Dog Wars - Contest #3

[Dax]

For those teams left, here is the next challenge.

It will be to write an original tall story, fable or story relating to dogs. It can be a fable to explain a behavior (fox & scorpian story) or tall tale like Paul Bunun (Splg). The rule is it must relate to dogs.

This can even be a true story but MUST be written by a member not copied from the internet.

There can be multiple entries (one per member). You will have 1 week before voting begins. Please use this thread for entries only. The team that accumulates the least votes (total of all their stories) will be out of this round.

Pictures and artwork are allowed and appreicated. No minimum word count.

[Dax]

How dogs became man’s best friend.

A long time ago when the world was young, man was alone. He lived in fear, huddled against the night with only his nightmares to keep him company. The warmth of his fire left one side of him always cold. The responsibility of keeping his family safe weighed heavily on his mind and heart.

The animals of this time either ran in fear or stalked him in hopes for an easy meal. His children disappeared into the mouths of hungry predators, his loved one’s bodies ravaged by the beasts of the night.

Then one day while hunting, man found a litter of pups. Wild dogs too young to survive on their own. Their mother had fallen prey to one of life’s many perils. Man looked at these pups with disgust. Their fur was not large enough for decent hides. He was about to leave them to their fate when they mewed. It was a sound man had heard many times from his own lost children. The cry of hunger – the cry of need. Man’s heart melted just a little as he bundled them up to take home.

Back at his hearth, the pups thrived on the s***** man gave them. Their playful attics brought laughter to man’s home. They grew strong and loved man dearly. At night they lay with man warming him with their bodies and love. Man’s heart melted more each day.

One day while his children gathered fire wood, they were attacked by a bear. Man’s heart sank expecting the loss of yet another child. To his utter amazement, his young pups attacked the bear, driving it off. They suffered wounds but would not abandon the fight to save themselves. Man was awed. One gave the ultimate sacrifice. While man cried for the loss, the others used their rough tongues to wipe away his tears. When man hugged them close – they did fear man’s love but welcomed it.

So man’s world changed. He had found someone to share the troubles and trials of life. He had found his first and best friend. This is how the ancestors of our dogs earned the right to be called Man’s best friend.
(this might still be changed. Graphics still to be added)

[chichi]

Luna’s Dream

I was three weeks old the first time I saw him. His mom brought him to meet me. He was so big it seemed, but so gentle. He had hazel eyes that twinkled in the sun. His touch was soft and loving. I would cry, and he would comfort me. I felt so lucky to have him in my life.



Last night I drifted off to sleep, my legs twitching as I dreamt of running through the tall grass with him. I could see him in front of me; the sunlight playing a dance on his shiny, chocolate brown coat.



From out of no where I saw flying rocks and heard the unmistakable sound of skidding tires on a dirt road. “Come on…come on…. ….move!” I kept thinking. “Please move!”

I woke up to an unfamiliar sound and looked around. There were two ladies sitting in the kitchen. They were both crying.

My name is Luna. My dads name was Rudy.

[goldensammy]

Once upon a time, there was a Golden Retriever named Sammy. Sammy was the world's toughest and boldest dog. He had run around the equator numerous times and had even modeled for Hanes over the years. You could say he had the best body out there. He was the most admired dog in all of Madagascar, his home town. But of course this country was not permanent. He was constantly going places for interviews, movies, commercials, and award ceremonies. Every Chihuahua, Pitbull, Great Dane, and Coton de Tulear wanted to be just like him. Humans were constantly retelling his amazing feats.

One day Sammy was just done with his interview with Oprah. He stepped out of the building. Right in front of him was a small white dog. He called himself "Kirby." Sammy looked at the miniature dog that he had almost tripped over. Kirby was on his knees begging. "Please, sir," Kirby said. "You get all the ******* around here. Give me some advice. Help me out! What am I doing wrong?" Before Sammy could say anything, Kirby continued. "Also, I'm constantly getting beat up at obedience class. I'm so small. I don't know how to compete with those big Dobermans, Labradors, and Great Danes! My mom pampers me a lot, so they keep pickin' on me!" Sammy knew just what to do. I mean he wasn't called the "P.I.M.P. Dawg" for nothing. Sammy picked Kirby up into the air and amazingly, a beam of light shined on little Kirby. As he dropped down, his hair was longer, darker, and he was clearly more then 70 pounds.

