, buddy.

Paw?

You be a good boy, okay?

This isn't goodbye. Okay?

I love you, buddy.

You have my cell

and my home phone number,
and my email, okay?

Yeah, yeah,
i got it.

I, uh,

i'd like to say goodbye
to your daughter,

if i could?

Yeah.

Hey, em!

Why don't you come out?

Sally's leaving.

I just wanted
to say thank you.

Thank me?

I didn't do anything.

Well, you took in a stranger
when he needed a home

not a lot of people have
a heart as big as that.

So, thank you so much.

Buddy, come!

Good boy, you go
inside with emma.

You're good
with kids.

I've had a bit
of practice,

i write
children's books, too.

You're, uh...

you're "the" sally brown.

Yeah, i guess...
you could say that.

It didn't click
until just now.

We have most of them inside.

Oh, no kidding?

My wife used to
read them.

To emma.

Wow, that's great,
thanks for letting me know.

I appreciate it.

Buddy will be okay,
all right?

Yeah, i know.

I know he will.

It's just me.
I, uh...

thank you very much
for letting me come by.

I appreciate it.

That's fine.

Take care.

They're good people,

and they're taking
very good care of buddy.

That must have
been awkward.

Yeah, i kind of felt like
an intruder in their home.

Legally, they can
keep him, right?

Yeah.

I mean, it's all up to mark.

He's a single dad.

Handsome.

He's a good man,
you can tell it in his eyes.

Did i mention that
he was good-looking?

I haven't heard you talk about someone like this

for a long time.

It's like you like him.

Oh, please.
I was just kidding.

I really haven't
given it any thought.

I just want him
to give my dog back.

Do you trust him?

What, with buddy?

With everything.

I just pray that he makes
the right decision.

So, what happens next?

I really don't know.

There's no manual

on how to deal with
a mess like this.

She was very sweet
to emma, though.

I appreciated that.

She's actually
a children's book author?

Oh. Self-published?

No, she's, uh,
she's big-time.

Oh.

You know, buddy's mom
is famous in that world.

Emma couldn't
believe it.

Well, that's cool.

What's she like?

She's very pretty.

She seems like a nice woman.

It would have been
a heck of a lot easier

if she'd have been awful,
you know.

You're being awfully brave.

About what?

You fell in love with that dog the minute you saw him,

and now...

this woman
wants to take him away?

What are you gonna do,
right?

Hey, emma.

Jacob?

Awesome dog.

Can i pet him?

Sure.

Buddy's super friendly.

I've always wanted
a dog like this.

My mom's a cat person.

Have you started your paper for mrs.
Wallace's class yet?

"My best christmas ever?"

It feels like an assignment
for third-graders.

Besides, hasn't everything

already been written
about christmas?

Between dickens and dr.
Seuss?

I'm focusing more
on my book report for her.

It's a bigger part
of our grade anyway.

Whatever.

See you guys around.

Come on, buddy.

Emma!

Don't pay attention
to those nimrods.

I'm reading
"to kill a mockingbird."

I love harper lee.

My dad has a first edition.

Someday, i'm going to get
atticus finch glasses.

They'd look cool on you.

Thanks.

Well, see you around.

I had the coolest thing
happen in town today.

Mm-hmm?

I ran into some
kids from school.

There's this
cool kid, jacob.

I didn't even know
he knew my name,

but he started talking to
me,

all because of buddy.

Well, good
things happen

with that dog around, right?

Have you
talked from that lady?

Sally?

What are we going to do,
dad?

I feel sorry for her,

but buddy's
a part of our family now.

I don't know, hon'.

I don't have the answers.

I wish that i did.

You know,
you and i will have to work it out together.

So...

tell me about this boy.

Hey, what's up,
partner? Huh?

What are you doing?

Oh, what a great dog.

What's his name?

Buddy.

I love shepherds,

they're the best dogs
ever, right?

Can i pet him?

Yeah, go ahead.
He'll be your friend for life.

So, uh,
where are you guys from?

Santa's village
up on main.

