By now, there were happy voices all talking at once as they moved into the living room beside the twinkling Christmas tree.
I barked to go outside, so Kurt opened the door for me. I carefully made my way down the snow-covered steps and leaped through the powdery snow, enjoying its pristine whiteness. Since it was so cold and windy, I soon worked my way back up the slippery steps onto the front porch, where I saw Grandma’s rocking chair slowly rocking in the wind. Believe I’ll sit in her chair for a minute or two because it is so pretty out here.
Jumping into her chair, which was in front of the picture window, I could see into the living room through the ice-frosted glass, making everything inside look warm and inviting. I drank in the sight of my wonderful family and loved ones. Since I couldn’t hear anything from inside, it was like a Christmas calendar painting—a slice of life.
There was Papa beside the beautiful Christmas tree, wearing his Santa hat once again. He was laughing at Sellars, who was pretending to cast out a fishing line; Renata and Grandma were shaking their heads and laughing, too.
Zoe and Charlie were each lounging on Steve and Dorothy’s laps, content and relaxed. Mama and Daddy were sitting side by side on the couch, holding Annika between them. She was looking around at all the colorful Christmas lights, her eyes following each movement. Kurt and Bethany, sitting in front of the crackling fire, had just turned around to look out the window. Surprised at seeing me in Grandma’s rocker, Bethany threw a kiss and beckoned me to come back inside. I can hardly wait to get back in there to join all of you. I am a lucky dog to have so many to love me.
I jumped down, barked, and scratched at the door. Bethany let me in, and I made a beeline straight to my beloved Papa. I jumped up on his lap and gave him a doggie kiss. “Whoa, granddawg! We’re gettin’ ready to open presents, and there might even be one with your name on it.” Oh boy, Papa! I know it will be something to eat, right? Hope it’s one of those rawhide chews or some doggie bacon treats. You know what I like almost better than I do.
Inside that home was all the warmth, fun, laughter—and yes, good food—that I could ever want or need. But most of all, inside that home was love and caring. So much had happened since Mama and Daddy brought me home in a box. I was one scared little puppy then, but a big granddawg now.
To me, being a granddawg is an honor I take very seriously. I look forward to many more exciting times with my family—going fishing again, protecting Papa from fences, maybe going to visit Sellars and Renata in Georgia, chasing away that annoying cat next door, giving Annika doggie kisses, playing with my “cousins” Zoe and Charlie, helping Mama and Daddy raise my “sister”—
But most of all, I especially look forward to sitting under Papa’s chair at mealtimes!
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If you are interested in more information about this book as well as Book 2, I AM DACHSHUND, click on the link below:
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