Kirby jumped for joy. "I'm a golden! I'm finally a stud! I've been wishing all my life to be this big!" Sammy smiled, put his shades back on, and walked away. Kirby skipped away happily. As Kirby went back home, all the dogs were yelling out, "Ow Owwwwwwww." Kirby told his friends about Sammy's miracle. The folks of Madagascar now knew there was no competing with the Golden Retriever.

THE END.
(YOU KNOW I LOVE YOU KIRBY YOU TOO MOO!)
Wow. After writing this, I know why I'll never have a career as a writer!

[doglady]

I want to tell you about my incredible journey. It's one of tragedy, hope, that eventually leads to great love.



Now who can deny that face. I was one in a litter of eight brothers and sisters. When we were about 8 weeks old we were taken away from our mother and left out on the cold street next to a dumpster. Needless to say that was the last time I saw my mom.

I don't know how long we were there, days weeks maybe before a man found us and gathered us all up. Even thou he didn't smell familiar and I was timid on going with this stranger....the thought kept coming in my head that we were going home.

Instead we were placed in a cage. At least we had each other until the day I met her....my new owner. She had just lost her best friend and was looking for a new friend. She was so kind to me that I had to lick her. It was love at first site, but the true test was about to begin.

I loved my new home and I have a name.... Ginger. I sure hope my brothers and sisters are as lucky as I am. In a few days things would change. I started to feel very sick. I just couldn't keep anything down or in. She became very worried and brought me to the vet right away. I was so sick that I really don't remember much. I do remember hearing the vet say that I was not going to survive. I was given a shot and some pills.

When we got home all I wanted to do is sleep, but everytime I opened my eyes she was there. She made me drink, eat and take my pills. The sweet sound of her voice as she sang to me. I felt her tears and heard her prayers.

The puppy that had little hope to survive is now nine years old. Even the vet...now retired is still amazed at me. I will always be greatfull to him for saving my life. An for the love my owner has given me. If not for her I would not be here today to tell you my story.




( Ginger is a survior of the deadly parvo virus. I'm sad to say that all her littermates did not have such luck.)

[mara]

Many, many years ago, in a land now known as Ireland there roamed a group of people called “Celts”. They were a kind, spiritual, strong people who were invaded, robbed and hurt frequently by other more ruthless attackers. They did not allow these attacks to break their spirit—they didn’t believe in war or the unnecessary taking of innocent lives. The Celts had way too many beliefs to list here so I will just mention three.



First of all, the Celts believed all good things happened in groups of three. That is why Celtic Knots tend to have either 3 intertwining lines making up the knots or 3 distinct corners. If you were lucky you would experience all 3 stages of life—you rise from the ground, live on the Earth, and continue your life when time on Earth is gone, in the “Other World” or Heaven.



Secondly, the Celts worshiped the shape of the circle. This is why Celtic Crosses always include one or many circles in their design. They lived in circular houses and danced in groups forming a circle. The Celts believed the circle represented “no end and no beginning.” Other circles may intersect the circle of your own life but these are just “bumps in the road” and all of these circles also have no end or beginning.



Thirdly, the Celts held their “hounds” in very high regard. They believed their faithful companions were invaluable for living. They were revered for their strength, courage and loyalty. They were also associated with nurturing and healing. The Celts believed that having a hound helped them live longer and healthier lives. Most Celtic art discovered over the years depict the human always with his hound.



So, finally to the point of my story---when your DOG turns around in a CIRCLE THREE times before laying down to sleep they are making sure that everything is safe for their people.