We're santa's helpers.

We like to have lunch
once in a while

and compare our war stories.

Well, i'll tell you what,
the coffee's on the house

for all the work you guys do
this time of year.

You knew exactly
what you were doing,

didn't you, buddy?

I should change the name
of this joint to buddy's.

Hi, you've reached mark.

Please leave a message
after the tone.

What are we going to do,
buddy?

Hmm?

What are we
gonna do...

emma...

it's time to get ready for
bed.

I had the best dream
about mom.

Yeah?

I dream about her
all the time.

I'm glad
we have these pictures.

She lived
for the holidays.

She had a very generous
spirit.

Remember how
she used to bake cookies

for everybody
in the neighborhood?

Even the people
she didn't know.

Yeah.

She'd know what to do, dad.

About what?

Buddy.

I've been thinking
about it a lot.

I have this paper due,
"my best christmas ever."

Then a thought came,

what if my best christmas ever hasn't happened yet?

Well, what would be
your best christmas?

To have you and me and mom
together for christmas,

as a family again,

but i know that
can't happen for us.

But it can for buddy.

Buddy has a chance to go
home.

He needs to be
with his mom for christmas.

That would be

"his best christmas ever."

That's the most beautiful gift that you could give him.

I couldn't be
more proud of you.

I know your mother
would be, too.

All right, you, uh,
you get ready for bed.

I'm going to miss
that sound.

There you go, come on.

Buddy! Hi!

Hi!

Hey.

Thank you so much.

This means the world
to me, emma.

It really does.

Thank you.

Good boy, come here.

Give it to me.

Oh, yeah...

dad, that's just
like he does at home.

Yeah?

He could do this
for hours.

You leave that outside.

House.

Good boy.

- After you.
- Thank you.

It smells like
a bakery in here.

Oh, yeah?

I'm getting ready
to send a shipment

of some care packages
over to the troops.

My son is stationed
in afghanistan.

I'll take your coats.

I was in
the reserves.

There's nothing
quite like

getting a care package
from home.

I'm sure your son feels
the same way.

I pray for the day
when he gets back,

that way, i'll have
both my boys at home.

Right, buddy?

Uh, well, can i
get you guys anything?

Some hot chocolate maybe?
Does that sound good?

Yeah.

Can i give you a hand?

I would love that.

Do me a favor, emma,

and keep buddy
out of these boxes.

There are cookies in there,
and he's got a sweet tooth.

You know, you needn't have
gone to all this trouble.

Oh, no, no, it's absolutely
my pleasure.

It's the least i could do.

I mean, i really
honestly

could have picked up buddy.

Well, truthfully,

we wanted to see
where buddy lives,

just to know that
we'd done the right thing,

but i can see we did.

Well, i'm glad you think
that.

So, what can i do?

Uh...

well, you could
sift the cocoa, i guess?

I can do that.

Okay.

Ah, a molinillo.

I don't think
i've ever met anyone

who knows what
that crazy thing is.

Well, we sell
a lot of hot chocolate

at this time of year
at the shop.

Oh, yeah, right.

I read somewhere

that the mayans

considered the molinillo
to be a magical instrument.

They believed that

the "spirit of the drink"

was in the froth.

Really?

Good manners
and well read,

no wonder buddy
likes you.

Yeah, he really appreciates
the well-read part.

Uh, excuse me,
i need the...

excuse me, sorry.

Not at all.

I haven't had
a man in the kitchen

helping me out
in a long time.

I find that
hard to believe.

It's true.

No dating?

Well, seems like
a very strange word.

No, there...

there hasn't been anybody.

No, i kind of feel like
that part of me is...

is lost.

If that makes
any sense.

Yeah, i mean, uh,
i've heard stories

of this happening to people,

but, you know,

you never think
it's going to happen to you.

No.

Yeah, nothing in the world could
have prepared me for this.

But, um, what
am i talking about?

I'm rambling.

That's what happens
when you live alone

for a really long time.

It's okay.

Uh, we're ready
for the milk?

I believe we are.

Nice and warm.

