Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Write something AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL (10/02/14)
- TITLE: The Christmas Dogs
By Jules St. Jermaine
10/09/14 -
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My thoughts drifted, wondering if my family would like the warm and festive environment I’d created. Would any of them offer a kind word? Did other moms think about this, or was it just me? Perhaps, I was selfish.
My daughter’s miniature Yorkie, Ace, jumped onto my lap, all four pounds of him. He’d come to stay with us after her new landlord wouldn't allow pets. Ace looked down, waiting for my old dog Moses to follow. Moses snorted. He wasn't budging.
Ace hopped down as I stood, and both dogs tagged along with me as I inspected the contents of the last Christmas box. Moses put his black Daisy dog paws on top of the green container, sniffing inside. Ace barked while ramming the plastic. Since Moses had the advantage of a few inches, I picked up Ace so he could peek. Ace seemed to smile at Moses, sticking out his tongue.
“Oh my goodness, look at this!” I said, pulling out their Santa dog outfits.
“Moses,” I called, “Come here!” He resisted, so I made the request more firm. He complied with turtle speed.
I turned him upside down, pulling his furry legs through the two holes, taking care to not catch a stray hair while I sealed the Velcro. Without haste, he flipped himself over then darted around the room.
“Ace, it’s your turn!” I said. He ran. I chased him. Using my, you go one way I’ll go the other con move, I snatched him up. In minutes, he was clothed like Santa.
As I admired the two pooches, I had an idea.
“We are going to have some Christmastime fun you guys! “Ace, we are going to make something for your mommy.”
Both dogs stared up at me as I held the bag containing their Santa hats. I grabbed my Nikon Coolpix then shouted, “Follow me boys!”
We marched to my grandma’s walnut buffet where my two foot stuffed Santa sat, waving his black gloved hand. I grabbed Moses first, lifting him up to the left of stuffed Santa then pulled his hat over his lioness head. He shook it off.
“Moses!” I scolded. “Stop that!”
Next, I called for Ace. He ran. I caught him. I placed him up on the right side of stuffed Santa, attaching his hat over his furry brown head. His nose dropped down. His hat fell off.
“Okay, boys,” I said with a pause. “I have another idea. Do you want a treat?”
They shook with excitement, careful not to fall. The moment I put paws to the ground they dashed to the closet of snacks. When I arrived, I saw two dancing dogs.
I carried the bag to the buffet while the dogs pounced at my legs, withholding the incentives. I had them take their place aside Santa.
“Does Ace want a treat?” I asked. He opened his mouth, and I hurried to hat him while inserting a snack. I repeated the process with Moses. As I raised my camera with confidence, they shook off their hats. I sighed, then continued.
“Moses! Ace! You have to behave!”
“We are doing this for Christy, you guys! You should be nice!”
“Moses, look at mommy, look at mommy!”
“No, Ace, you have to leave the hat on!”
“Do you boys want a treat?”
“Moses, you have to sit still!”
“Ace, you can’t lie down! I need both of you sitting!"
“Moses, stop being stubborn!”
“Do you boys want a treat?”
After about an hour of playing behave and treat, I was exhausted. Out of thirty pictures I’d taken only one appeared to be good. I praised the dogs, gave them their final reward then let them romp outdoors.
They slept at my feet as I worked to Photoshop the picture. The outcome was Christmas card cute. Three Santa’s, color coordinated in red, white and black. The only exception being Ace’s tan fur. I uploaded my photo to Facebook, hopeful and enthusiastic for a quick, “Like,” or maybe a gushing, “Aw!” or even a, “Mom, I love it!”
Almost three years have passed. I’m still waiting.
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This was touching and gripped my heart. Well done, thank you for sharing.
God bless~