[*chihuahuagirl*]

When I was a puppy, I had a family that took care of me. They named me Shadow. I came off the streets, but now I'm loved and cared for. I love my family, both him and her. They took me for walks, to go swimming, and car rides. Man, I loved sticking my head out the windows. I was their child. Even though I was not human. About 4 monthes later, we stayed more at home, especially her. He always worked, she mostly layed down. In a few more months, the backyard was my world. It was a while till a human child came. Never made room for me. They wanted to move, So they bought a home that didnt allow pets. Then I became a dog, no longer loved, not even as a pet. I was so dissapointed. They took me to this place, where there were tons of cats and dogs. Why oh why did they bring me here. I lay down and wait, wait for the people.When they come I get up, walk to the bars, and show them what I can do.
I wasn't chosen. About a week passed, and I havent been chosen. Now I'm on death row. Did I really deserve this? A couple more days and someone took me, not very far though, but to this room. Was I chosen? The lady got all teary. Talking to me softly, as she get a needle, and poke me. She tells me "Sorry buddy, you will feel so much better. No longer to wait, you are now going home." As I get sleepy, I reply " Master, what did I do to deserve this? "

[doglovin]

Defeat of the stuffies !!!!

[ scroll 4pictures @ bottom of page]


It was an exciting day for the chihuahua recruiters as they set out on a dangerous mission.These were the days when the terrible stuffies were roaming the land, a constant threat against the dogs, who battled for the highest human respect,love and attention.

Day after day, Angel had stayed at her post watching them
, waiting for them to make their move. They waited, Angel faithfully kept watch, constantly at the lookout.But as time went by the puppy troopers knew they had to do something, the longer they waited, the more their jobs were put in jeopardy. Image paced nervously around box headquarters and told the rest of them "we must take the stand before it is to late".
Finnally it was decided that sweet and cuddly Teddy would go first. He was like a Stuffy himself, furry and cute, and therefor lethal. He would blend in with the "enemy" better, making it easier for the task of SPY! So off he went, with promises to come back with a full account of the enemy. Trying to find out the Stuffies plan of attack, he spent much time with them, talking with them, and fitting in with their way of life. They shared secrets [although Teddy did find their conversations rather one sided].
When the furry pup, was sure he had discoverd their weakpoint, he climbed atop the Stuffy, and signaled the "troops" with a wink and a nod. But while he was doing such, the ferocious Tigger, was sneaking up behind him and POUNCED dragging him off the friendly stuffy. Teddy had barely hit the ground before he whirled on the suprised Tigger, snapping at him in full attack.The tigger was big and mean, and they battled in full combat, but it wasn't to long before Teddy had him at his mercy. Taking a "double check", to make sure his opponent was no more,Teddy ran off to tell his big brother,and hero, of his accomplishments.Spike, refusing that his younger "furball" could do such a feat, he went to check it out himself. Yes, Teddy had got him. Spike was just about to turn away in discust, when he caught a scent. "if if,if", his nose checked the ground. Could it be..."if if", his shock almost denied it, but his nose told no lies.The "desparatly wanted" Burgerler, was near, almost withing his grasp.
He set out warily in caution, when in the corner of his eye he spotted something in stripes, was it that sycotic zebra who thought himself a horse? No, the Burgerler, it was he. Teddy stopped, turned, and in a moment was apon him with even more fury than his brother before him.
He dragged him away, thinking of the reward Mcdonalds would have for the capture."Tiggers nothin'," He exclaimed, "I have a burglery to speak of".

Then his sisters came running "this must be finished quickly', they shouted. "We might miss lunch, if you guys don't hurry". They inspected the place for more Stuffies. Angel sniffed over an Unidentified Foriegn Object, when something JUMPED on her.
She dove under the UFO but when she peeked out and saw her sister Image, being pursued by the Blue hound, she ran to her rescue. "LOOKOUT IMAGE" she cried, as she made a flying leap and landed on the Hound, nocking it almost uncounscious,she continued her attack in rage and fright for her sisters safety, but that wasn't enough, the hound was atop her, bearing her down, she was going to die under its weighty substance of coton fibre.


