Sunday, September 14, 3:00 p.m.
So I'm sitting there, minding my own business, when suddenly, my little hum drum dog life changes all for the better. In the middle of the driving rain, which has gone on for days making it hard to use the restroom, thank you very much, I suddenly see downward motion from my surveillance position on the rocks. Could it be, I wonder? Oh, could it be that my little doggie prayers have finally been answered?
Casually, I glance around, side to side. That Dad guy was just out in back, but I don't see him now. I get up, stretch and wander in an aimless fashion over to the big maple in the center of my yard. My eyes almost bulge out of my head. There, lying on the ground, is the one and only desire of my heart...the treasure that I've dreamed of my whole life. Praise be to the doggie gods of Marmaduke and Snoopy! It's a squirrel, lying there, just waiting for me! Me!
Happily, I pick it up, delighted beyond delight. This is so much better than those diet doggie treats my people toss me on rare occasion. I must savor this while I can, no telling when that Dad guy will return. I roll the squirrel around in my mouth...mmmm...the real wet fur tickles my tongue and tastes so much squirrelier than that stuffed imitation lying 10 feet to my left. Then suddenly, I feel footsteps moving my direction. No, say it isn't so!
"JENNA!" I hear the Dad roar. "Drop that right now! Drop it!" he yells, advancing on me from the side of the house.
Obediently, in the blink of an eye, I give up my one true love. I'm such a coward and a wimp, I admit. But I like living in the house and sleeping on the couch and getting lovin' 24/7 from my girl. I can't turn my back on all that just to walk on the wild side. Curses! Am I doomed to live the life of subservience? Yes, yes, I am. I'm just a spineless, jellyfish of a dog. Sad but true.
I slink off toward the back door while the Dad guy inspects my beloved. He glares at me and points, and I make myself one with the back door. Farewell, dear squirrel, parting is such sweet sorrow. But there's always tomorrow. Until we meet again...
Monday, September 15, 7:00 a.m.
I'm on back on patrol. All day I vow to pace and track my heart's desire. And when I'm not pacing, I shall sit, motionless. I shall become one with the grass. I shall gaze treeward and wait for my gift to fall from the heavens. I am Jenna. I am vigilant.
Tuesday, September 16, 7:00 a.m.
I'm waiting, doggie gods. Waiting like the good little girl that I am. I have kept my pledge to pace without ceasing and sit without moving. I wait and watch for the tree to release its bounty to me. Please, please, let my little doggie prayers be answered once again. I've been such a good girl...
