by Diane Gray

Created on: April 21, 2008

The Fire

April adores her master and mistress and the wonderful fun life that she has. Of course playing and eating are the top priorities! But little does she know that her carefree ways will soon be changed forever.

April's family is away at work for most of the day, but when they come home every night it is a celebration. Out come the tennis balls and treats! This is the very best time of the day.

The master changes from his work clothes into play clothes, and the fun begins. Fast throwing tennis balls are simply irresistible. The mistress soon starts dinner, and the delicious smell of roast beef and potatoes are saturating the cozy house. The local news is broadcasting the latest weather and information on the TV. The house is alive!

April is beside herself with joy. What better master and mistress can I have she asks herself? This routine happens every night, but April, being only an 11 month old Australian Shepherd puppy, is always excited! The boundless energy within her soon infuses the tiny family. What better way to spend the night than with her two gods?

Play is almost over, since the master is now washing his hands. The mistress puts the deliciously smelling dinner on the table, and sets April's bowl of puppy food and treats on the front porch. April knows that there's going to be some good stuff in her bowl, because there always is every night. After she finishes her supper, the mistress will let her in the house to play some more games. Then it will be bedtime.

But April's job will just begin after that. Day by day and week by week, April is learning to lie by the front door on top of her doghouse on the porch at night. She stays alert to any kind of dangers that would harm the master and mistress. Once, several weeks ago, a stray dog came sniffing around the front gate late at night, and April sounded off a warning of barks and growls that woke the entire neighborhood! April was proud of herself that night when the master praised her, even though he put her in the back yard run. April is determined to make the master and mistress proud of her all of the time! Little could she know of the danger soon lurking.

That night, after a wonderful dinner and fun game time in the house, April lay outside the front door on top of her lookout doghouse. Everything was fine with her world. Her tummy was nicely full; the delicious aroma of the night air with its flowery perfume was slowly wafting through the air. Sleep would come to an ordinary dog, but not April.

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