Great.

Sorry.

Oh, right. Yeah.

I'm sorry.

I just didn't know i was
going to get a floor show.

Yeah, it's professional
hazard, you know?

It's a little thing
i do for emma at work.

Oh, yeah, that's...

yeah, your sister,
greta, told me

that you have
a coffee shop.

Yeah. Yeah,
"serious brew."

We offer a little bit of
razzle dazzle,

a little bit of fosse

with every drink.

It embarrasses
the heck out of emma.

Well, we live to
embarrass our kids.

Exactly, right?

Or at least
they think that

until they have
children of their own.

Phew, it is
hot in here.

I forgot to
turn off the fire

on the stove.

Are we good?

Yeah.

And this is buddy's favorite
napping spot,

otherwise known as my
studio.

Wow, and look at all these capaldi book awards.

Can i have emma up
to have a look at them?

She's an avid reader,
thanks to your books.

She'd be blown away.

Yeah, absolutely.

Great.

Emma, why don't you
come up here and see this?

I have
"james in wonderland."

Oh, yeah?

I made mom
read it to me

about 10,000 times.

Probably more.

Buddy comes from
a famous family.

Yeah, well,
he's going to be the star of my next book, too.

Oh, yeah?
What's it about?

It's about
how buddy brings good luck

wherever he goes.

Yeah?

I don't really have
the whole story yet

because it's been
a little difficult to write

with him not being here,

but he's back,

and so i think that the end
is forthcoming.

Well, you've certainly
captured his essence here.

Thanks.

Have you got a title?

Oh, no.
Inspiration has yet to strike.

Any suggestions?

What about, "buddy's
most excellent adventure?"

I love it.

Or, uh...

"buddy,
the christmas shepherd?"

Dad, that's great.

I like that.

That's actually really good.

It's a perfect play on
words.

Thank you, mark.

Dad used to work
in advertising.

Oh, yeah, did he?

What's an ad man doing
owning a coffee house?

Ah, it's a long story,

but maybe that's better
for another time, actually.

It's a school night,

so we should probably
get going.

Well, there you go.

The tour.

Life imitates art.

Kind of.

Come.

I've been dreading
this all day, huh?

Yeah.

I can't
thank you enough.

You've given me

the best christmas
present imaginable.

Could we come and visit?

Absolutely.

Anytime you want,
that door is always open, okay?

Bye, buddy.

I'm going to miss you.

Hey, how you doing, pal?

See you.

Come on, sweetheart.

Yeah.

You okay?

I don't know
what it is about sally,

i feel like
i've always known her.

How so?

Maybe it's from reading
her books since i was a kid.

Like meeting a pen pal.

I can see that.

She's a remarkable woman.

We're never
seeing them again, are we?

I don't know, hon'.

I don't want them
to go either.

Come on.

Come on.

Hair,
young lady?g]

dad, i can't find
my ipad anywhere.

It has my notes
for my book report on it,

and it's due this week.

Okay, did you, uh,

did you take it with you
yesterday?

Maybe leave it in the car,
or at sally's?

I did my homework
in the car.

I don't remember
that much.

I was such a mess.

I'm sorry, dad, i messed up.

Don't worry about it,
we'll find it, all right?

Grab your stuff

let's go.

Hey, graham?

Guess what? He's back.

Yeah, yeah, he's home.

He's healthy and happy
and it's all good.

Up to his old tricks.

Yeah, i absolutely
will get you what i have

before you go away
for christmas.

Yeah, i'm just happy
to be writing again.

I have to call you back,
graham.

Buddy, what are you into?

What is this?

Uh, graham, i'm going to
have to call you back.

Okay, all right.

I'll speak to you soon. Bye.

Hello.

Hey, mark, it's sally
brown.

You're never going to guess
what i found under the tree

this morning.

If i was to hazard a guess

i would say that you found
emma's tablet?

Yes!

I have no idea how it got
there.

Buddy found it.

Actually, we've been
running around all morning

in a dither looking for it.

She's got a book report
that's due on friday.

