WRITE 2 THE HEART
             Stories that are aimed "Write 2 the Heart"
                           April 6, 2004
         Cheryl Speir, Editor, moderator@write2theheart.com.


     Welcome to your latest issue of "Write 2 the Heart." You
are receiving this newsletter because you requested a
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you. All new subscribers will receive a free downloadable
copy of the e-cookbook, "Write 2 the Heart of the Chocolate
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always love to hear stories from new, first time writers.
>From now until the end of June, I have a writer’s
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three per author.
    

     What would your pet say about you if they could? With
the help of Angela, Madison Starr tells us about what she
considers to be the most unpleasant part of her life. I can
sympathize with Angela; I have to go through this with my
long-haired fat cat each spring.  


My Mom, the Wannabe Dog Groomer
by Angela Walker


     Hi, my name is Madison Starr and I am a Blue Meryle
Collie.  My mom and sisters, Chloe and Bella, adopted me
from Houston Collie Rescue. Actually, you may know my
mom as the “Foster Mom Flunkie,” I think she got that name
after she failed fostering with my sister Bella. Anyway I am
her second fostering attempt and once again she failed.

     I am writing this story, with help from my mom, who
promised to write this just as I tell it, to let you know of a new
way to be tortured by your human moms.

     It all starts with those little words, bath and first haircut.  I
am lying on the floor just chewing on my rawhide and my
mom says, “Are you ready for a bath?”  Now, I have this
dumbfounded look on my face like ‘what, I smell bad or
something?’  I think I smell just fine.  Well, the instant she
gets out of her chair, I start running through the house like I
am in some agility competition. I try everything to get away
from her but it is no use, she finally corners me, picks me up,
and takes me to the dreaded bathroom. 

     I have tried to tell her repeatedly I am not one of those
dogs that like water, but she says ‘you HAVE to take a bath.’
 I finally realize it is no use to fight her so I eventually just
resign myself to the situation.

     I am finally through with my bath and now she insists on
blow-drying my hair. I try to tell her it will dry in time there is
no need to do that, but she does it anyway. I think to myself
it is my hair don’t I get a choice?

     Now, she decides it is time for my first haircut. I have
seen Bella and Chloe after their haircuts and I am thinking, “I
don’t want to look like that”. She has assured me that she
has purchased a dog-grooming book from Ebay so I will look
better than them.  Evidently, she did not have this book when
they got their last haircut. I think to myself, thank goodness!
I did hear her mention to her friend one time, that she was
going to look into taking a dog grooming class but I guess it
was to expensive or she just did not have the time.

     I tried to hold still like she told me but I just couldn’t. I just
kept thinking that “I don’t want to look like Chloe and Bella. I
mean, I have seen the looks, and heard the other dogs down
the street laughing at Chloe and Bella and their haircut when
we go walking. How much teasing must a dog take!  I just
keep squirming around thinking she will get tired eventually.
After a while she says, “Okay, that is as good as it is going
to get being you will not be still.”

     I notice that on the back of my legs she cut my hair with
scissors. I think, where is that loud shaving device you
have?

     I don’t look so bad.  I guess that mom did the best she
could considering she is not a professional groomer. She
assures me that practice makes perfect. 

     I hope the next time she needs to practice; she practices
on Chloe and Bella.


Angela Walker
alwalker @ academicplanet.com.

     This is a true story. You can go to my mom’s website to
see a picture of my sisters and me at
http://loveourpets.com/mycolliehaven.


     You are encouraged to write to the authors to let them
know what you think of their story. Have a comment on
today's story? Send it to: moderator@write2theheart.com.



Letters From Our Readers

Dear Cheryl Speir,
     I am new to WRITE 2 THE HEART, and am most pleased
with the first issue received. "Decoration Day" by Laura
Lowe is a touching reminder of how favored traditions can
become but memories. Truly sad the cemetery is no
longer tended. But at least there is honor bestowed its
residents by a woman who has not forgotten them, nor
forgotten their resting place. Thanks Laura, for sharing such
a special time and place from your childhood.
Best,
Patricia Spork


     I loved Laura’s story. I have never had to hitch a mule to
a wagon to get somewhere. Have we lost all of the simple
joys in our hurry-hurry busy-busy lives? Are all the special
memories our children will have is playing video games
alone? What a sad commentary on our times.
Lisa Anne

Military Prayer Reminder
    
     As you read over this list of names, please take a
moment to pray for these young people and their families:
 
Chris Speir                   
Tim Speir                     
Alan                              
Thaddeaus
Howard                    
Todd Holland
Graham
William
Julie Sagel
Jessie
Marshal Thompson
Jason
Eric Hernandez
Kristin Danielson
Ken Prieur
Ryan
Jonathan P. Wells
Larry Miele
Daniel
Amy
John
Joanne
Gary Boardwine
Josh
 
     Please continue to pray for our country, our leaders, and
our troops at this time. If you have loved ones in the military,
or who are being called to go overseas, send their names
(first and last or first only) to be included in our prayer
reminder.


Cheryl’s Corner


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