Popular Pup

On this special day for the United States of America, there is one other special moment that I thought I would share.

Casey at Bat

Casey at Bat is the most well-received on my Pinterest board - Bedtime Tails.

Casey at Bat is the most well-received right here on Bedtime Tails.

So let's cheer for little Casey and the loving story he is featured in.

Bedtime Tails Break

Dear readers and passerby,

I am taking a break from posting for personal reasons.  I am sad to say that I do not know when I will return.

Paw five always,
Lauren

Nana

John was fast asleep in his crib.  His two-year-old toddler energy was exhausted from the day spent playing outside in the summer weather with his older siblings and family Newfoundland dog, Nana.  His brother and sister were cuddled in their parents' bed for story time. Nana was on the bed too, pawing at words they could not pronounce and needed help with from their mom and dad.

"And Benjamin lived happily ever after.  The end.

"Okay you two, it is time for bed."

"But Mom," argued five-year-old Jeffery and seven-year-old Jill.

"No, no.  You both had a long day playing outside.  You need to rest now."

Nana pawed on Jeffery's arm and Jill's arm in agreement with their mom.  Nana did this every night and they knew that "The End" did mean bedtime.

Mom, Jeffery, Jill, and Nana slowly walked to their shared bedroom (with John).  Jeffery and Jill collapsed into their beds, deeply yawning and slowly drifting to sleep before their mom could whisper goodnight and kiss their foreheads.  She patted Nana gently on her head, whispered goodnight to her as well, and left with the door open ever so slightly.

Nana was more than the family dog.  In her doggie way, she helped take care of John, Jeffery, and Jill.  When they were outside, she was outside.  On rainy or snowy days, she kept them company.  She spent every night in their room.  Her loving nature cheered them up when they were down.  Her older age agreed with their mom and dad.  In her doggie way, Nana was a third parent.  Nana, then, was very special.

The next day was a very beautiful summer day.  Mom was inside making lunch for the family.  Nana was outside looking after the children who were playing in the backyard pool.  She was also a doggie lifeguard for the family as she enjoyed water.

Nana was a beloved dog in the neighborhood for her gentle, loving, and protective ways.  All of the children loved to pet her.  All of the parents took great relief knowing she cared for not just for her own but also for others.  Nana, then, was very special.

On this summer day,, their neighbor's six-year-old son, Alex, wandered into the wooded area just beyond the backyard.  The plentiful leaves on the many trees lining the wooded area hid a babbling brook.  Nana saw Alex come out into his backyard but paid more attention to Jill, Jeffery, and John with his water wings playing in the pool.  All of a sudden though...

"Help!  Help me!  I don't know how to swim!  Help!" Alex screamed in the most fearful of ways.

Nana shot upright and dashed for the wooded area.

Both moms reacted quickly.

Alex's mom raced to where she heard her son's voice.

Jill, Jeffery, and John's mom called 9-1-1.

By Newfoundland breed nature, Nana knew how to do water rescue.  Today, her breed nature would be put to the test.

"Alex!  Alex, honey!" shouted his mom as she saw him being rescued by Nana.

"Mom!  I...I'm okay!  Nana saved me!"

As Alex's mom's eyes swelled with relieving tears, the fire department arrived to take over the rescue.

The firemen wrapped Alex in a warm blanket, carried him out of the wooded area, and brought him back home.  Nana followed behind.  She, like Alex's parents and the firemen, wanted to make sure he would be okay.

"Okay, buddy, you are safe now.  Will you  promise us and your mommy and daddy that you will never go into the wooded area alone again?"

Alex nodded yes with a slight shiver from the cool water.

"Son, go to your room and dry off...You're not in trouble," said Alex's dad as Alex looked to him in thought that he would be in trouble.

The firemen and Alex's parents turned to Nana.

"Thank you so much, Nana," said Alex's dad as he patted her on her head.

"Yes, thank you, Nana," said Alex's mom with a big hug.

"Nana, you were quite the hero!" exclaimed one of the firemen.

Jill, Jeffery, and John's mom came over after getting her own little ones out of the pool.

Nana did not think she was a hero.  Nana was just doing her job as a doggie parent.

On this beautiful summer day, everyone - adults and children - declared special honor just for Nana.

"Will you be an honorary caregiver to Alex, Nana?" asked his mom and dad.

Nana happily barked in a yes.

Bedtime Tails Favorite

After the first ten Bedtime Tails stories, I am excited to share Hammy the Hero as the most well-received story to date.

Hammy is a German Shepherd puppy who rarely shows signs of his breed's nature...until his home is in danger by a suspicious burglar eluding police for some time.  Follow the link above to see just why Hammy the Hero is so popular on Bedtime Tails.

Casey at Bat

Intense excitement filled the air on the afternoon of May 4th...excitement that had been building in the Sander apartment for quite some time.


'I want a male puppy and I am going to name him Casey,' Brooke had said over and over again.

'Yes.  We know,' Brooke's mom and grandma had also said over and over again.


Brooke, at age eleven, has never owned a dog.  Brooke's mom is a veterinarian and has been hesitant in allowing her daughter to adopt because of the many dog personalities that have walked into her office.  One look into Brooke's maturing eyes, however, convinced her to say yes.

Brooke's grandmother has helped raise her since she was three years old - when Brooke's parents divorced.  In these eight years, Brooke and her grandmother have grown very close.  They share nearly exact personalities.  Both are calm and shy, yet goofy around family and close friends.  Both are content, yet stubborn when they know they are right (and when Brooke asks for something she really wants).  Of most importance in their shared personality, both are serious and, especially for Brooke's studies, require deep concentration in nearly everything they do.  This personality type meant, then, no hyper puppy, no highly energetic puppy, and no demanding puppy...which is a shame because Brooke's favorite breed out of the many she sees at her mom's work is the Rat Terrier.  Maybe she'll get her way.

"Are you ready to go, Brooke?" Brooke's mom asked on this most exciting day.

"Save a Life Animal Shelter here we come!"


Save a Life Animal Shelter was unusually noisy on this May 4th.  Barks of all kinds bounced from wall to wall in the room for adoptable dogs.  But this didn't frighten Brooke.  In fact, she was now even more excited.

