A Christmas to Remember

Mum and Dad were in the kitchen pottering about while I played in the barn with my brothers and sisters.

We were playing tug of war with a rope that looked like a giant candy cane with massive stripes.

I just wanted to eat it because it looked so yummy!

That's when my uncle came in the barn.

He was a tall man, with broad shoulders and he carried bales of hay like they were weightless.

I always liked to try and help him but I wasn't strong enough, yet he appreciated the offer: I would always receive a pat on the head for my efforts even when they weren't very helpful.

Today he came in with his green wellies covered in snow. He shook them at the door and I watched as the snow crumpled into a pile on the floor.

I went over to greet him and he picked me up for a nice warm hug.

He gave a sad smile and I couldn't figure out why, until he carried me out of the barn and headed for his car instead of the house.

I started wailing but no one heard me, so I tried wriggling free but his grip was too powerful.

He opened the car, grabbed a blanket and wrapped me up, then put me on the floor.

I was too scared to try breaking free and even if I wasn't, I doubted I could have broken out.

It felt like we were travelling for ages, day turned into night and when we finally stopped, matters only worsened.

My uncle climbed out of the drivers seat and disappeared for a while.

Since the car had stopped I decided to struggle against the blanket that bound me.

"Argh!" I shouted in frustration.

Then I heard the boot of the car open and I froze; my uncle was putting something large in the back.

The passenger door opened and there he was, looking down at me with that smile of sorrow.

Just get it over with already!

He scooped me up and took me round to the back before shoving me in a large box.

This must've been what he'd put in a minute ago.

There was a click as the lid was placed and I was thrust into darkness.

I was still confined in the blankets and now my sight was taken from me.

Why was he doing this?

Why would he do this to me?

I was a good boy.

I've never hurt anyone or anything.

I thought I was his favourite.

Apparently not.

My thoughts trailed off as I felt the car stop and the whirring of the engine dissolve.

Where were we now?

Would I ever get out of this box?

The terror was welling up inside.

Suddenly, I started moving, well, the box did.

I was slid out of the car and I felt a bit motion sick as I was carried, swaying from side to side.

There was the sound of a bell and the squeaking of hinges as a door was opened.

Who else was in on this horrible scheme?

Oh dear, more swaying.

Ooof!

Watch it!

I was set down with a less than delicate thud and my terror had surpassed at this point, I had now fully plunged into blind panic!

I gave it one last chance to squirm my way out of these blankets.

One.

Two.

Urgh!

Three.

YES!

I'm free!

I'd managed to get out of those blooming blankets, it was a start.

Now for this box- uh oh.

I heard a woman shout and there was a thunderous sound getting closer and closer to me.

Was this it?

Was this the end?

I waited in anticipation for what was coming next.

What was coming next?

I kept my eyes on the top of the box.

All of a sudden, everything went eerily quiet as there was some ripping and tearing noises, then came a click and a strip of light shone into my box.

The lid came off and I screwed my eyes up against the brightness intruding in.

I took a deep breath and finally, slowly, I opened my eyes.

There was a pair of big bright eyes looking down at me with the happiest smile I've ever seen in my life.

The boy's face retreated and his hands dug inside the box and scooped me out, with a bit of difficulty actually, but his hands were warm and snugly and he pulled me close to his chest where I brushed myself against him.

I felt his small heart beating in a joyful rhythm.

I took a moment to look around.

My uncle was sitting on a chair holding hands with a woman and they both looked at us, me and the boy, so happily.

There was a tree inside buried in bright tinsel and colourful baubles that looked like they needed chasing.

My tail wagged.

I realised that this wasn't bad at all, instead this was a lovely home and my new family were warm and nice.

This was going to be my favourite Christmas for years to come.

I'd found my forever home.