AnElephantCant get tired of walking
Whether on a beach or down by the river
Or up a high hill
Where he finds it a thrill
To discover he can see forever and ever
Once again it is Friday Fictioneer time.
Where riverside Rochelle tears down the fences which separate fact and fiction.
And AnElephant recalls a former life by Ye Banks and Braes o’ Bonnie Doon.
The idea is to write a very short story, circa 100 words, based on this picture prompt (below).
That’s it.
Copyright Erin Leary
Walking the Dog
His sleep is restless, full of strange dreams.
He wakens, disoriented, drops off again.
Then he smiles.
In his dream the dog is licking his toes.
The dog he climbs over to leave the house Monday to Friday.
The dog who wakens him every Saturday.
The dog who knows the only day there is no business, no demanding clients, no financial matters.
Just walking.
Five miles, sometimes ten, along the banks of the River Doon and the beaches of Scotland’s West Coast.
He is awake now.
The dog is still licking his toes.
The dog who died ten years ago.
Sound Bite Fiction 
I was brought up with dogs and understand the sentiment of your tale. As a ‘grown-up’ I have had cats – now onto my third. Animals are uncanny in their senses and realities. I believe in your ghost dog. My two -alas- late cats would run away from the ghost that walked our house in France – invisible to us (until she appeared to my husband one time). Believe this or not, take it or leave it!
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Anyone who has loved and lost a dog can identify with this. I used to dream I’d forgotten to pick up my dog from the vet and he wandered the woods behind the office.
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Many days after my dog passed away I would wake up and hear her walking across the room. Takes time but not ten years in my case 🙂 Nicely done.
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The prompt this week has promoted a lot of very spooky stuff.
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Ooh, I love this! My dog always knows when it’s an ‘at home’ day for me. She likes to Pit her cold nose on my arm to wake me up. But she’s still here…..and your is long gone. Well done!
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I burst into tears on that last line.
Are you proud to write stories that make grown men cry, AnElephant …
cuz’ you should : Perfect one!
Tay.
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A great ghost dog. Some good memories there.
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Wonderful ghost story…
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So moving – bittersweet.
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To have a dog still walking there is either sad or a very creepy zombie dog licking his toes…
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This is lovely. Just lovely.
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Oh, that is so sweet. We dog lovers are saddened by your story, but it was very well told. In reality, we have purchased another dog, who is now 10 years old, and like Vampires, he will be replaced by another pet after he passes. We love them while we have them. Some more than others, but somehow, we manage to love the next one while the old one recedes into the past.
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“Someone” once said “the only negative about a good dog is its short life span”. Good story.
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AnElephant has a soft spot for a lost friend. I know this tail too well. (See what I did there?) If you care to, I will share my dog story… one day.
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I know what it’s like to miss a favorite dog. This captures the essence of that feeling.
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Dear Elephant, well written indeed. I miss my dogs too. I would like to get another one, but for now I have to envy my children their dogs. Thanks for the good read! Nan
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What a fantastic story. I love it
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Oh what a wonderful write. It’s a nice twist to the end.
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Oh so sad, but lovely too!
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Lovely tale 🙂
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Enjoyable read.
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You got me with the last line. Never expected that one, though I probably should have coming from you.
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Elephant, great poem! I miss my cat, but I’ve never had a dog. I wish…
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Sad story but somehow very apt for the prompt.
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Beautifully expressed. For years after our dogs passed I still thought I heard their nails tapping down the hallway every time I put the key in the front door. Well done, very moving and will strike a chord with everyone who has or has had a dog.
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Oh,this is so beautifully written-just like they say if you lose a limb,it still itches or feels it is there..!
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Might sound silly, but I think dogs are angels on earth… they love us unconditionally, makes us laugh, brings us comfort, protects us, who else but an angel would do that for us? Wonderfully written dear Brian.. hugggs.
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Dogs live forever for a little boy, or old man as the case may be.
DJ
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A lovely memory, and very beautifully put.
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This is lovely, a great reflection of the impact pets have on their owners 🙂
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Dear Elephant,
Lovely and sad. My dog passed over twenty years ago. I still miss her. Perhaps your MC is getting ready to join his friend?
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wonderful story and the photo is beautiful.
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Very nice but sad.
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