"Let's see...There's a Labrador Retriever and a German Shepherd.  Good breeds but too big for our apartment.  There's a Chow Chow/Saint Bernard mix!  Now that's a bundle of fur.  There's a Chihuahua and a Poodle.  Yappers.  There's a Cocker Spaniel.  I love "Lady and the Tramp" but still I say no.  There's a...Burmese Mountain Dog...and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever?  I have never heard of these breeds.

"Let's see...Puppy Playground!  That is the room for all of the adoptable puppies, I bet."  Brooke dashed inside before her mom and grandma could say "Mikey the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever."

Puppy Playground was like a dream Brooke would never want to wake from.  Golden Retrievers, Pugs, English Bulldogs, Beagles, more Labradors...a person could melt away in puppy love in here!  They were all so adorable!

Then she found him.  He was a nine-month-old Rat Terrier mix - the body and personality of a Rat Terrier and the floppy ears of, perhaps, a Beagle.  His little head was jet black and his naturally skinny body was solid white with black patches.  He was the perfect size for a city apartment.  And!  Rat Terriers are not known for barking!  This is all Brooke knew about the breed and this is all she wanted to know.

"Would you like to see this one, Miss?" asked a Save a Life volunteer.

"I-I have to ask my mom," Brooke said nervously.

"Yes you can," Brooke's mom said, walking into Puppy Playground just as the volunteer was asking his question.

Brooke beamed and jumped into the air with excitement.  The volunteer eased the pup out of his kennel, placed him on the ground, quickly hooked a leash on his collar, and said,

"You can walk him around as long as you would like.  Have fun!"

"Does he have a name?" Brooke asked.

"Not yet.  We have only had him a few days.  So we are referring to him by his chart number.  What would you want to name him?" the volunteer asked with a smile.

"Casey!" Brooke exclaimed with an even bigger smile.

"Well then.  Go play with your pup, Casey!"

"Come on, Casey.  You're at bat!"

And with those words, Casey was off...with Brooke being pulled behind.


Thirty minutes later, Brooke came to her mom, exhausted.

"He's a handful, Mom!  He's been running a million miles per hour before I can take one step.  He had an accident outside poor Tanner the Pug's kennel.  He cared more about being outside his kennel and running around than he did about being with me.  Casey is at bat, all right, and his hyper energy hit a grand slam for a team I am not on.  I don't think Casey is for me."

"I know you wanted a Rat Terrier puppy, honey.  They are cute.  But I have seen them before and, in all honesty, your personality would not be fair to his wants and needs and his personality would not be fair to your wants and needs."

Brooke nodded and said,

"I know.  I do want Casey to be happy."

"Oh sweetheart, let's hope for Casey that he steps up to bat for a family who will love him and who will have the energy to catch his grand slam.  We'll find your perfect puppy and I know Casey will find his perfect family."

Lost & Found

"What is your emergency, Ma'am?" asked the 911 dispatcher calmly.

"My daughter!  My daughter, Allison!  She's missing!  She went out into our wooded backyard to play after lunch and now I can't find her!  It's after dark!  ALLISON!!" roared Allison's mother in a fearful voice.

"Ma'am, stay as calm as you can.  How old is Allison?"

"Allison is nine years old.  My Allison," she spoke now in tears.

"What does Allison look like?"

"She - she has shoulder-length blonde hair and blue eyes.  She - she is wearing a blue dress with white, puffy shoulder-capped sleeves.  She is wearing pastel pink flip flops.  Allison loves flip flops year round.  Are - are you going to find my baby?  She is my only child," she spoke through a flood of tears.

"Where do you live, Ma'am?  What is your address?"

"I - I live at 1983 Coffey Avenue.  My house is log cabin-style, the only kind on my street.  The police shouldn't miss it.  Please hurry, Miss, please."

"I am putting a call out now.  Would you like to stay on the phone until officers arrive?  Is there anyone with you?"

"Pl - please stay with me, Miss.  I am alone in my house tonight.  My husband is on a business trip," she spoke through sad tears.

"Okay, I am right here."


Within five minutes of the dispatcher's call, two police cars arrived with lights and sirens.  The dispatcher let Allison's mother hang up to answer the door.

"Are you going to find her, officers?" She spoke through sniffles.

"Ma'am, my name is Officer Robert Jones.  This is my partner, Officer John Thompson.  The officers behind me are going to search the area behind your house.  They have with th..."

"Uh oh.  He's caught a scent," said Officer Danny Bent.

Allison's mother looked down.  To the left of the open door, she saw a large Bloodhound with nose glued to the ground, sniffing a pair of Allison's flip flops left near the door, and moving directly to the wooded area behind the house.  All four police officers followed.

"Where is that dog going?!  What do you mean he has caught a scent?!" She shouted in panic.

"Ma'am, Bernard is our search and rescue canine officer.  Catching a scent is his breed's nature.  Officer Bent and Officer Bayer are going to follow his track.  Officer Thompson will stay just behind your house and I will stay with you.  I ask that you stay as calm as possible.

"What was Allison doing when last you saw her?" Officer Jones asked.

"Allison said she was going into the wooded area to work on a tree house she and her father began building a couple of weeks ago."

"How deep does the wooded area go?"

"Gosh, I would say about a mile.  Her schoolmate, Davis Smith, lives just on the other side."

"Is it possible that Allison could have walked that far?  Are Allison and Davis friends?"

"Yes, they are friends, but Davis and his family are out of town this weekend.  So no, Allison had no reason to walk that far."

A deep howling bark pierced the air at that moment.  So too did Officer Bent's voice on the radio attached to Officer Jones's gun belt.
'
"We found Allison."

"Allison!  Where is she?!  Is she okay?!" Allison's mother screamed into the radio.

The phone rang at that moment.

"Allison?!"

"Mrs. Taylor, this is Davis's mom.  We got back from our trip several hours early and Allison is with us.  She's playing with Davis in our family room.  Judging by the large, barking dog and police officers at our door, I assume you didn't know?"

"No.  No I did not.  But Allison is okay, right?"

"She's fine.  I thought you knew, so I've been watching her.  That dog is incredible to find her so far away.  Do you want me to bring her home?"

