A HOLIDAY ADVENTURE
The front door was slightly ajar, so she quickly slipped out. Nobody called her, they were doing something they called praying. Not that she understood what it was, but it happened every day and they wouldn't notice her absence for a while.
With head erect, tail held high she trotted jauntily along enjoying the warm sunshine. The briny breeze brought back memories of freely frisking along the beach trying to catch seagulls. Different odours of shells, crabs, flotsam and the sound of the waves, had all made it a 'doggie's paradise'. Her quivering little black nose told her she was heading in the right direction. With the salty air getting stronger and the pounding waves louder 'paradise' was very close.
Racing along a sandy path to the top of the small dunes, she saw foaming waves crashing over and over onto an almost deserted golden beach. Then she spied the seagulls paddling at the ocean's edge. With little legs in high gear, she charged down, barking mischievously. Whenever one landed the little furry whirlwind gave them no peace, yapping and chasing the birds, trying to catch one. They were, however too clever and eventually, admitting defeat, she turned to sniffing seaweed, shells and other sandy objects.
Noticing some people further down the beach, it was time to check things out. There she discovered around the little peninsula, a marina with boats of all sizes bobbing and tugging at their mooring ropes. The aroma from cooking hamburgers was like a magnet. On the way to finding the source of this tantalizing smell, a drink from a bucket of freshwater relieved her dry throat. Sniffing out a half-eaten burger left in a paper bag, she managed to get her head inside and enjoy the unexpected treat. Now it was time for a nap. Exploring a quieter area, a gently sloping ramp beckoned and led to a pile of blankets under a tarpaulin. Crawling under the tarp she curled up. Sleep came quickly in spite of the fishy smell.
Woken by a violent jolt and the sound of an engine running, it was time to discover what was happening She stretched out her little back legs, then had a good shake. As she did, something small and bright rolled off the blankets across the floor toward the front of the boat. The man in the bow was working hard to control his vessel in the large waves and didn't see it stop near his feet. Managing to keep her balance on the heaving unsteady floor, the fluffy Maltese came up beside Jack Longman and barked at the silver shape. Startled he looked down.
"Where did you come from little thing?" Big brown eyes and wagging tail greeted him.
"What are you barking at?"
The little black nose pointed to the ground, accompanied by more barking.
"Good heavens, that's Nancy's diamond ring she lost a while ago. Clever dog."
Pocketing the ring, Jack picked up his new 'friend' putting her on the seat next to him and continued battling to control his boat.
"It won't be long little one," he said 'I'm heading back to the marina it's too rough out here and only going to get worse. I hope we can find your owners."
The boat tossed around by high waves and stronger winds finally arrived, and with only little difficulty, moored at the marina.
Entering the clubhouse holding the dog, Jack asked
"Has anyone here been inquiring about a missing pooch?"
"Why yes the couple over the other side of the room. They are very concerned." answered Fred pointing from behind the bar, With her still in his arms Jack approached them.
"Would you be looking for this dear little dog?
It was naturally a happy reunion with much hugging and happy licking. Her owners Ann and Dennis were thankful the Lord had heard their prayers for the safe return of their pet. Jack explained how she had 'discovered' the missing diamond ring, and the rough trip home.together.
"By.the way," he asked, "What's her name?"
"Bijou!" Dennis replied "It's French for jewel. Like a diamond, she's our treasure!"
"Ruff, Ruff" barked Bijou in agreement.
LINDA SIMPSON