And it's on that thing.

Oh, no, i'm so sorry.

Well, listen, i could
email the report,

or even drop it by if you
want.

Oh, i don't want you to
go to that kind of trouble.

Oh, come on,
after all you've done,

of course i can.

All right,
i'll tell you what,

make you a deal.

Perhaps we could
meet half way?

There's a wonderful little
christmas market

in framingham.

What do you say?

7:00 at the coffee kiosk?

Sounds good,
i'm looking forward to it.

Yeah, me too. Thanks.

Okay, we'll
see you later then.

Bye.

♪ Oh, holy night

♪ the stars
are brightly shining ♪

you're a saint
for doing this.

Emma wanted me
to tell you

that you had, quote,
"saved her life."

I'm happy
to help out, really.

And how's buddy doing?

Oh, back to
his old tricks.

Same old routine.

Yeah.

I know this was hard
for you and emma, and...

i wish there was
a way we could--

give him a scratch.
Tell him we miss him.

Absolutely.
Every chance i get.

This coffee's
all right for a kiosk.

You can taste
the smokiness.

I taste black coffee.

Okay...

all right,
it's like that, right?

You got to let it
sit on your palate.

You know, allow the bouquet
to come to life.

Inhale...

you know?

I'm not much
of a connoisseur,

so you lost me
on that one.

Try my double mocha latte
blanco milkshake,

it'll make you
a believer.

I think i can hear
the commercial jingle

right now.

Well, sounds decadent,

but the next time
i'm in waltham,

i'm going to expect

a life-changing
coffee experience, please.

I'll do my best
to deliver.

Shall we sit?

Yeah.

Why did you leave
madison avenue?

Uh, well...

i was doing well there,
work-wise--

really well, i guess,

but after lauren died,

i just decided that
"really well" wasn't enough.

So, i quit my job,

and i wanted em to be close
to my family in boston,

so i moved here.

So, you know,
you asked me this the other day,

and i'm going to ask you,

have, uh,

are you dating again?

Well, with
moving from new york,

and trying to start
a new business,

and emma, i...

no.

You know, it just...

dating takes
a lot of time.

Oh, my goodness,
and it's so much work.

Seriously, i don't even
know why we do it anymore.

No, they should ban it.

It's nice
to talk to someone

who understands
what i'm talking about.

You fall in love,
and you get married...

not to be naive,

but you assume

that you're going to
be with that person forever.

I used to love
to ice skate.

Oh, yeah?

You wouldn't catch me
dead out there,

not this guy.

Really?

Yeah.

Arms out
to your side.

This was a terrible
idea, sally.

No, it's a great idea.

Put your right foot
behind you

at a 60-degree angle,

and push off with
the inside of that edge.

Right there, like that.

And i'm going to
do all of this

at the same time?

All of it
at the same time.

All at the same time.

You know,
interestingly enough,

i was born without
a center of gravity.

And thus, i cannot skate.

And i cannot dance,
and cannot ski.

Sounds like
a horrible life.

I got you,
don't worry.

You're fine,
doing good.

You're beautiful,
you know that?

Stop, you're silly.

Oh!

Are you okay? Are you okay?
Are you okay?

You know what?

That's what happens
when you say silly things.

It's nice down here.

No, no, no,
you gotta get up.

There's other skaters.

It's rude, you've got
to get off the ice.

All right.

Okay, all right.

Ooh, sorry.

We almost bonked heads.

Okay, you know,

we're going to go
to the outside track now.

I don't think
that's a very good idea.

No, it's a great idea.

One loop, all the way
around.

No crashes,
no falls, no accidents,

and nobody gets hurt,

and stop making me laugh,
it's distracting.

Hey, kid.

Hey.

Yes!

Yeah... yeah,
sally said

she hopes you get an "a"
on your report.

I will now.

Perfect.

Dad, you're limping.

Yeah, why don't you
mind your own business.

Against
my better judgment,

i allowed myself
to be convinced

that i should go ice skating
with sally last night.

You went ice skating?

I went ice skating.

