In this episode , the Simpson family 's dog , `` Santa 's Little Helper '' , somehow gets to infuriate the whole family by tearing up Homer 's new shoes , ruining a family heirloom , and eating Homer 's cookie . In this episode , the Simpson family 's dog , Santa 's Little Helper , manages to infuriate the entire family by destroying Homer 's new shoes , ruining a family heirloom , and devouring Homer 's cookie .