Tag: fiction

Santa, Slow Your Sleigh!

Hello, friends!

Welcome to November, the season where we paws to be grateful. It’s also the time of year when everything seems to flip into zoomie mode. I try to keep my October lessons in mind (read Falling Behind), but as soon as those little puppers finish barking “trick or treat,” I can’t help but feel the rumble of Santa’s sleigh revving in the distance.

As the winds literally change direction, I decided to take a walk to put this new “holidays are here” lifestyle into perspective. My hooman came along too, and brought my favorite squeaky ball, Pinky. As she tossed Pinky along the ravine and I dashed after her, I realized that the game of fetch is a lot like the holiday season — full of surprises, tangles, and joy in the chasing. Sometimes I have to dig my way through obstacles, sniff out what’s hidden, all while keeping my tail wagging.

Paws at the ready for a November adventure!

Finding Pinky can be tricky. She sometimes hides under leaves or gets stuck in mud, and I have to work extra hard to track her down. Sometimes I get distracted, sometimes I drop her, but it’s all part of the game. And yes, my hooman sometimes pretends to throw her — hilarious, but also…rude!

Seriously…who’s she foolin?

As we trotted down the treelined trail, I usually run ahead in excitement, then double back to make sure my hooman isn’t lagging or distracted. With daylight saving time upon us, we have to stay on schedule before darkness sneaks in. Sometimes I get distracted too, digging in the wrong place and ending up with muddy whiskers before I find my way back on the tracks.

Oops! Got a lil distracted!

Before long, she was tossing, I was fetching, and Pinky was singing her happy little squeak. My hooman clapped and laughed, calling me her “good boy,” over and over — music sweeter than any treat. That’s when it hit me: the best part of the game isn’t finding the ball at all. It’s being out there together. Her laughter, the breeze ruffling my fur, the soft squeak of Pinky — they fill my heart in a way no biscuit ever could. It’s in those moments that the noise of the world — even Santa’s revving sleigh — fades into quiet joy.

So, friends, as turkeys get stuffed and Santa begins checking his list (twice), let’s keep our eye on the ball. Work through the obstacles that would stop you from gathering together, and don’t get too caught up in who’s bringing which bones where, or you might completely miss out on the game entirely. And if you find yourself competing with the neighborhood elves, take a minute to find your way back to those you love the most. I guarantee they’ll clap and cheer when you arrive.

Cuddle with the ones you love

Let the joy of being together lead the way through the holiday hustle. Take a moment to paws and feel grateful for the ones who toss the ball, cheer the loudest, and share your trail — because that’s the real gift of the season. Keep your focus on what’s important, the rest is just gravy, mmm… gravy….

I am thankful for being able to share my adventures with you.

I’ll bark at you next month!

Your friend,

The Road Less Sniffed

Well friends, I did it. I went out on a limb and sniffed out a new adventure. I wasn’t sure at first. I double-backed a few times. The road less traveled can be uncertain. I’m used to going down my own path. I know all the twists and turns, where the roots are that have tripped me up. I know where the creek runs deep and where the current likes to tug at my paws. I’ve been taught to be careful, to stay on my side of the fence (unless no one’s watching, of course). So, the idea of stepping into the great unknown? A little scary… but also wildly exciting.

I felt like something was calling me—a bark in my heart that beckoned me to explore the unknown. So I started out slow. I kept looking over my shoulder to make sure the familiar wasn’t too far behind. In my head, I heard the voice of my hooman, cheering me on with that magical phrase she uses when I’m searching for my ball:
“Keep going!”

So I did.

Soon, I found myself alone in a whole new world. The creek began to change and looked drastically different. My belly was jumping like I’d swallowed a bowl of grasshoppers. What if I got lost? What if there were squirrels bigger than me? But curiosity tugged harder than fear. What if I discovered something brand new?

That’s when a flash of red zipped across my path—a scarlet tanager! I didn’t even know those birds lived around here. Its bright feathers were like a spark in the trees. Inspired, I forged ahead, tail high, paws steady.

Eventually, the forest opened up, and right before my eyes—was a luscious green meadow buzzing with dragonflies. My nose twitched, my tail wagged, and just as I ready to pounce on one of those ancient warriors… my ears perked. A sound. Could it be…?

Water.

I can never resist water.

I followed the squishy, muddy trail—my paws sinking deeper with each step—and that’s when I found it: a freshwater spring! Trickling down a slope of roots and rocks, cool and clear as a morning breeze. It was the best water I’ve ever tasted. No bowl could compare.

As I stood over the spring, my muzzle full of mud and belly full of refreshing water, I realized: if I hadn’t taken that first uncertain step… if I’d stayed in my comfort zone… I never would’ve found this delicious treasure.

Trying something new can be scary—but not trying? That’s even riskier. Because you’ll never know what’s out there unless you go sniff it out for yourself.

So friends, as we close out July and trot into August, let’s take the road less traveled. Try a new trail. Chase a new scent. Step beyond your fence line (only if no one’s watching, of course). You might discover something wonderful. You might even discover something in yourself.

And if you get a little lost? That’s okay. You can always find your way home.

I look forward to hearing about your new adventures. Stay cool, and I’ll bark at you soon.

Your friend,