New Year’s day is quiet
save for the ceaseless barking dog,
a new sound in the housing development
behind the wash near the desert willows.
I imagine the puppy’s face as the children
love and cuddle her cuteness, excited beyond containment,
until they grow tired of her.
They’re are off to the movies
to see Star Wars,
the entertainment of the holiday season,
leaving their pet to howl,
moaning, untended and alone
like an orphan.
Journal prompt: write about your own pets. Have you raised puppies? Are you a dog person or a cat person? What about other kinds of pets? Include your thoughts and experiences on noise. Do barking dogs bother you? Do you adopt?
Photo: above-memory of our last family dog as a puppy circa 1987. The kids begged and pleaded to keep one of the puppies from our last beloved canine mama, Teddy Bear. They were captivated by watching the birthing process. The kids did a good job raising Pebbles with lots of help from Mom and Jesse. It’s been a long time since we owned a family dog. We’ll see…when the time comes….
Treat Yourself to a Journaling Adventure 
So true about the puppy. My son in Minneapolis and his family have a new dog still in the first year-puppy stage. He tells wonderful stories of her trying to understand and learn human ways. He has become her Alpha and is learning a lot as well. Happy New Year and good wishes for a few quiet days ahead.
I have so many pet stories. Am going to add a photo to this piece. And yes, it has been quiet in the hood lately. Dog in question is apparently well loved. 🙂