"Yes, please."


Allison's mom hugged her daughter so tightly that Allison had trouble breathing.  She was more relieved than angry right now.

"I'm sorry, Mom.  I saw Davis's house lights on, so I thought it was okay to go.  I didn't know I was doing anything wrong."

"Lost and found, Mrs. Taylor," Officer Jones said with a smile of relief.

"Thank you, officers, so, so much.  And Bernard...Can I pet him?"

"Sure!  He loves affection when he's not on the hunt."

Allison's mom petted Bernard for a long time.  He had found her only child.  His Bloodhound eyes looked to hers with the same relief.

As the officers left, Mrs. Taylor closed the door, turned to her daughter, and said,

"I knew those woods were dangerous when you're not with your father.  We are adopting a Bloodhound tomorrow!"

Staffie's Love

"Do you think Staffie will like the toy we bought for him, Sally?" Sally's dad asked as they left Woof Woof Supplies.

"Oh yes, definitely.  I can't wait to get home to show him."

"We're on our way!"


Twenty minutes later, Sally and her dad pulled into their garage.  Sally saw Staffie waiting outside the front door with tail wagging in excitement.  He knew he was getting a present that snowy Saturday.  He raced back through his doggie door when the garage door closed.

Staffie is a black, six-month-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier pup.  He is the only dog in the house and the affection he gets from his family feels oh so good.  In such a happy life, there are two things Staffie loves more than anything - his chew toys and eight-year-old Sally, the only child to her parents and his very best friend.

"Staffie!" Sally called out from the garage.

Staffie's eager bark told her he was in the living room.

Sally raced into the living room with new chew toy in hand and nearly collided into Staffie running toward her.

"Staffie!  Look at your new chew toy!  Don't chew through this one as fast as you did all the others.  Fetch, Staffie?"

Bark!

Sally tossed the toy down a hallway that leads to three bedrooms.  Staffie darted with lightning speed, skidded to a halt just before the toy, and sank his teeth into the ultra-durable "power jaws chew toy for puppies."

Sally laughed at this sight.  Once Staffie's mouth was wrapped around a toy, the world and people around him disappeared.  Staffie always attacked his toys with one purpose in mind - chew until there is nothing left.

After several minutes watching Staffie play, Sally casually said,

"Okay, Staffie.  I'm going in my room now," patting him carefully on the head as she walked past (careful not to let her hand be confused with the toy).

As Sally slowly closed her bedroom door, Staffie appeared, panting and smiling.

"You don't want to play anymore?"

Still smiling.

"Well, I won't be much fun, Staffie.  I'm going to take a nap," Sally said as she took off her snow boots and settled into bed.

Staffie whined a yawn.  He walked to the edge of her bed and looked up to her.

"I know those eyes.  Staffie, do you want to take a nap with me?"

Staffie jumped onto the bed and snuggled his puppy body against hers.

"You are one happy pup, Staffie - new chew toy, nap time with your best friend."

A lazy yawn from both and fast to sleep.

Staffie was one happy pup that snowy day.  He had his two loves - a new toy and Sally, his best friend.  All dogs should be this happy.

Tough Guy, Sweet Heart

"Okay, CeCe, welcome to your new home," David said as he parked his car in front of a home new to him too.

No sooner had David opened the driver side door than the front door to his recently purchased two-story, Southwestern-style home burst open.

"Dad!!!!"

"Amelia!!!!"

Amelia, David's nine-year-old "dog fanatic" daughter, crushed into her father with a full force hug.  She had been waiting for this Saturday for a long time... 'In our first full weekend in our new house, Daddy will buy a new dog for you - a surprise, though.  You have picked out all of our other dogs, so let him choose a breed,' Amelia's mom had promised when they were preparing to move just one month ago.

"Who is this, Dad?" Amelia spoke with a crinkle on her nose as she looked at the tiny bundle her dad was holding.

"Amelia, I would like to introduce you to CeCe, a one-year-old Chihuahua.  She is a new member of the family."

"Bu..."

"No buts.  The deal was I choose the breed.  CeCe is loving, gentle, and has a heart of gold...so said the animal shelter.  I love her and so will you."

Amelia never won a disagreement with her dad, so now she just shrugged her shoulders and said,

"Come on, CeCe, meet your new family," and she dashed back inside, leaving CeCe with her father.


CeCe's new family was small by human standards - Mom, Dad, Amelia, and Sebastian (Amelia's six-month-old brother).  CeCe's new family also included three canine siblings that were not small by her standards - a jet black, seven-year-old Newfoundland named Sir Walter; a slightly overweight, six-year-old English Bulldog named Rory; and a hyper four-year-old Beagle named Jimmy.  Everyone was bigger and taller than her and all were established within the family.  CeCe may be loving and gentle, but with the size of her new dog companions, she would have to be tough just to get her little voice heard.

David followed Amelia inside, gently put CeCe on the floor, and whispered,

"Go on, CeCe, explore your new home."

With a light push on her rear, CeCe was off.

"Hi David!  I didn't know you were home.  I've been in the nursery with Sebastian since you left," David's wife said, walking down the stairs.

"Hello dear.  I just got home a minute ago with our new pup.  How is Sebastian doing?"

"Well, he still has a fever and cough.  I called his pediatrician, but she said we are doing all we can do.  He is sleeping now.  I hope Jimmy doesn't get too excited over the new pup.  He has been quiet all day, thankfully.  Hey, where is this mystery dog you adopted?"

"The "mystery dog" I adopted is named CeCe.  She is a one-year-old Chihuahua.  A real sweetheart, this one.  She is gentler than even Sir Walter, if you can believe it."

"Chihuahuas are so cute!  But David, gosh, I hope she doesn't get scared because of her size."

"I think her size will win the dogs ov..."

Howling bark.  Deep bark.  Grunt bark.  Yap bark.  The dogs found CeCe and CeCe met the dogs.

David raced into the family room, where Sir Walter, Rory, and Jimmy had taken to sleeping at night, and found CeCe ready to take her claim in an empty corner that held a lone stuffed toy never played with.  Her big eyes said she was on the defense and tough until her little voice was in fact heard.

