Chapter 3 of Abigail/Star’s story. Based on a true story.

Tigger was Star’s newest and ‘bestest’ friend. 

She had been terrified of any animal that approached her having been brought up in a shelter where there was no animal allowed in. ‘Sorry pet,’ said the matron to Abigail, ‘there’s barely enough for us to eat, nothing spare for that kitten, We’ll call the SPCA and they’ll give it a nice home.’ 

Tigger, having been adopted by the Mack family possibly recognised a kindred spirit. His warm fluffy body and sweet nature won her over completely. Bathed often, he was allowed in her bed much to his delight and her comfort. She would lift her duvet and call ‘Tigger my boy, here’s your place, I’ll keep you safe….. Nite nite,’ she would croon.

Gradually the other ‘hounds’ endeared themselves to her.

The beautiful spaniels, twins like Jill and Johnny had the feel of plush toys. 
The handsome and apparently arrogant male Hagred, loved having his ears tickled and Star had endless patience doing just that. ‘Tickly tickly,’ she giggled, ‘listen to him telling me he loves it,’ as the dog groaned quietly with pleasure at her probing small fingers in the silky folds of his ears. 

His twin, a feisty little gold spaniel named ‘Goldie’ warned Star by showing her teeth once or twice. 
‘Look Jill, she’s smiling at me. I think she likes me. Let’s go and ask Leah if you can have a biscuit.’ She added, giving the dog a soft hug. The spaniel was won over!
https://i.postimg.cc/hjyKRXwC/Ella-the-brave.png
Pixabay

Ella the boxer was a tall handsome dog and as bouncy as a bunny on the first day of Spring. 
‘Oh my,’ said Star standing back in admiration. ‘You’re very……… en-er-get-ic Ella.’ Practising the new word that Johnathon had used to explain Ella’s constant movement.

Ella adored balls and water and often combined the two. 
Star would watch her from afar, intrigued by how the glossy black and tan dog entertained herself. Ella would stand on the edge of the swimming pool and drop a ball into the water and then spend some time following it on the flow of water until she gathered herself and leapt in on top of it. As it shot out she would heave herself after it until it was firmly in her jaws once more.

‘Look at her GO!’ Star would call out in admiration.

Gradually the dog lured Star into throwing the ball for her and they were friends forever. She even welcomed the child with her big towel allowing her to dry her face and ears.

After a few weeks she was part of the pack.

Everyone in the family had ‘jobs they were expected to perform every day.’

Eventually Leah asked Star casually, ‘please would you help me out and feed Tigger?’
She watched as Star got into the routine and learned how to measure the required Vet’s Choice food into his special bowl, ‘the one with the pattern of doggy bones on the outside,’ said Star knowledgeably.

The pack of 5 dogs soon learned that early morning and evening Star paid special attention to Tigger some time before they were given their meals. One morning bleary eyed, Star shuffled into the kitchen to feed her Tigger. She looked at the half circle of dogs staring at her in rapt attention.

Her burst of delighted giggles had Jill call out, ‘Mum, come and see, I think your ruse has taken root and blossomed!’

Leah came in with her video camera to record Star giving the dogs a lecture. ‘Now you all just be patient. It’s one at a time and NO NONSENSE!’ the dogs licked their lips and seemed to nod, so she went on. ‘Tigger will always be first because I loved him first, so just……….WAIT Hagred! Now you will be last!’
She bustled about bossily and busily amongst the well behaved dogs. ‘You get 2 scoops Ella  'cos you’re the biggest and Izzy you get the same as Tigs!’ They were two black and white Bostons. Izzy was also an adoptee.

Leah and Paul beamed. 'I hardly recognise the petrified, screeching child who wouldn't even touch any of them and this confident competent person who is handling them with authority and such kindness!' said Paul in admiration as he hadn't noted as much as the rest of the family.

Johnathon also watching the 'show' whispered to his parents,  'Star is not only in with the dogs but she is,
THE LEADER OF THE PACK.' 
They high fived each other and went about their own chores with broad smiles on their faces.
https://i.postimg.cc/0jkZDQyq/high-five.png
Pixabay


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