Those of you who have followed my blog are familiar with our wonderful beagle, Jello. Last month I featured her on Lens-Artists Challenge #178. Sadly, last week Jello passed away from congestive heart failure. She was with us at the condo and went peacefully in the night with us by her side. Dog lovers know how difficult it is to lose your loved furry family member, and how important it is to remember the joy they brought into our lives.
For this week’s challenge, I offer a short-short story that I wrote from Jello’s perspective. It tells of a real event from one of our walks that most certainly was memorable to me!
Jello’s Spring Adventure ~ ©Lindy Le Coq
It was early one morning last spring when we were at our forever condo. Mom was making coffee and fixing my breakfast, while I sat patiently looking out the sliding-glass door for deer. Suddenly I saw something move through the undergrowth and amble across the meadow. It was big and round, certainly not a deer, so I started baying like crazy and tried to climb through the glass. Mom came right over, but wouldn’t even open the door to let me out! I could hardly believe it, so I just kept baying and complaining until the thing disappeared into the forest. Then I had breakfast.
Mom always takes too much time getting herself organized for our walks, and this morning she was even slower than usual. When I finally was able to sniff around where I’d seen the thing, the scent was getting cold, so I just stored that smell away and focused my nose on the trail to the beach.
A day or so later, on a walk back from the beach, I smelled it again. My hackles lifted, and I started into a deep throaty growl to get Mom’s attention. Then, there it was crossing the trail just ahead of us. On stiff legs, I trotted forward and started into a full bay. Mom freaked out, and yelled at the top of her lungs the one word she knows I’ll obey, STOP!!!!! I did, and the thing took off like a shot through the underbrush into the forest, while I turned back to sniff its trail.
Mom praised me big time for doing as she had asked. She told me the thing was a young Black Bear, and we don’t want to mess with bears. I didn’t much like its odor anyway. Besides, Mom lets me chase deer through the dunes when we’re out on our walks, and though I never catch up with them, its great fun to try!
Wherever your travels take you, please remember to be kind and stay safe.🐾
Lindy Low LeCoq 