"Boys!  Calm down!  This is your new dog sibling, CeCe.  Be nice to her, as the three of you are to each other.  You guys respect each other's spaces and favorite toys.  So respect CeCe.  If she wants to be in this corner, let her.  And none of you have ever played with this toy.  Let her have it.  And CeCe..." David looked down to CeCe in shock.

"CeCe!  You were so gentle and loving in the animal shelter.  I didn't think you would be so tough and loud.  You have got quite a voice to stand up to these big boys."

A sad cry came from the nursery upstairs.

"David!  Can you check on him?!  I'm making lunch for Amelia!"

"Okay!

"Sir Walter, Rory, Jimmy, CeCe...This is your space indoors.  This is your shared space.  Be kind to each other.  The four of you are family.  Now I have to go check in on the baby."

As David quickly left the room, a yap followed him.

"CeCe, stop barking!"

A soft paw touched the back of David's left leg.  David turned and looked down.  He was going to scold his new pup, but his new pup's eyes were trying to tell him something.

CeCe's big eyes said,

'I am a baby, too, Dad.  Can I help your human baby feel better?'

David somehow understood.  He picked her up and headed upstairs to the nursery.


David was still holding CeCe when he got to the nursery.  He held her against the edge of the crib so she could meet the human baby.  Then he placed her on the carpeted floor to pick up Sebastian.

"It's okay, buddy.  Daddy's here to make you feel better," David whispered as he eased into the nursery rocking chair.

CeCe spotted a changing table between the crib and rocking chair and jumped up.

"CeCe, down!" David whispered.

CeCe stayed put and reached her right paw to touch Sebastian's back.  Her paw moved as the chair moved, as though she - a Chihuahua dog - were petting Sebastian - a human infant.  This soothing touch slowly lulled Sebastian back to sleep.

David quietly placed Sebastian in his crib, picked up CeCe, and whispered as he left the nursery,

"Miss CeCe, you may act tough around other dogs, but you do indeed have a sweet heart."

First in Show

"And now, ladies and gentlemen..."

"Son," spoken at the same time.

"Mom...Dad..." Josh said with a sigh of annoyance.  He cleared his throat and continued.

"We have seen four outstanding dog breeds this afternoon and now the last in this first annual Spencer Family Backyard Dog Show will be presented.  Please bring out Teddy the Labrador Retriever!"

The French doors that lead to the Spencer family's backyard from the kitchen opened slowly.  Josh's mom and dad, the Pritz neighbors from three houses down, the Jacks neighbors from across the street, the Whit neighbors from down the block, and the Swanson neighbors from next door turned in their seats to look behind them.

"Go on, Teddy," whispered Josh's older brother, John, who gave Teddy a gentle pat on his rear.

Josh began the presentation -

"Here we have Teddy.  Teddy is a male, seven-year-old Lab.  He is chocolate in color.  Teddy, like the other four, will be judged on cuteness, activity interest, intelligence, bark control, and physical fitness...

"Cuteness.  Will my impartial judges rank Teddy in this category."

(All five judges happen to be in Josh's second grade class.)

"I give Teddy a 5 out of 5," said Stephanie, or Judge no. 1.

"I give Teddy a 5 out of 5," said Skippy, or Judge no. 2.

"I give Teddy a 5, too," said Brandon, or Judge no. 3.

"5," said Jennifer, or Judge no. 4.

"Teddy's fur doesn't look soft.  Is his fur on his ears matted?" asked Mitch, tough Judge no. 5.  Mitch had at least one fault for each category for each dog.  And by now, the show had been going on about two hours.  Everyone was tired and restless.

"Give Teddy a 5 for cuteness!" whispered the other four judges in tired anger.

"Teddy's fur on his ears is matted because he always falls asleep when we scratch his ears.  How is that for cute?" Josh said firmly.

"Every time I scratch...I mean...Okay, Teddy gets a 5 out of 5 from me."

"Teddy gets a perfect score in the cuteness category," declared Josh.

The audience tiredly clapped their hands.

Josh continued his presentation -

"Activity interest.  This is a hands-on category.  I have in my hand a toy rope...Teddy, do you want to play with me?"

Josh dragged the rope on the grass away from Teddy.  Teddy's fluffy tail wagged furiously, eyes fixed on the thing that was moving, and followed the rope, ready to pounce when Josh stopped.  Indeed, Teddy sunk his teeth into the rope the moment Josh let go.

"5!" yelled Stephanie, Skippy, Brandon, and Jennifer.  Silence from Judge no. 5.

"But that rope is Teddy's toy anyway," exclaimed Mitch.

"Mitch, this rope is brand new.  My mom and dad just bought it last weekend and kept it hidden until now.  This is the first time he has seen "his toy."  Can't you see how very interested he was?"

Everyone in the Spencer backyard stared at Mitch.

"Yes.  Yes I did see.  I give Teddy a 5 out of 5 for activity interest."

"Teddy aces the activity interest category.  The next category is intelligence.  This part of the test is the most difficult.  Please watch closely.

"Teddy, look at me.  See Joshy go."

Josh walked away to hide behind a bush at the end of the yard.

Near the open French doors, John whispered for Teddy to come toward him.  Teddy followed orders.  After a couple of minutes of wondering where Josh went and following John's lead, John whispered again,

"Go find Joshy."

Teddy raced toward the pool behind the grassy yard and beyond the bush Josh was thought to be behind.  A ticklish laughter could be heard.

"Stop licking me, Teddy!" Josh said laughing.

Josh and Teddy walked back into the yard.

"As you can see, Teddy was able to find me not where I showed him I was but in a spot he did not know about.  Judges, does this show intelligence?"

The first four waited for Mitch to find something wrong.  Mitch, surprisingly, smiled.

"Well, I'm impressed.  Teddy gets a perfect score from me."

Everyone sighed with relief.

"5," said Stephanie.

"5," said Skippy.

"Same," said Brandon.

Jennifer nodded in agreement.

"Perfect score for Teddy it is, in the intelligence category," declared Josh.

"The fourth test is bark control.  I ask for full audience participation in this.  When I tell Teddy to go into the audience, pet him, scratch his ears, really make him feel good.  Sometimes Teddy gets excited when he gets a lot of loving...Now, Teddy, go where everyone is sitting.  Go boy!"