Sally got you
on the ice?

She did, she
got me on the ice.

Might have went down
a few times.

I don't believe it.

Believe it.

She is, uh,

also going to
come over for a drink

tomorrow night.

She's bringing
buddy.

Yes, buddy.

But, dad, you just
saw her yesterday.

Why's she coming over?

Well, we had a...

you know,
we had a good time,

so we thought
it might be fun, right?

Good job, dad.

Good job
for what, em?

Oh, you're
a funny kid.

You're really funny.

Buddy, come here!

Hi, emma!

He's been so excited
about this

all day.

Hey, mark,
you're limping.

What's going on?

You did this to me.

You're a terrible
person.

I what?

Oh, from ice skating,
are you kidding me?

I don't know how you did it.

I've been trying to get
my dad to go skating with me

since i was little.

Yeah? Well, he showed
great potential,

but he's got a lot
of work to do.

Know what i'm sayin'?

Potential.

Um, guys, i hate
to tell you this,

but you do know that christmas is just a little bit away.

You couldn't put up
a papier-mache angel?

From fresh crepe, maybe,
a little something?

No, i've been on her case
for about three weeks now

to get a tree.

Oh, yeah?

We've been busy...

well, i gotta tell ya,

you happen to be
in the presence

of the best christmas tree
shopper in the world.

Is that right?

Mm-hmm.

Is there anything
that you're not good at?

No, no, no, no, not me.

Buddy over there.

Mm-hmm, i promise you,

he will pick out the best
christmas tree on the lot.

Now, mind you, it will be
the most expensive.

Dad, sorry about that,

but he's got champagne
taste.

I don't know.

Come on.

Why not, right?

Why don't we go get ourselves some holiday cheer?

Yeah!

Bring your camera, too.

I bet you get
some great pictures.

Okay.

Human drama
at its best, right?

Yeah, let's do it.

Come on, pal.

It's kind of amazing that
you got her to do this.

I remember not wanting
to put up a tree,

or celebrate
anything, actually.

So, what are the chances
of us convincing you

to join us for dinner?

Oh, i've got a big
shipment of care packages

going out early
in the morning,

but thank you.
Maybe another time?

Oh, i think we may have
gotten something.

No way.

This is way too expensive.

I know it's beautiful,

and i love this blue spruce, too, but...

no... buddy, no!

Can somebody help me?

You okay?

Yeah.

Jacob, what are you
doing here?

It's my uncle's lot.

I help out after school.

Hey, buddy?

You want this one?

No way, my dad would freak
if he saw the price tag.

It's one of the nicest
trees on the lot.

Just came in
from vermont,

i think it might be
on hold for a customer.

Sorry, buddy.

We'll find
something else.

I don't see
a "hold" tag.

Maybe they canceled.

It's okay.

No, it's
a beautiful tree, em.

You've got great taste.

Do you want to see if they could cut you a deal?

Sure.

Buddy's going to drive me
crazy.

I stopped by study hall
the other day

looking for you.

You did?

I was in the gym

watching them set up for the christmas dance, and...

that stuff usually
doesn't get to me,

but i started
thinking about going.

Oh, uh,
you'll have a great time.

With you.

All good on this side!

Good.

Hey, buddy.

All right.

Good to meet you,
jacob. Thanks.

Thanks, mr. Greene.

Emma, i'll send you a text
about the dance.

Okay.

- See you.
- Bye.

Emma, he's cute.

Buddy, come on!

Come on, buddy! Up!

Atta boy.

Good boy, buddy.

Good boy.

Thing like a live tree,
good huh? Buddy.

My dad really likes you.

What?

No, it's buddy.

No one can resist falling head over heels for that dog.

No, he lights up
when he's around you.

Okay.

: I think we can
get this thing

through the front door.

All right,
let's do this.

Okay,
watch out, honey.

Want to grab
the front end here?

The top, i guess.

All right, okay.

Oh, buddy...
this is a good one!

What are you doing?

Oh, my god... okay.

You be traffic cop
there, emma.

Okay.

