A NEW FRIEND
Published on December 2022Annie stood looking out the window watching the wind working on the remaining leaves that hadn't dropped from their branches.
"Good morning, Annie." Jake whispered.
"Jake. It is so quiet. I want some action."
"Annie, be careful what you wish for."
"Jake, maybe I will get something interesting."
As the day progressed, nothing changed until supper time. The silence was broken with a whimpering sound.
"Did you hear that?"
"Yes. Maybe we should investigate, Havier?"
"We have your back, Havier." Joseph replied.
Annie was looking towards the front door. She saw something brown peeking through.
"It is brown, whatever it is."
Everyone looked as if they were frozen in time when this little head appeared through the opening.
"Annie feels brave standing behind Jake."
"Come in. I live here with my kids."
"Momma Kitty, who is it that you have with you?" asked Annie.
"Someone is lost. He can't find his way home. Everyone, meet Archer."
"Archer, I am Annie. You found your way to the right place. Our owners will help you find your way home."
"What is that thing on your neck that looks like an antenna?"
"Did you say your name was Annie? That is my tracker so I don't get lost." replied Archer.
"What went wrong? Does it run on batteries? Oh, by the way, I am Joseph. Meet Havier and Jake."
"Really don't know. I was doing some training. I am a Brittany Spaniel. I was so in the zone. Before I realized I was not where I was supposed to be, I was in a swamp."
"Then that explains why you are so dirty."
"Annie, that is not polite to say."
"Sorry, Jake. what I really wanted to say was - there is a nice pile of hay over there. You can roll around and it may help to remove those icicles hanging on your fur."
Just then, Leona and Eugene came in the back door. "Well, what is it that we have here?"
Archer wasn't sure. With everyone's encouragement, he settled down.
"Look, he has a tag. Maybe there is a phone number? Let's give it a try." replied Eugene.
"Wait! I have a better idea. Let's get hold of our friends and let them know he is here. They may have seen something or know something about him." Leona added.
While waiting for a response, Archer realized it was alright for Leona to clean him up.
"Oh Archer! Your poor front paws are sore. You must have travelled a fair bit."
Well, it didn't take long before someone saw the post. Leona kept dialing the wrong numbers due to excitement. Finally, the correct number was dialed.
Leona's words were: "Is that you Archer? You are going HOME!!"
Everyone gathered around Archer, making him feel special.
"Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine myself being hugged by donkeys, mules and humans all at once."
"Maybe we should take Archer to the house while we wait for his owners?"
"It was nice meeting everyone here. I am so happy that I chose this way to come. Maybe one day we will see each other again?"
"Archer, Merry Christmas. We couldn't be happier than seeing you reunited with your family."
"Aww.....Joseph. Thanks. I will be thinking of all of you."
"There you go, Annie. You did end up with some action."
"Yes, Jake, we all did. It was the best kind. He was handsome too!"
As the car drove by there was Archer. He was on his way home.
"It has been quite a day. I need a nap before supper."
"Joseph, you have been eating all day. How can you still be hungry?"
"Ask my stomach. It's the one that is sending the signals."
"JOSEPH!!!"
Hi everyone! Hope you enjoyed hearing about Archer's visit?
The Christmas break is almost upon us. Not everyone has a family at Christmas. If you can help someone in some way, do it!
Let us remember, as well, those who have to work during the holidays. also, our troops that are deployed.
MERRY CHRISTMAS. WE WILL SEE YOU IN 2023. STAY SAFE!