Teddy ran into the audience, where everyone patted him and scratched his ears.  Younger children tugged at his tail and stroked him playfully.

A hint of low growling in enjoyment...but no barking.  Everyone looked to the judges.

"5," from all five.

"A perfect five from all five," Josh said with a big smile.  Teddy just needed to pass the physical fitness part.

"The last test in the show is physical fitness.  I will walk Teddy..."

"Josh, we all saw Teddy run to you for the intelligence test.  He did not seem out of breath.  His teeth look fine because of the way he bit into the rope for the activity test.  His fur is clean and healthy - I can hear his bath time when my bedroom window is open.  I give Teddy a perfect score," Mitch said  before Josh could finish his sentence.

"Really?  Well, do you four agree?  Do you need to see Teddy up close to give a score?" Josh asked, shocked by Mitch's strong, no fault words.

Stephanie, Skippy, Brandon, and Jennifer shook their heads no - they did not need to see Teddy up close.

"A 5, then?"

"Yes," spoken together.

"Okay.  Can the other dog contestants be brought out together?" Josh said.

A small, white miniature Poodle ran toward Teddy.  A Parson Terrier did the same.  Followed by a white American Eskimo and a black/tan/white Beagle.

"In last place, with a score of 18, is the Pritz Poodle!"

Applause.

"In fourth place, with a score of 20, is the Swanson Beagle!"

Applause.

"In third place, with a score of 21, is the Whit American Eskimo!"

Applause, applause.

"In second...and this is close...with a score of 24, is the Jacks Parson Terrier!"

Applause, applause, applause.

"With a perfect score of 25, first in show is...Teddy, my Labrador Retriever!!!"

"Yea Teddy!" screamed all in the audience and the judges.


The first annual Spencer Family Backyard Dog Show ended in a thunderous roar of cheers, excitement, and a bit of relief.

The most popular breed in the United States was officially the most popular breed on Forest Hill Lane and in the Spencer family (but everyone knew that).

Post Publishing Update

Dear readers and passersby,

I am no longer publishing on Wednesdays (where I normally publish on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays) due to personal reasons.

I will never neglect Bedtime Tails.  I am simply rearranging my publishing frequency.

Baby the Loyal Companion

Dear Firemen,

Please take care of Baby.  He is one month old and already filled with Dalmatian energy.  Due to personal problems, I can no longer be his human mother.  I will love Baby always.  Goodbye and good luck.

"Baby?  What in the world are we going to do with an infant puppy at a busy fire station?  There is never anyone around long enough with the amount of calls we have been getting lately.  He's a Dalmatian.  Who is gonna train him and keep up with his energy?!"

"Oh Frank, come on.  He is so young.  This person wants us to care for him.  Baby can be our companion dog on rides!  And you and I are always here at the station when we're on duty.  I...I will take him home with me when you're off duty.  Frank, let's keep him."

Frank looked into Joe's eager eyes, into Baby's innocent face tucked cozily in his doggy basket, sighed deeply, and said,

"Welcome to Windsor County Fire Station.  Baby, our companion."

Frank and Joe found Baby at nine o'clock in the morning on a hot Saturday in July.  By the end of their shift 24 hours later, Baby had accompanied Frank and Joe on six rides (all false alarms), never once leaving Joe's side.  When they had any down time at the fire station, Baby was eager to play with Joe and sneak in naps with him.  Baby was happy and loved.  Joe was content and knew he found a life-long companion.  There would be one call, though, that would prove Baby's companion love for Joe.

At nine o'clock the following Sunday morning, Joe packed up Baby and his belongings and said goodbye to Frank.  Joe planned to stop by the local pet store to buy food and supplies for Baby before heading home to a delicious breakfast always made by, well, him.  As he pulled into the parking lot of Breed's Place, Joe noticed several people being turned away at the front door.

"Hmm.  That's odd.  Breed's Place is always so popular and crowded when I drive past.  I wonder what's going on?  Come on Baby.  It's too hot to leave you in the car, even with the windows rolled down.  I will have to carry you until I get a leash and harness."

When Joe and Baby reached the front entrance, a guard stopped him.

"Sir, I can't let you in.  Someone reported the smell of smoke.  All those inside have left and those coming in must be turned away until..."

In the near distance, loud fire truck engines could be heard.

"Well, I'm a fireman.  I just got off duty.  Is there any way I can help?"

"What station are you with?" the guard asked cautiously.

"Windsor County."

"I am familiar with Windsor County.  Okay.  Well, the person who reported the emergency said the scent seemed to be coming from the employee break room.  Can you investigate?"

"Of course.  I expect back-up soon anyway," the engines were down the street.  "Come on, Baby.  Another 'ride'."

"No sir.  Your dog can't go..."

"He has been on every call with me on my last shift.  He is coming with me.  Now please excuse me!  I have to get inside and investigate."

The guard hesitated as he let Joe in with Baby.

Joe and Baby raced through the maze that is Breed's Place until they found a door marked "Break Room - Staff Only."  Joe gently touched the closed door.  It was hot.  He looked down to the floor.  Smoke was starting to drift out...and back in.

"Oh gosh.  It's a...Baby!  We have to get out of here now!"

Joe held Baby tighter in his arms and bolted.

BOOM!

Several hours later, Joe woke up in a fog.

"Where - Where am I?"

"You are in the hospital, Joe.  It's me, Frank.  You just missed being burned by the back draft at Breed's Place, but you were injured pretty bad.  Windsor County's shift after us saved you and Baby in the nick of time."

"Baby.  Where - Where's Baby?  Is he all right?"

"Baby has a few injuries and is staying the night at Pawfive Vet Clinic.  I checked in before coming here.  The staff at Pawfive says Baby is doing well and is back to being his energetic self.  The staff also says he misses you.  Baby loves you, Joe.  You saved his life by not letting go of him.  He saved you when his barks led the fire fighters to you where you fell near the front of the store.  Baby truly is your loyal companion."

Joe softly smiled and fell back to sleep.

One week later, Joe was able to leave the hospital.  Frank drove him home.

