It only took a blink for Toby to pour himself like liquid through the crack in the front door, run across the street and crash the neighbor’s backyard barbecue. I ran after him barefoot, imitating the hot coal dance as I crossed the asphalt and lolloped past my neighbors, grinning stupidly, as they enjoyed their burgers and brats. After two rotations around the house, I saw my chase was futile. Remembering some dog owner advice, I dropped prostrate into the grass. Neighbors lurched out of chairs, hovering over me. “Call 911!” Toby stopped, turned running, and I nabbed him.
© Susan Joy Clark 2021
This was written for the “unleashed” theme flash fiction challenge, using 99 words only, for the Carrot Ranch Literary Community. I did read that if your dog runs away from you like this, you should drop, and the dog, out of curiosity and concern, should come to you. A very similar scenario did happen to me with a little dog I was watching but without quite this level of drama and awkwardness. 🙂
I love it, Susan! Works brilliantly for the 99 words formula. I was just meandering through Charli’s comments, and there you were 🙂 🙂
Ah, Jo. Thanks so much. 🙂 I’m glad you thought so. 🙂
Brilliant. I saw every bit. So funny too.
🙂 🙂 Thanks, Norah.
Yes! The imagery in this is so vivid. I enjoyed every part. Great writing!
What a trick too. Ah, those moments when it actually works.. Our husky however, knows when we’re trying too hard and he seems to laugh as he runs on by..
I don’t think it worked perfectly for me either when I tried it. It did help, I think. My little escapee tired himself out and then sat down to rest thankfully. Thanks for your nice comment. 🙂
Awe… a doggy rescue! 😉
I’m glad you liked it. 🙂
In a nutshell.
So vivid and joyful!
Thank you, Liz. 🙂
Fantastic story! I can just imagine the chaos, haha.
Thank you, Nicole. 🙂
From start to finish, your story is a romp, Susan!
🙂 Thank you, Charli.