HAPPY NEW YEAR AND WELCOME TO FRIDAY FICTIONEERS!
May it be a good year, filled with prosperity, happiness and publication dreams fulfilled.
_____________
Henry David Thoreau said it best.
“It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.”
In 2014, as in 2013, writers are encouraged to be as innovative as possible with the prompt and 100 word constraints.
THE CHALLENGE:
Write a one hundred word story that has a beginning, middle and end. (No one will be ostracized for going a few words over the count.)
THE KEY:
Make every word count.
THE RULES:
- Copy your URL to the Linkz collection. You’ll find the tab following the photo prompt. It’s the little white box to the left with the blue froggy guy. Click on it and follow directions. This is the best way to get the most reads and comments.
- MAKE SURE YOUR LINK IS SPECIFIC TO YOUR FLASH.
- While our name implies “fiction only” it’s perfectly Kosher to write a non-fiction piece as long as it meets the challenge of being a complete story in 100 words.
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- ***PLEASE MAKE NOTE IN YOUR BLOG IF YOU PREFER NOT TO RECEIVE CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM.***
- REMINDER: This page is “FRIDAY FICTIONEERS CENTRAL” and is NOT the place to promote political or religious views. Also, you are responsible for the content of your story and policing comments on your blog. You have the right to delete any you consider offensive.
**Please exercise DISCRETION when commenting on a story! Be RESPECTFUL.**
Should someone have severe or hostile differences of opinion with another person it’s my hope that the involved parties would settle their disputes in private.
- Like us on Facebook
My story follows the photo and link tool. I enjoy honest comments and welcome constructive criticism.
- Shalom,
Rochelle
To start off the year with a bit of whimsy, I’m posting my daughter-in-law’s picture of their tree-climbing dog. She assures me that this is untouched and not photo-shopped. Yep, that’s my granddaughter watching.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Word Count: 100
This week, just for Elmo, I’m writing a somewhat happy ending. 😉 At any rate, no one dies.
A SOLDIER OF THE GREAT WAR
(With Apologies to Mark Helprin)
In 1918 Dad deployed to France singing “Over There” and returned, months later, a sullen shell.
Then, for Christmas 1919, Grandma gave me a stub-tailed, bull-terrier puppy.
Instead of the “you-can’t-keep-it” snarl I expected, Dad grinned.
“He’s the spittin’ image of the bravest soldier in the 102nd. Bullets and mustard gas couldn’t defeat him.”
“He looked like a dog?”
“Not ‘looked like,’ son. I’d a never made it outta the trenches if that pooch hadn’t…”
Dad coughed and blinked, tucked my pup under one arm, straightened to attention and raised his hand-hook to his brow.
“Sergeant Stubby, I salute you!”
.
Happy New Year Rochelle, lets see what we can do with this photo.
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The link thingy doesn’t appear to be functioning Rochelle.
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Can’t have that…let’s see what I can do.
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Thanks
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Refresh your page, Michael. It should work now. Thanks for letting me know. I misscheduled.
And a very happy new your to you!
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks Rochelle its all good now. We are away and running.
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Consider the ‘Like’ pressed, can’t get it working just now.
Great little story, heroes come in all shapes and sizes.
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Dear Elephant,
Very strange. I tried clicking it (and unclicked it) and it worked fine but this seems to be the morning for technical difficulties.
As for Sgt. Stubby…amazing story. He really was man’s best friend…several men in fact. 😉 His stone is at the WW1 memorial in my own home town.
Thanks for commenting and “liking”.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Yup, I had trouble loading my story, but I think it’s OK now. Like still won’t work. Lovely story Rochelle, brings a tear to the eye and I’m trying not to go there. Good work as always and Happy New Year.
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Dear Sandra,
Sorry about the tears…well, not really. Thank you for your lovely comments, they mean a lot coming from a writer of your caliber.
Don’t know what’s going on with the like icon. Someone doesn’t like me I guess. 😉
Happy New Year.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A .lovely story that rings true. It’s going to be hard to top that!
Happy New Year, Rochelle
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Dear Liz,
You made me smile. Thank you. Gotta love history.
Happy New year and Shalom,
Rochelle
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Fabulous story Rochelle, there are great stories from war time of dogs being life savers. Enjoyed this very much.
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Dear Michael,
Reading your comment makes me happy. I’m not even sure how I happened on this one. Glad you enjoyed.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Great story, very uplifting!
