Sitting in dad’s vegetable patch, peering out between two large potato plants, I was enjoying the serenity of the garden. It had been a very quiet week with no real excitement at all. Nothing much had happened since I rescued Harry the hedgehog from the owl. Yes, now I know what type of bird it was. By the way, I am happy to report that Harry got home in one piece.
Today’s agenda
Maybe, I would be going to the beach today or somewhere even better although I can’t imagine anything better than racing across the sand with my friends. However, something unusual had been going on. Obviously, I must have nodded off in the sun because there were now a number of small tables on the patio, each one draped with a white cloth and surrounded by chairs. This meant only one thing. There was going to be a party in the garden. This was the best news ever.
Preparing for the party
Staying out of the way seemed the best option for the time being and so I just watched all the preparations from a distance. When the time was right and once the food had been dished out, I would make an appearance. Mum’s friends can be very generous you know, especially to a hungry little puppy like me. Shortly afterwards, the guests started to arrive and it wasn’t long before all the chairs were occupied. I could see mum running in and out of the kitchen, each time emerging with drinks for the ladies seated at the little tables. I couldn’t see any food yet, so I remained where I was, keeping an eye on everything else which included Trixie the cat sitting in her usual spot on dad’s shed roof.
The Scream
Suddenly and without warning, there was a single piercing scream from one of the ladies present and the atmosphere changed completely. All the guests started squealing and making a truly awful din. Next, some chairs were overturned as they all rushed into the kitchen and closed the door. I could not believe it! Even my mum followed them into the house. Whatever could have happened. There they were, noses pressed against the glass and all of them with terrified expressions on their faces.
Poppy to the rescue yet again. I strode up the garden path to the patio to find out what the fuss was all about. At first, I didn’t see anything but on closer inspection of the area, I spotted the reason for all this mayhem. A tiny creature was cowering under one of the tables looking as frightened as any of the humans peering out of the kitchen. I recognised this little animal immediately. It was nothing more than a mouse. A tiny field mouse lost in our garden.
Poppy saves the day
As I approached the little creature, it ran away from me toward the house which resulted in more screaming from inside. I quickly assured this late arrival that mice had not been invited to the party and it must leave immediately. Once this little creature realised that I was not dangerous, I was able to escort it back down the path and out of the garden. Getting past the cat was a bit of a problem but I gave her my fiercest look. You know the one. Stick your nose in my business at your peril. Trixie wisely remained where she was. Minutes later the mouse was gone, swallowed up by the long grass growing around the edge of the field.
The Heroine
Meanwhile, I had become an overnight heroine. I don’t need to tell you that the rest of the garden party went very well for me. Lots of attention and lots of treats. Sometimes, I just love being me. See you next week
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