Under the Lamp Post Chapters – Cherry Wood Lane Pals

May 1, 2016

Under The Lamp Post – Chapter 13

I woke up early, rushed through a routine, morning yoga session and trotted downstairs to check on the party preparations. Patio chairs fluffed? Check Pretty flowers watered? Check BBQ grill ready? Check Diana zoomed round the kitchen making burger patties and potato salad. I walked right into the middle of the kitchen and test drove a possible plan, pretending to dance to the right, but actually sliding to the left. Bingo! The flat tray of burger patties nearly fell to the floor as Diana did her best not to step on me. Glaring at me, she shouted an often heard […]

January 27, 2016

Under The Lamp Post – Chapter 12

Out and about on my evening walk with Diana, I was busy minding everyone’s business, keeping a watchful eye on stuff. We stopped in front of Duchess’ house so our humans could talk about the neighborhood BBQ party tomorrow. I wagged my tail and nodded at Duchess. We quietly stood side by side in the grass along the sidewalk. The golden sparkle was returning to her beautiful eyes. I was relieved to see her getting better so quickly. Duchess meowed to let me know she had something weighty to ask. Sasha, can you do this tomorrow night? Share with me what is […]

November 8, 2015

Under The Lamp Post – Chapter 11

Barking my head off, I dug in my paws and resisted as Diana dragged me into the house and slammed the front door. No, Sasha. You’ve barked at enough invisible dangers today. What! Who is she kidding? Invisible? Not this time. Danger locked eyes with me and made itself known only 20 feet away from my very own front door. I rushed through the after walk nightly cookie ritual and returned to patrol the front door, sniffing all around the frame. Diana turned out the lights and headed up to do work on her yarn projects in the Girl Room. […]

November 1, 2015

Under The Lamp Post – Chapter 10

On Cherry Wood Lane, good news spreads even faster than bad. Before the garage door to Duchess’ house slid shut, Leola and Ryan were rushing as fast as their wings and paws could go down the streets sharing the news flash with every Pal. Duchess is home! Duchess is home! Reaching my house, Leola swooped down and hovered in front of the dining room window. Sasha! Did you hear? Did you hear the news? Hurry, come join us in welcoming her home. I shot from my chair and dashed to the window, barking and leaping as high as I could […]

October 21, 2015

Under the Lamp Post – Chapter 9

Diana and I made our way to the park so I could work off some of my energy before bed. I distractedly sniffed my way down the sidewalk as we headed to the park in the very center of our neighborhood. My thoughts were heavy and important. Once there, Diana took a seat on a wrought iron bench and chatted with one of the other humans that lived on the lane. She let my extension leash unwind all the way out as I sniffed my way into the shadows from the tall fir trees. Back to the sun and noisy […]

October 14, 2015

Under The Lamp Post – Chapter 8

An uncomfortable silence quieted every pal’s breathing. There was nothing left to say. None of my friends could look at me. I couldn’t look back at any of my friends. Forbi’s betrayal confused them and hurt me deeply – but it didn’t really surprise me. I flattened my ears against my head and with a trembling voice said, “Your betrayal hurts my heart, Forbi. I did not attack Duchess. I understand that you don’t want to be my friend and I’m sorry for that, but I don’t deserve to be accused of hurting Duchess. This is the last time I will defend […]

July 14, 2015

Under The Lamp Post – Chapter 7

My reputation just caught with me. I have a history of barking and chasing after Duchess. To be honest, I have a history of barking at and chasing every Pal in the neighborhood. Even so, I’ve never caught anything or hurt anything in my life. I explained my side of the story. I know what I saw. I know what I did. I didn’t hurt Duchess, Forbi. I saw what did though. It was a big dog with glowing yellow eyes and teeth the size of my whole leg. He growled low and deep, slashed my chest with his paw […]

June 30, 2015

Under The Lamp Post – Chapter 6

Summer mornings start early around here. By 6:00 am everyone was up and busy doing their day. I shook off my tiredness from being up so late, stretched into a flawless downward dog and yawned deeply. Diana opened one eye, hoping I won’t notice. Who is she trying to kid here? It’s my job to notice. I take my job seriously and pounced immediately. Sasha! Enough with the flying paws. I’m up. I’m up. Diana sat up and dangled her feet off the side of the bed. I bit her toes. I bite her toes every day. Diana hates it. […]

June 9, 2015

Under The Lamp Post – Chapter 5

Everyone turns and looks up the street when we hear Duchess’ human call out. April runs down her porch steps, out into the middle of the street. She is fully dressed, her purse on her shoulder and keys dangling from her front pocket. Her high heel sandals clack on the pavement. Diana rushes up the sidewalk to meet her. April, it’s Duchess. She’s been attacked. She has to get to the emergency vet. Through tears, Diana tells her what happened. My Duchess? No, not my Duchess! I was in bed, asleep. I heard the noises. How could this happen? I […]