Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: The Family Pet (05/15/08)
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TITLE: The Unthinkable and Inexcusable | Previous Challenge Entry
By Wanda Draus
05/20/08 -
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Over the years Jan learned that she could close her eyes on his motorcycle and get a lot of praying in while riding the countryside. Phil would on occasion dress in that handsome suit of his and go to the theatre. Jan tried snorkeling in the Caribbean and Phil bought a book. Then on Sunday morning they did the one thing they both loved, they went to church and worshipped.
They compromised in many areas and Phil knew Jan would never change her mind on a dog, but every now and then he would bring it up. His favorite dog was a golden retriever and sometimes he would drive to a little strip mall in town and they would go and look at the new puppies at the pet store. Jan would be irritated but went along since he seemed to love holding those little furry balls. Phil hoped this would soften her but there was no compromise on the dog issue.
Then the inevitable happened and Phil lost his mother after a long illness. Jan tried everything to bring him out of this dark place and yet nothing seemed to work. He functioned but there was no joy. Jan spoke to someone very close to the couple and they suggested a puppy. Oh no, her thoughts were more in line of a massage, a vacation, not a puppy. Days went into weeks and the sadness continued.
One day at Jan’s Wednesday morning bible study a woman announced she had golden retrievers for sale. Could Jan possibly do this, get a puppy for her husband? That evening she casually mentioned about the puppies for sale. Phil’s eyes lit up. “What are you saying, we can get a puppy?” In a weak moment Jan gave in. She gave her husband three rules for the dog; no climbing on the stairs, no sitting on the furniture, and she is never to lick my face. Phil laughed, “that is how a dog shows their love.” Jan stood her ground, “I can’t have a dog licking my face; it is unthinkable and inexcusable.”
It was a cold winter morning when they picked up their little bit of a dog, Lola. She was beautiful with the biggest brown eyes. Lola was all Phil could hope for, he played with her day in and day out, while Jan cleaned and vacuumed hair from everywhere. Many days Jan regretted her weak moment. The only two that seemed to be happy with this arrangement was Phil and Lola. Lola did follow the rules; she didn’t climb the stairs, she didn’t sit on the furniture, and she tried but learned very quickly never to lick Jan’s face. She always stopped short and put her head on Jan’s lap, where she would garner an occasional pat.
Life continued and Jan could see how much joy this little Lola brought to Phil. She never quite understood their relationship, he often treated and talked to her as if Lola could actually feel and know what he was saying. Jan would just shake her head in bewilderment and remind Phil, “she is a dog not a person.”
= = = =
The phone rang and Jan knew it was a call that her friend had passed. She stood numb as she approached the stairs her legs could not carry her up so she sat and the tears began to fall. The only sound in the house was the sound of her anguish. Then she felt it; the unthinkable, the inexcusable, Lola climbed the stairs and was licking the tears from her face as quickly as they fell. Jan cried harder and couldn’t believe the comfort this beautiful creature gave her. She scooped Lola in her arms and gave her kisses just like Phil did.
= = = =
Jan and Lola pulled into the driveway and Lola jumped out with pink bows in her hair. Phil looked in amazement, “where have my two favorite girls been.” Jan smiled, “Oh we just got back from Cherie’s House of Beauty, Lola has a standing appointment.” Come Lola; let’s go get some frosty paws.”
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