"There is just one quick stop I need to make, Joe."

Joe nodded okay.

Frank drove toward Huxley Street where Windsor County Fire Station was located.

"Frank, why are we going to the station..."

And there he was - tail flying back and forth, barking excitedly, grinning from ear to ear the way only a happy puppy could.  Joe was coming home!

"Baby!  Baby, I love you!"

Joe scratched Baby's ears and smiled just as happily as he saw his firehouse Dalmatian's eyes asking,

'When is our next ride?'

Who am I?

"Hello!  Welcome to The Dog House!  How can I help you?"

"Hi.  My name is Rick McKenna.  I called last weekend to arrange for my dog to be boarded here while my family and I travel.  We will be out of town for two weeks."

The receptionist reviewed all notes made last Saturday and found the information sheet for Rick McKenna's request.

"Yes.  Your dog, Loren, will be with us today, May 13th to May 28th.  In your call last weekend, you listed all vitals about Loren for the staff to know.  Is there anything else we should know?"

"Um, I don't think so.  The most important thing to know is that Loren is very shy and nearly withdrawn around strange people and dogs.  Our vet seems to think Loren has an inferiority complex."

The receptionist looked to Loren, who held his head sadly low.  She smiled gently and sympathetically said,

"He will be fine with us.  I will care for him personally.  I'll be his pal while you're away."

Rick McKenna whispered "thank you" and said goodbye to Loren with a reassuring ear scratch.

"It's only two weeks, buddy.  I have to now."

Sadness filled Loren's eyes as Rick left and the strange receptionist took hold of his leash.

"Come on, Loren.  You'll be fine.  I will find a dog buddy for you.  And I am here every day, so you'll never be alone.  Come on."

Loren walked into his kennel home near the end of the back room where all the other boarded dogs stay.  These two weeks would be miserable.  He hoped the time would fly as fast as dog years.

At nine o'clock, the lights switched off, the staff said good night to the dogs and to each other, and all doors locked shut.  The dogs were left alone.

"Hey Sparky.  Check out the new kid.  What kind of dog is he?" Bernie, a Saint Bernard, commented.

"I don't know!  I'm not sleepy, Bernie!  I want to get out and play!  I still have so much energy!  I'm-I'm..."

A howling bark came from near the back room entrance.

"Oh geez, you've got Johnny singing hound talk again, Sparky!  Must you be such a Dalmatian?" asked Tina, a Siberian Husky.

"I'm sorry!  I can't help it!"

"Hey Sparky!  You're scarin' the new kid!" shouted Jack, a black Labrador Retriever.

Soft whispers from Loren's kennel could be heard around the room.

"Are you all right?" asked Michael the Great Dane, in the kennel to Loren's right.

Silence.  Whimpers.

"My name is Michael.  I am twelve years old in human years.  I am a Great Dane.  I am sorry if my size scares you, but that is how we come," spoken with a soft doggy smile.

Silence.

Michael lowered his body to ground eye level with Loren and whispered,

"I don't have friends here.  I can be very shy.  Will you be my buddy?  We go on daily walks here.  You could go with me.  We could play with our toys together.  I will be by your side for as long as you are at The Dog House.  How long is your human pack leaving you?"

Tear-stained eyes met Michael's.

"I-I am here for two weeks," Loren whispered back.

"My family goes to Europe every year at this time.  I expect to go home at the end of May - last weekend of the month."

"Me too."

"Do you want to be May buddies, then?" Michael continued in a whisper.

Loren nodded yes.

Loren slowly came out of his shyness and said,

"My-my name is Loren.  I am four years old in human years.  I don't know what kind of dog I am.  The shelter I was adopted from told my family I am a mix.  I guess that is why I am so quiet and withdrawn - no one knows how to treat me and dogs don't know how to approach me because I am so different.  I don't know who I am."

"I am a purebred.  I have known my identity and true personality all my life.  You are a hybrid, as the humans call it.  Your personality can match either of your parents or both.  No one knows what to expect.  Your personality is unique because you are unique.  So never be shy.  You are a breed worth noticing, worth knowing, worth loving."

"What breed am I, Michael?  Why am I unique?"

"Well, your coat is light in color.  I see a hint of Golden Retriever.  Your coat is wavy.  Maybe part Poodle?  But Golden Retrievers are so big and Poodles are so small and their personalities are not the same at all.  Hmm..."

Loren and Michael whispered in thoughtful conversation the rest of the night, trying to answer the question "who am I."

The next morning, the receptionist for The Dog House entered the back room with a new dog to be boarded.

"Come on, Samantha.  You will love it here while your family is away.  In fact, there is another dog just like you here, two kennels down.  Two Goldendoodles in one weekend.  Go figure!"

Loren's ears perked up and met eyes with Samantha as she passed by.  For the first time in his four years, Loren felt happy.  He finally knew who he is - a Goldendoodle.  He is unique because he is a mix.  And his mix is one to show off, not hide from.  He can feel comfortable and confident around strangers and new dogs because he finally knew -

"I am a Goldendoodle."

Memorable Christmas

Sleigh bells ring

Are you listening?

In the lane

Snow is glistening.

"A beautiful sight, we're happy tonight, walking in a winter wonderland.

"Dad, can I please stay up just one more hour to sing along with the carolers outside our home?  Please?"

"Sammy, you have been singing along with every group of carolers outside our house since breakfast.  It is after nine o'clock at night, far past your bedtime.  Santa doesn't reward little boys who don't listen when their dad says go to sleep."

"Santa!  I'll-I'll go to sleep right now.  Good night, Dad!  Tell Mom I said good night when she is done baking chocolate chip cookies for Santa," Sammy said with a rush as he buried himself under his dog breed sheets and comforter and fell right to sleep.

Sammy's sixth Christmas was to be a special one...hopefully.  His first-grade letter to Santa listed one wish only - a Cocker Spaniel puppy, just like the one in his favorite movie, "Lucy the Forever Companion."