All right,
where are we going?

To the right.

To the what, to the right?

No, to the left!

Your left,
the other left.

This is...
oh, it's not gonna...

i think this was
an ill-conceived plan.

Maybe we should take it
through the kitchen door?

You know, i do this
every year.

Let's take the back
in first, right?

Here, we got it?

Come on out.

All right, there we go.

Okay, here we go.

Let's stuff it
in there.

I think we got it
this time.

Here we go.

Here we go.

Okay, a little bit
to the right.

Gotta go to the right,
gotta go to the right.

Go to the right.

Loosen it up there, baby,
loosen it up, em.

To the right,
to the right.

How we doing?

Could it
be good now?

Yeah.

Is it good? Okay.
Can i come out?

You good?

He likes that
i'm done down there.

- Yeah?
- I think that's good.

Come?
Good boy.

You heading out?

Yeah. Yeah,
i think you guys got it.

Looks good.

I'll walk you out.

Okay, bye, em.

Bye.

Good boy.

We have said goodbye
an awful lot

for two people
who just met.

Yeah.

I just, i've
got to get home,

i've got that shipment
in the morning, so...

well, when do you figure
we'll see you again?

Uh, well,
i'm really racing a deadline on my book.

The editor in boston

wants me to have
a rough draft by christmas,

so i'm sure
i'll be swamped.

Buddy, come.

He's looking pretty
comfortable there.

Yeah, he never
does this.

Hey...

i know, buddy,
but we've got to go home.

We've got to go home.

Buddy, come.

Come.

Buddy, come here.

Ah, ah, i don't know
where you're going

hey. Here, bud.

Go on, up you go.

It's like he didn't
want to go.

Well, maybe he's...
been confused.

All this, your house,
my house,

and back and forth.

Ah, he's just
having a good time,

and he doesn't want to go.

Isn't that right, buddy?

So you're going to be
back in town

to see your editor,
is that right?

Uh, maybe on the 23rd, yeah.

Oh, well,
that's the same night as emma's dance.

If you're around,
maybe come by for a drink.

I'm sure going to need one

by the time i get her
out the door, you know?

It's her first dance.

Yeah, well, i'll, uh,
i'll see how my schedule goes.

- All right.
- Sounds good.

Yeah.

Take care.

See you, buddy.

Hey, scooch over,
i'm driving, buddy.

: Well, why don't you
just admit

that you really like him.

Not too much change, okay?

I just, i want to look
like myself.

Know what, just
let me do my thing.

Okay?

So, what are you
so afraid of?

I don't know.

When we were decorating
the christmas tree,

i just, i just felt like
i'm not... i'm not ready,

i don't know.

Ready for,
i don't know,

some happiness
in your life?

It felt as if...

i was instantly
a part of their family,

boom, just like that,

and-and i just feel
like that's...

it scared me, okay?

Yeah, it scared me.

It's too much, too soon.

Mark is...

he's the first guy

that i've had any kind
of feelings for since...

yeah,

but you know what,
getting cold feet

is not a really
big deal.

It just means
you're feeling something,

and that's a good thing,
right?

Yes, he's a...
mark is a good guy.

He's a very good guy.

Look, you want to
see mark again,

and you want to
look nice,

and...

now that
buddy's home,

there's nothing
standing in your way.

It's time to start living
again.

It's just a really big step.

Well, it's not
a marriage proposal,

and you're not buying
a house together.

Uh, all you're
saying "yes" to

is a cup of coffee.

It's a milkshake.

He's a milkshake
kind of guy.

Okay...

even better.

Dad!

Yeah?

If you call jacob
and tell him i'm sick,

i'll do the dishes for a
year.

Though that is
a very enticing offer,

i'm going to have to
decline.

He's early!

Tell him i have
food poisoning.

Tell him i ran away!

Hey, sally.
Hey, buddy.

Come on in.

Come on in,
i wasn't expecting you.

- Is it okay?
- Yeah, of course.

Good. Phew!

Excuse
the chaos here.

Emma's still
getting ready.