Suddenly their was a terrific "BANG". The bang that saved them all.Tinkerbelle had sounded the lunch gun.
The Teddies were frightend so badly they fell into a coma, that would leave them to the mercy of human children for ever more. The battle of the Stuffies had been a complete success. Mom had lunch waiting, and soon the five were eating happily.

Spike HAD recieved a reward for the capture of Burgerler, a never ending supply of burgers [more than even the criminal could have stolen], but mom refused it, much to the little hero's dismay. "BUT MOM" he had loudly whinned as he wrestled with his bro, so mom proceeded to show him a picture of what a dog who ate only burgers looked like. Spike was then content to eat what mom gave him, and whatched with no envy as his little sister got awarded with her picture taken in a cup for the smallest hero ever, to commit such bravery in action.So the puppies were left to be the soul helpers of man, having beat their competition. And as it ends in every good tail, they all lived happily ever ever.


THE END.

[Moo]

Death to Disdainment

By J. T. Kerberos

Long ago in a place not far from what you and I call home today, there was a land populous in canines. Among that land were many colonies containing dogs of all shapes, and sizes; but these things hardly mattered because each dog lived happily among those of his own coat pattern. There were the Triumphant Tri-colours,, the Marvelous Merles, the Brilliant Brindles, Spectacular Spots, and every other pattern you could think of! This may seem like a silly way to sort oneself, but the canines of the time thrived under these conditions, and enjoyed the regular disputes of whose pattern was better. All was well, except for under the solid banner, as there, many dogs held different opinions.



“Why am I a solid and what is so superior of it?” said a little dog with a curly tail “Aren’t I a unique being?” As if the entire world heard the comment, along came a painful wave of dead silence.

A large dog roared angrily, “If that is what you believe, if that is what any of you believes, then you are not a true solid and you do not belong here.”

Chatter arose. The initiator stood straight, not an ounce of regret apparent. He was soon followed by several others. Tension filled the room. Those standing were tossed out.

And so it became. Two sub-colonies formed. Solids of Strength and Solid Supreme went their separate ways. Many of the dogs were reluctant to leave, but followed the curly-tailed dog to the Solid Supreme. Fear would not stop them. The Supreme spoke of the Strength as mean and sickening while the Strength referred to the Supreme as ignorant and fearful. The two sides lived this way for quite some time. An ugly sight it was, constant bickering and spitting of hateful words. The dog land just could not stand the disruption of peace anymore, so finally, a solution was offered.

“Each team will run a series of short contests,” suggested a Perfect Parti “The winner must surrender their family name and coat pattern.”

Gasps from the crowd- Lose your pattern? A disgrace to the entire canine land, surely! Both the Strength and the Supreme agreed, so the competition commenced. The Strength was confident in a win, and the Supreme went in with their tails wagging.

There was no contest. The Supreme team held neither the comparatively biggest nor smallest dog. They could not bark the loudest, win a swim relay, or retrieve the most ducks. The Strength laughed heartily as they swept the challenges. And at the end of it all, all of the dogs throughout the land gathered around the Solid Supreme to watch the colour deptivation.

Mommies and Daddies were all whitened, whining puppies were given decolourization dates. Other colonies' dogs laughed hysterically as the Supreme stood beside themselves. Chuckled a Black & Tan Barbarian, “We’d better leave colour to their eyes and noses, wouldn’t want to lose them in a snowstorm.” And he stepped back pointing and laughing. One at a time, dogs were stripped of their respectability, and the crowd became louder as more and more dogs were demoralized. Finally, a small ex-Supreme, and a large ex-Supreme stepped up. “The whites we have become,” one spoke, “But look at yourselves. Laughing at pointing fingers at those of your own species, just because we have lost a challenge and our colours? We are still the dogs we always were, and that will not change. We should laugh at you for finding pleasure in such trivial matter. You still have your pattern, but if you need that to live, then so be it. You have colour, we have pride.” And the newly white dogs, tails still wagging, eyes still shining, left the silent crowd, to a large field. In awe, the Barbarians and the Strength stood still. Not a tear nor a complaint from the victim? And yet, they were happy. How could it be?