Sammy loved dogs, especially puppies.  As he learned to write in kindergarten and now in first grade, Sammy practiced the same words every chance he had:

Dear Santa,

My name is Sammy.  I am good every day.  I do not cause truble with anyone.  Mommy and Dad promis to adopt a puppy after I turn 6 years old.  I am 6 now (since July 7).  I wood very much like my puppy (you no know witch (I don't know how to spell that word) one).  Please give me sumthing good - a puppy - becuz I have bin good all year.  Thank youi.

Sammy's thoughts on this Christmas Eve lay nervously on the plate which was to be filled with cookies for Santa to enjoy.  Would Santa like the letter too?

The holiday night was silent.  Peaceful snow fell quietly outside.  Sammy slept with a smile as he dreamed about his special wish.  Silence.

Until there arose such a clatter.  The shuffling of feet in the living room.  The clink of cookie plate and milk glass.  The rustling of ornaments and evergreen branches.  The tapping of hooves on the rooftop.  Could - could it be?

Sammy woke from his happy dream with a start.  Someone was in his house, a stranger, a...

"SANTA!!!"

Sammy met excited eyes with a round-faced, rosy-cheeked, thick-bearded man wearing a red holiday outfit topped with a floppy holiday hat...the one and only.

"Hello, Sammy.  I am pleased to meet you, too.  Go back to..."

" I do not want to go back to bed.  I want to open the presents you brought for me...with you," Sammy said as he slowly walked down the stairs.

"Well...Okay, you have been more than good this year.  I will stay for a minute."

"Santa?  Did you read my letter?"

"Yes I did.  Your handwriting is improving.  Sammy, look in the big, round, purple box with pink bow."

Sammy slowly walked from the base of the staircase to the overflowing tree skirt.  The big, round, purple box was moving.  Sammy ripped off the pink bow and yanked off the top to reveal...

"A Cocker Spaniel puppy girl, Sammy.  You get your wish.  You deserve the best because you are the best.  Merry Christmas, Sammy."

Sammy was too busy loving his new puppy to notice Santa's sparkling magical exit.  Sammy and his new puppy played for hours.  At dawn, they were both exhausted.  Sammy curled into a ball exactly where the purple box once stood, with his pup cozied in his arms.  As the two fell asleep, Sammy whispered,

"I love you, Lucy.  You are my best friend forever.

"I will never forget this Christmas."

The Ugly Bulldog

Saturday began with peaceful April showers.  Annie loved spring rain, especially when pitter patter drops fell on her birthday.  Today, as the tulips blossomed in her family's garden, her new year bloomed beautifully, too.

"Good morning, birthday girl," Annie's mom spoke with a warm smile as she delivered the traditional breakfast-in-bed to the birthday girl who was already up and dressed.

"Mommy!  I am ten years old today!  You said that when I am ten, I can pick out a special gift.  I know what I want my gift to be!"

"Miss Annie!  If I had known you were going to be so full of hyper energy, I would not have added extra powdered sugar and chocolate chips to your favorite birthday waffles!"

"I'm not hungry, Mom.  Can we go shopping on Main Street for my special gift?"

"Main Street, huh?  Thee place to shop in Redland.  You are now ten and you were promised a special gift.  Okay, tell you what.  Your father is busy confirming the clown to be at your party tomorrow afternoon and he is watching your little brother.  Why don't you and I get lost in glamorous shops all day today...and it seems the rain is slowing.  We won't need our ducky umbrellas, but wear your raincoat just in case!" Annie's mom shouted to her daughter not paying attention.

"I'm ten!  I'm ten!  I'm ten!" Annie exclaimed as she bounced all the way to the family minivan.

"With that excitement you won't need a clown!" Annie's mom laughed to herself as she quickly headed for the kitchen to put away the birthday meal and get to the garage.

The sky was still damp and gray as Annie and her mom strolled down Main Street.  They passed an Apple store ("I will get you an iPod  for your sixteenth birthday).  They passed a Gap store ("I don't need any more clothes this year").  They passed an Ann Taylor store ("Too young" spoken by both at the same time).  They passed a Barnes & Noble ("Your bedroom is stuffed with books from Barnes & Noble.  Let's come back at Christmas for a holiday gift.").  They passed Annie's favorite Ruby Toys & Company.  They passed Annie's mom's favorite Cobalt Music Records.  Yet by lunchtime, Annie still hadn't answered her mother's question, "What is your special gift?".  A few blocks north of downtown on Main Street, Annie smiled and said, "One of them."

They stood before Grandpa's House - a take-in for puppies and dogs unable to be cared for at Redland Animal Shelter.  Adorable puppy faces with smiling eyes and floppy ears pressed themselves against the window, wagging tails to be sure.  One crate on either side of the open door was filled with younger puppies eager to be adopted.  A Golden Retriever as golden as Annie's hair.  A black Newfoundland as dark as Annie's dad's mustache.  A Parson Terrier as hyper as Annie today.  A Miniature Poodle as baby-like as Annie's four-month-old brother.  A German Shepherd as protective of its small space and only toy as Annie's mom is of her family.

"Can I, Mom?  Can I have one of them?"

"Well...they are so cute.  Oh all right."

Annie raced inside to look at both crates.  One puppy caught her attention.  It wasn't cute or adorable or cuddly.  It wasn't pleasing to the eye at all with its bat-like ears, its unusually-shaped head, its big (and wide-set eyes).  It wasn't eager for attention.  It didn't look special because it didn't feel special.  Who would love this puppy?

"Excuse me, Sir, but what kind of dog is this?" asked Annie.

"Why that is Billy!  He is a French Bulldog, three months old.  He isn't popular.  Nearly everyone who comes in whispers to me that they think he is ugly."

"An ugly bulldog?  That is so sad," Annie's mom said with a frown.

"He comes around when he gets a belly rub.  My staff calls him Billy the Clown because he goes crazy with just one stroke to his little belly.  Do you like clowns, dear?"

"I love clowns!  Today is my tenth birthday and tomorrow I am having a party with a clown!"

"Happy Birthday, then!  Would you  like a puppy as a present?  My treat for the big ten."

Annie's eyes lit up with excitement at the store owner's kind offer and turned back to the crates to find the perfect puppy.

"My daughter just said outside that a puppy will be her special gift this year.  Honey, which adorable little one would you like to adopt and bring home?"

