My Short Short for the Day

Just then the top of the sack opened and Puggy peeked into the bag. Lou giggled as Puggy licked his face and snorted.

“Shoo! Go on! Go lay down!” Lou whispered trying to be stern but Puggy ignored him.

“We have to take him back to his bed before Santa comes out.” Eddie stated climbing out of the sack.

Lou followed him giggling as Puggy jumped around him trying to reach his face. They got to the dog bed and put Puggy back in but something wasn’t quite right.

“Where’s the red ribbon Santa tied around his neck?” Eddie asked looking around.

“Here it is.” Lou said holding up a ribbon. Quickly he tied it around Puggy’s neck and petted him. “Look Eddie, I put the ribbon back on Puggy.”

Eddie looked up smiling and holding a red ribbon in his hands. “I don’t know what you have but this is the ribbon…” Eddie’s jaw dropped as he looked at Puggy’s neck. “Lou, that’s the…” Suddenly Puggy jumped up and ran away from Lou. “…garland.” Eddie finished as Lou watched in surprise while Puggy raced around to the back side of the tree.

“Quick! After him!” Eddie rushed after the little dog. Lou followed after Eddie.

Puggy looked back at the two elves with mischief in his eyes. He raced around the tree circle after circle as the garland unwound from the tree, shaking the tree and knocking ornaments on to the presents below. After circling the tree a few times Puggy stopped to face the two exhausted elves. Eddie halted abruptly and Lou rammed into him.

They held their breath for a moment then Eddie stuck out his hand towards Puggy. “Here boy, come here. Good doggy.”

Puggy wagged his tail as he slowly walked toward Eddie. Just as Eddie leaned forward to grab the little dog, Puggy stepped to the side and raced past the elves. Again the three raced around the tree as ornaments dropped off and the tree threatened to topple over. A noise came from the kitchen and all three froze.

“Ho, ho, ho! What have we here?” Santa said standing in the doorway. “Not another mess boys. I thought you might have learned after the last one.”