So every canine in the land learned a lesson from the losers of the competition. And all adopted the idea of accepting different opinions… Canines became best of friends with all amongst themselves and visitors, and they were never to judge another ever again. The mindset hasn’t changed a bit. Dogs are by far the superior friends that one can have, and all dogs can thank the so called losers. The new white dogs, who perhaps were not losers after all.

[HeartSong]

I live on the streets. Don't feel bad for me though, I was born here. I know no other life. Sure I see dogs playing with their people and I feel a longing in my heart to be happy like that. But I am happy. I've grown strong and wise on the streets. I know what is edible and what is disgusting. I know who to give sad eyes to in order to get food, I also know who to run from as soon as I see them coming. I'm alone I suppose, but I survive and enjoy life. I chase small animals and birds in the park and watch the most beautiful sunsets. All together I'm happy and always have been. I didn't think there was anything else I could possibly want in life that would make it better. I was quite surprised the day when I found out that wasn't true.

You see, many people think that it's just us dogs who are strays. But that's not true at all. There are humans that are strays as well. They sleep in alleys and eat out of dumpsters just like us. Sometimes stay dogs will form relationships with the stray people. I never understood the purpose of that. I have a hard enough time taking care of myself without worrying about a human too. But then there was one stray human that caught my attention. I guess this may be her story as much as it is mine.


She was smaller than most stray humans. She was stumbling around a bit, I was used to that but this seemed different than when others stumble around. Usually they do it at night, and have a distinct odor. I watched her for a while and then decided to get closer to investigate more. She didn't smell like others who stumble, like alcohol I think they say. I follow her and continue to watch her. She kept a hand out in front of her, walked slowly and still bumped into things. She bumped into a person who yelled, "Hey, watch it!" But another person said, "Hush! Can't you see the poor child is blind?" Blind?! She couldn't see . . . anything!

That would explain her behavior. How sad to live like that and have no one to help take care of her. “Maybe I should continue to follow her and make sure she stays safe,” I thought to myself. She almost walked out in front of a car so I grabbed the back of her dress and pulled her out of the way. I didn't mean to make her fall. Another time she almost walked into a person on a bike so I barked. That made her turn and stop long enough so that the bike was gone before she continued walking. This was hard work. I had to find a better way of helping her. I needed to see better where she was going so I walked up beside her. I don't think she knew I was there. If she was about to go somewhere bad, I stepped in front of her so she would go another way. Then one time she dropped her hand down to her side and it rested on my back. She just left it there. I looked up at her and she was just standing there. “I know, she wants me to guide her.” I started walking slowly and she followed right by my side.

We would walk around like this. People would see that she was blind and would give her some spare change. At the end of a day she would take this into a store and if it was enough, she would buy food for us. If not then we would find a dumpster that had something good in it to eat. At night we would lay down together in an alley to sleep. Now I'm not saying that my life was better now, nor was it worse. It did mean I had more work and a great responsibility, but it was nice too, knowing I could help this little girl so much. People would look at me and comment how cute it was that she had a dog to be eyes for her. That's what they started calling me, a seeing eye dog. Today, many, many years later, people refer to me as the first seeing eye dog.

Well, I don't know about all that. I only did what I thought was right. But the little girl, she said I reminded her of a song that said something about grace letting a person who was blind be able to see. So she started calling me Grace. That was nice; I had never had a name before. She even sang the song to me one night. It was the coldest I ever remember it being. We cuddled close trying to stay warm. She sang it right before she fell asleep, then I feel asleep soon after.


And that is the story of "Grace: The First Seeing Eye Dog".