A Royal Christmas Tail

You ready for your big day?

Say hi.

All right.

Here he is.

Okay. Oh.

The adoption is complete and he is officially yours.

Riley, we can't thank you enough.

Oh, we're the ones thanking you.

I think he's gonna make a great addition to the family,

and the Morningside Animal Rescue

truly appreciates you adopting.

So many people just go out and buy a puppy for Christmas.

They don't even consider adopting a homeless pet.

Well, it's something we've always believed in.

And we're so grateful you do.

What's his name?

Well, you can give him any name you like.

Really? Any name?

Any name.

As soon as you start feeding this little guy,

he will answer to whatever you call him.

The choice is yours.

All right. I'm gonna name him Dasher.

Dasher? Like Santa's reindeer?

Sure. Why not?

I think that's a perfect name.

Oh. Thanks, Jill.

Here is his adoption certificate,

as well as his vet's clean bill of health.

Everything you need. Oh!

And here is a Christmas stocking full of things to keep him busy.

Thank you so much. You've all been so great.

Can I grab a picture of you guys for our wall?

-Sure. -Of course.

All right.

Great. And hold up the certificate.

Say "Christmas."

-Christmas! -Christmas!

-Christmas! -Perfect. Thanks.

And this is for you. $400.

Thank you. That is very generous.

But our adoption fee is actually only $250.

We know, but we realized what a difficult time

this must be for your rescue, and, well,

we appreciate what you're trying to do here,

and we can afford it.

Thank you.

It is a little lean around here during the holidays,

so I truly appreciate this.

We won't say no.

Thank you guys so much. That's very kind of you.

-Everybody ready to go? -Yeah!

Yeah.

Merry Christmas.

Get home safe.

One more out the door.

So Jill, how many guests do we have left?

-Funny you should ask. -Funny why?

Funny 'cause I had a call from the city animal shelter

this morning asking me the same question.

Why would the city care?

I don't know, but they do.

Do you want the good news first or the bad news?

Oh, boy. Uh, hit me with the good news first.

Okay. We'll, we got 15 dogs, 10 cats,

and of course, a small horse, and a goat.

And that's the good news?

What's the bad news?

We got a certified letter in the mail today from the leasing office.

What did it say?

Just another notice about an increase in the security deposit

if you wanna renew the lease in January.

You know, I keep calling them over there, but no one will get back to me.

It's like talking to a brick wall.

All right. Anything else?

Yeah. Mrs. O'Grady came in this morning.

She's waiting in your office.

Oh, boy.

Does she have a basket with her?

What do you think?

I think it's gonna be a very interesting day.

Come on.

-Let's get back inside now. -Yeah.

What kind of establishment have you booked us into,

Your Highness?

It's called Granville Place.

It's a very quaint, off-the-radar bed and breakfast,

registered under your name, of course.

Of course.

I reserved the entire B&B to ensure our privacy

so no one should be bothering us.

Very forward thinking of you, Prince Edward.

Don't sound so surprised, Martin.

Just so you know, I am fully capable

of managing my own affairs.

I could have planned this trip entirely on my own,

if not for the eyebrows

it would have raised at the palace.

Sir, I wish you would let me in on what this trip is all about.

I feel lost in a cloud of mystery.

Lost in a cloud of mystery?

Don't be so dramatic.

I take one little holiday to visit my old college friend Andrew,

and now I'm a man of dark intrigue.

But, Your Highness, you are the Royal Prince of Vallenberg.

And royal princes don't just take a leave of absence

during the busy Christmas season.

Well, I am and I just have.

I'm a grown man with grown-man plans.

But, Your Highness, surely you can confide in me.

Yes, in due time, Martin. In due time.

Mrs. Hinchley left this,

for Winston's new family, whoever it might be.

I think it's his special dietary needs,

his likes and dislikes,

but it can only be opened by whoever adopts the poor boy.

Is that clear?

Perfectly clear. No one else can open it.

Bless you girls.

Oh, you're saints.

You really are.

I'm sure I'll see you again soon.

Oh, I'm sure.

That sounded like a threat.

How many rescues has she brought in this month?

Uh, I think that's three, but it's still early.

Where does she find them all?

I hope she's not kidnapping them.

Oh, she just has a big heart.

All right, buddy. Okay.

Did I just see Ms. O'Grady leaving?

Uh, quite possibly.

Steve, meet Winston, the newest member of our family.

I figured something might be up.

Oh, he's a good looking fella.

He sure is.

I'm just a little worried about his circumstances.

Single owner, passed away suddenly,

never been around children or pets before,

so I'm not quite sure what his temperament will be,

but I guess we'll find out soon enough.

Would you actually mind taking him into the back and seeing if he's hungry?

Sure. When I was at Dr. Conners' office

delivering the gift baskets that we got him,

and he told me he was leaving town this afternoon.

Won't be back until after Christmas.

Till after Christmas?

-Yeah. -Oh, no.

So if we don't get Winston in there before he breaks for lunch,

we may not get the health certificate

we need to adopt him out.

I mean, we could take him to another vet tomorrow,

but it may not be free. And right now, free is good.

Yeah. No kidding.

Here is his temporary tag.

Thanks, Jill.

Steve said Dr. Conners is leaving town this afternoon,

so I'm actually gonna head there now

and see if we can get Winston's paperwork all squared away.

-All right. Good luck. -All right. See you guys. Bye.

-Wanna grab a bite? -Let's do it.

Hello?

Oh, lovely place you have here.

Thank you.

May I help you, gentlemen?

Yes, ma'am. I'd like to check in our party.

I believe you have rooms reserved.

Your Royal highness,

we've been awaiting your arrival.

That is his Royal Highness, Prince Edward of Vallenberg.

Ooh, Prince Edward, but of course.

I'll have Jeremy tend to your luggage right away.

Thank you. That would be very much appreciated.

It's been a long journey.

Yes, certainly.

He'll be right here.

Yes, ma'am.

Jeremy, could you see to his Royal Highness' luggage,

please?

And be extra careful.

-Of course. -Car's in the front.

Yes, sir.

Thank you.

I have you in rooms seven and room eight.

But if those are not suitable, you just let me know

and I'll show you the other rooms.

You have access to all of the rooms.

Thank you.

Right this way, gentlemen.

Oh! I got this.

Uh, please allow me.

Excuse me.

-Here, let me... -I can handle things from here.

Are you sure?

Quite sure.

All right.

And... thank you.

Well, that's mighty generous of you, but that's too much money.

Is it?

Well, Merry Christmas.