Annie was not paying attention.  She felt sad for Billy being called ugly and was giggling at Billy's goofiness to her rubbing his belly.  His big eyes lit up.  His ears stood alert.  His tail was wagging eagerly and happily.  He was a clown.  He was cute.  Billy was one to love.

"Honey?"

"Huh?" Annie half-way asked.

"Do you know which puppy you want?"

"If you don't mind me saying, Ma'am, I think your birthday girl has taken a liking to the 'ugly bulldog'."

"Yes.  Yes she has.  Okay, we will adopt him.  What do you charge?"

"Billy is on me.  I do request donations in any amount to support care of all animals here and at Redland Animal Shelter.  Their adoption into loving and forever homes means more than money."

Annie's mother smiled and said,

"Sweet sentiments that are so true.  I will definitely donate."

After picking out a temporary carrier and receiving warm goodbyes to Billy from the staff, Annie and her mom and Billy left Grandpa's House with happy smiles that were sure to last for years to come.

"Annie, look up. b The sun has come out!  No more rain!"

"No more rain.  Only a beautiful sun, just like Billy."

Hammy the Hero

As police officer, Joe Smith, glanced at his watch for the millionth time in this final half hour of his shift and scribbled notes in paperwork he files on a daily basis, his mind drifted to the news report heard earlier in the evening.

"Compact Flash has struck again.  I am outside the home of the latest victim, who miraculously fought against the jewel thief and received only a few scratches.  I tried to speak with the victim, but he was too shaken up to tell me his story."

The reporter continued,

"As this once quiet and peaceful neighborhood - Porcelain Lakes - well knows, Compact Flash is infamous for stealing only diamonds and pearls - "compact" in what he is after - and fleeing the scene in just a few minutes - in a "flash."  The street I am standing along - Magenta Avenue - has suffered the worst from Compact Flash, with a robbery every night last week.  Police warn all residents to keep their doors and windows locked securely and to be vigilant at all times."

Joe's mind raced.  Had he locked his doors and windows securely?  His house was the smallest home on Magenta Avenue, but still all the doors and windows!  His wife was in the city for a weekend-long corporate convention.  Their ten-year-old daughter was spending the weekend at a friend's house, luckily not in Porcelain Lakes.  Their six-month-old German Shepherd puppy, Hammy...

"Hammy!"

A sleepy growl came from the floor next to his desk.  Hammy had been with him on this shift.  Joe sighed in relief.

Joe's boss, Sergeant Gray, urged him to go home after a long shift.

"Joe, go home.  It's midnight.  You're exhausted.  Your shift is down to paperwork.  The next round of on-duty police officers are more alert than Ham, and he is a German Shepherd!  Go on.  Get some sleep!  Your mini-vacation starts now," Sergeant Gray spoke now with more energy.  (Then again, he was sipping on his next who-knows-how-many cup of coffee.)

Joe straightened up his messy desk and thought "Mini vacation?  It's Saturday now.  I have to report back on Monday for my next detective shift.  Oh well.  I won't argue the notion."  He gathered his badge, felt for his gun on his gun belt, and grabbed his wallet and keys.  The jingle sound of the metal keys stirred Hammy into a whined yawn and half-open eyes.

"Come on, Hammy.  It's time to go home.  You - and I - can collapse in bed soon.  Come on, boy."

Hammy was not exactly the textbook definition of the German Shepherd breed.  True he had the color and size of a standard German Shepherd, yet his personality seemed to be stuck in infant puppy mode.  He was eager to please and put a smile on the faces of his whole family.  He was as cuddly as a teddy bear.  He barked only to get attention.  All of his play toys and reason to keep active were indoors.  His only walks were for potty breaks after major meals.  Hammy did not like being left alone.  Hammy did not at all like challenging exercise.  In fact, he preferred cozy comfort over too much activity.  If a German Shepherd is naturally inclined to guard and protect at any expense, Hammy, well, not so much.  His place within his human pack was well defined - be cute, be loved, be taken care of.

Thirty minutes after leaving Police Headquarters in the town of Cedar Woods, Joe and Hammy arrived home - a beautiful, dark-red brick, two-story, six-bedroom large home which had been lived in by every generation in Joe's family.  The house was in fact listed as a historical landmark in Cedar Woods.  Joe didn't always feel comfortable coming home to a dark, historic landmark after a long shift, especially when his family was not home.  This very late night seemed unusually dark.

"Home at last, Hammy," Joe said with a yawn as he pulled into his driveway.

Ham, too, let out a lazy yawn.  Yet when he was let out of the car, something deep within his German Shepherd instinct sharply woke up.  Something was off about his house that he needed to investigate...to protect.

Ham dashed toward the front door and barked wildly.  Every house light on Magenta Avenue was turned on within seconds.

"Hammy!  Stop it!" Joe yelled out.

When he approached the front door, Joe noticed that it was ever so slightly open.  He was too exhausted, though, to quickly realize what Hammy sensed.

As Joe unsuccessfully fumbled for the entryway light switch, Ham's internal radar skyrocketed.  He growled deeply and paced toward the base of the spiral staircase.  He growled angrily and his eyes focused on something only he could see.

A nervous voice spoke from the staircase.

"G-Good boy.  I-I'm..."

Joe found the switch.

"Freeze!!  Drop your bag!  Put your hands up in the air...Now!!"

The strange man, within two feet of Hammy, slowly let go of the bag he was carrying...and quickly reached for his back pants pocket.

Ham pierced the tense air with a screaming bark and lunged for the strange man, baring teeth that looked more dangerous than the man's weapon and Joe's gun.

"Down boy!" Joe ordered as he slowly approached the terrified man.

"So you're..."

"Yes!  I'm Compact Flash!  I was about to steal your diamonds and precious pearls!  My gun is just a toy!  Honest!  Arrest me, arrest me!  Just get me away from your dog!"

The beautifully soft colors of the sunrise dawned.  The last of the police cars drove off.  The last neighbor to thank Joe and hug Ham for his fearless courage and protection walked back to their house.  Joe sat on the step just before the front door.  Ham was falling fast asleep in his lap.  Joe laughed lightly.

"Hammy, you saved the day!  And now you are back to being my puppy.  Hammy the hero."