Oh, good,
she's still here.

I was just downtown
with my editor.

Oh, that's right.
Did you finish the book?

Ah, well, i gave him
the final draft,

so i hope he likes it.

That's great.

Did they cancel the dance
because of the storm?

Not yet.

Hi, emma.

Are you almost ready?

Uh, no, but hopefully
i will be

within the next four years.

Hmm, well,
we won't keep you long.

Buddy and i wanted to
bring you and your dad

something for christmas,

and i've given it
a lot of thought.

I don't think i'll ever
be able to thank you enough

for what you did.

Can i open it now,

or should we wait till christmas tomorrow morning?

Go ahead.

Oh, just tear into it.

Get it.

The bow is...
ah, there we go.

Oh...

wow, it's beautiful.

It's the original,
we can't accept that.

Well, you know,
the publisher's got a copy of it.

The original
belongs here.

Well, thank you.

Especially because

i couldn't have
finished it without you.

Well, we will hang it
in a place of honor.

Over
the fireplace, dad,

that way, we can
see it every day.

All right.

Why don't we
do it now?

All right.

Got it?

Can you bring
the other one down?

Yeah.

All right.

Okay.

Let's hope it fits.

Yeah.

- Does it?
- Oh, there we go.

It does.

It's beautiful.

It looks great.

If he shows up early,
can you guys stall him?

This could take a while.

Well, rome wasn't
built in a day, kid.

Know what, dad,
that is so not comforting.

That is not what i...
i did not mean...

poor thing,
it's her first dance.

Mine was a disaster
in crimson taffeta,

i gotta be honest.

Can i get you anything?

You want an eggnog?

Sure.

Yeah?
All right.

That'd be great.

Your tree--
the tree looks beautiful!

Thanks!

Oh, no,

this is not
happening!

Uh, would you like me
to look in on her?

You know, that would...
that would be great.

Yeah.

Hey, em?

Uh, permission
to enter?

Uh, sure.

Hey...

can you use
an extra set of hands?

I wish i was
tall like you.

I'm not tall.

Bet you're going to be
taller than i am

someday anyway,

and you know what,
tall is highly overrated,

and a quick fix.

You know how?
What are you wearing?

Um, i'm wearing this.

Perfect, i love it.

That'll be gorgeous,
nice and colorful.

Your hair looks nice.

You think so?

My sister
talked me into it.

I'm not very adventurous,

but i'm working on it,
you know?

Okay, maybe if we try
a little up-do?

What do you say?

Try that?

You twist it around
a little bit,

and put it up

with a little bit of
something coming down.

What do you think?

If you can do it,
then i can, too.

All right,
you got a deal.

Maybe if we put
a pretty flower

or a pin in there,
what do you say?

- Okay.
- Okay.

Ooh, how about
that one?

That one's pretty.

It was my mom's.

Well, perfect then.

Who is that girl?

I don't know her.

Sure, you do.

She's been there
all along,

she just needed
a little coaxing.

Let's try it.

Is that my little girl?

Dad, you're embarrassing me.

You look like your mother.

Thank you.

Where did you
find that?

It was in mom's
jewelry box.

Is it okay
that i'm wearing it?

Of course.

Nothing would
make me happier.

Is that
a family heirloom?

When lauren and i
were first married,

i was deployed
to germany,

and it was
during the holidays,

so i wanted to get her
something for christmas.

Then i sent her that.

She always used to wear it
this time of year.

Well, it couldn't be
more perfect, could it?

That would be your
gentleman caller there.

Okay, shh,
keep it cool,

play it cool,
play it cool.

How you doing, jacob.

- Good, how are you?
- Not bad.

How are the roads
out there?

It's coming down really hard.
The plows are already out.

That's quite an eyeful
you're wearing there.

My mother was horrified when i found it in the attic.

She had to have two
glasses of chardonnay.

But wait, there's more...

wow.

All right,
come on in then.

Shh.

Wow.

You look...
unbelievable, em.

Thanks, jacob.

You too.

We should probably
get going.

Uh, wait,
a photo opportunity.

This is a moment, this occasion.
We need to get a picture.

Stand over there

before you
get out of here, escape.

Let me get
my picture-taking thing.

Okay, let's, uh...

we all say "rudolph the red-nosed german shepherd!"

"Rudolph, the red-nosed

german shepherd!"

Nice.

What about you, sally?

Oh, no, no, no,
we're just visiting.

Come on.

You're practically
part of the family. Come on.

- Will you take the picture?
- No pictures--

ah, come on,
come on.

All right, well, buddy,
you've got to be in it, too.

Come here.
Come here, buddy.

Come on, come on, buddy.
Yeah, come.

Come and sit.

You come and sit.

You sit...

good boy.

Sally, could you move
a bit closer to mr. G?

Sure.

Closer.

Oh, come on, get the shot there,
ansel adams.

All right,
there we go.

You guys go.

I love you.
You have fun.

You guys have
a good time.

I will.
Thank you, dad.

- Bye, em.
- Bye.

Don't forget your
jacket, sweetheart.

I won't.

Okay.

They look so cute,
don't they?

Okay, well, she's off,
and it's late, so...

you want to stick around
and have a cup of tea, or...

no, no, no, that's okay.

We--with the weather like this,
we should get going.

You know,
you can stay

if you'd like.

We have a guest room.

Emma and i can make you
breakfast in the morning.

That's, uh...
we-we couldn't impose.

It's no imposition.

It's fine,

and besides, big red, you know,
he's gotten us through worse,

so, uh...

buddy! Where are you?

Okay, go, buddy.

Careful there.

Whoa...
yeah, yeah, yeah.

Buddy, buddy,
buddy, come!

Come on!

The snow is
throwing him off.

Whoa! You okay?

Yeah, i'm good.

Come on, pal.

Good boy. Up!

Up, up, up.

Good boy.

Good boy, buddy.

You...

you feel this, right?

I mean, i'm not alone
in this, am i?

No, but i'm not 18 anymore,
and i'm not good at this.

Either am i.

I just need to go slow.

Yeah.

♪ On an ice floe

♪ something's
melting below ♪

♪ when must i let go

♪ all the snowflakes

♪ crystal signature love

♪ sent from up above...

♪ and i'm lost without
you...

okay, buddy, it's okay.

It's okay, buddy, it's okay.

Pop the hood...

you stay.

You don't want to
come out here.

Hello?

Hi, mark, it's sally.

I'm so sorry to be calling,

but, um, i've got
a bit of an emergency.

Where are you?
Are you okay?

We are at ninth and main.

Buddy and i are fine.

We're fine,
it's just, it's, uh...

it's the truck.

Okay, i'll, uh,
i'll come find you.

Okay.

Thank you.

You stay.

No, no, you stay.

I can't believe it.

I think it's
electrical,

and everything is closed
because of the storm,

so maybe you could take us
to a hotel?

Are you crazy?

I'm not going to take you
to a hotel.

Well...

i...

i shouldn't have left again.

I... i panicked,

i'm sorry.

I just still feel frozen
inside.

Look...

there's a reason we met.

Out of all the lost dogs

and rescue shelters
in the world,

somehow, we found each
other.

I'm going to take you home.

Both of you.

Okay.

Come on,
let's get him.

Come on, buddy.

I had a great
time tonight, jacob.

You were the prettiest
girl there, em.

Merry christmas, jacob.

You too.

Hey, kid.

Buddy?

What are you guys
doing here?

Well, big red finally
gave up the ghost on me,

so, uh, we're just

going to hang here tonight.

That okay?

Are you kidding?
Absolutely!

We found
the star.

- Want to put it up?
- Sure.

How was the dance?

How was it?
We want details.

Was he a gentleman,
i hope?

Yes, he was a gentleman.

Good.

We had a great time.

We danced
every dance.

Every dance.

Slow dances, fast dances?

All of the above.

Wow...

there's a bunch of presents
down here for you.

I don't know...

but this has
my name on it.

It does?

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