Also, your “like” button seems to have returned to working order — I’m sure you will be well-liked in no time at all 😉
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Dear Jan,
I noticed that. Not sure what was causing the problem. Too much New Year’s blog traffic, perhaps? Glad you liked the story. I just couldn’t start oft 2014 with a totally dark one, could I? I raise my coffee cup to an uplifting and happy new year.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Amazing story Rochelle, good start for new year. Happy New Year.
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Dear Indira,
I just couldn’t start the new year with a sad ending. Thank you for your sweet comments and Happy New Year to you as well.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I am celebrating my publication dream fulfilled as I am part of a short story anthology published in November. Hooray. But the big hurdle is the first fiction work and I am fully confident 2014 will be the copyright inside.
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Mazel tov, Joe!
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I love this story. Too many “entities” in this world love you for what is in it for them. Dogs don’t care. They love you for you. Great job my love……as always.
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There’s no greater compliment than having the love of your life and husband of 42 years love your story. Thank you for being supportive, Jan. I’m fortunate.
Love,
Rochelle
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Wonderful story… Dogs can be quite heroic .. and many of them do wonderful service to society… hmm..wonder if that is something to get into a story.
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Dear Björn,
Sgt. Stubby was one dog I couldn’t ignore. I just hope Poppy doesn’t mind that I didn’t write a story about her. 😉 Thank you.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Happy New Year,
I hope I am able to weave a tale around this.
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Dear YS,
Indeed you were able to weave a tale. Once of your best I think. Happy New Year to you.
Salaam,
Rochelle
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Thank you, Rochelle.
🙂
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A great story Rochelle.
Happy New Year to you.
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Thank you on both counts, Mike and back atcha. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks for the ‘dedication’, Rochelle, and for the story of Sgt Stubby. Sounds like he was a fantastic soldier in his own right, and perhaps his reincarnation can help to heal the man in your story too.
Happy New Year – I hope it’s a good one for you and the Fictioneers!
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Dear Jen,
You’re quite welcome. After you pointed out my tendency toward sad stories a couple of weeks back, I decided it was time to swing the other way. (At least this week.)
I was captivated by Sgt. Stubby’s story. He was an endearing stray with a heart as big as he was.
Glad you caught the layers in my story. Thanks to your for your story this week. That was sweet of you.
Happy New Year…hope it’s getting warmer for you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle
Another great story that pulls at our heartstrings, well done.
Thank you for all your support over the past year; hope 2014 brings you everything you hope for.
Dee
x
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Dear Dee,
Nice to know my story hit its target. The true story behind it is a compelling one.
Thank you for participating and making Friday Fictioneers what it is. I believe you were one of the ones who warmly welcomed me when I was the new kid on the block. 😉
Shalom and Happy New Year,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle
Thank you and Happy New Year. Hope 2014 brings health and happiness to you and yours.
Although I don’t always manage to make the FF deadline, I do look forward to reading the stories and admire you so much for the commitment and enthusiasm you have always shown to all the writers. Long may it continue.
Dee
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Hurrah for pit bulls!!!! A heart-warming story for a cold day and a good start to 2014, Rochelle. Sometimes the little unexpected things can be such a big help in getting back to normality.
Hope you’re staying warm. I made it back this week, but what happened to the link-y guy on your page so we can get to the other stories? I feel like Rip van Winkle waking up and not knowing what’s going on. 🙂
janet
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I’ve been having trouble with like buttons since last night. The one on my site isn’t loading, either. Annoying, but glad to know it’s not just me.
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Dear Janet,
So far this morning WordPress seems to be behaving. No problems with like buttons or links. I’m not sure what the problem was with Linkz unless WP was having a failure to communicate.
The more I read about pit bulls the more I think if I ever get another dog, if it’s up to me, it will be a pit.
At any rate, it’s good to have you back in the fold this week. Thanks for coming by with your comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Lovely story Rochelle, I don’t know where you get them from but there is always an extra layer to your stories. 🙂 I have no like button today, sorry! 🙂
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Dear JWD,
Apparently other WordPress bloggers have had similar issues with the like button It seems to be behaving today though.
I’m not really sure where I started the research thread for this one. But when I read the story of this valiant pooch I had to work him into my story. I’m pleased that you liked it. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Beautiful story. One dog was a brave soldier…the second dog, a doctor to a wounded soul.
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Dear Bryan,
And there in lies the duality of my story. Glad you caught that. Thank you for commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh it is a touching story.
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Thank you, Kim.
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I have to admit I teared up some with this story, especially the happy ending. I’m a sucker for animal stories, but they MUST have a happy ending or it ruins my whole day!. Thanks Rochelle for the wonderful story.
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Dear Jackie,
I’m happy to know I didn’t ruin your day. I, too, am a sucker for animal stories. When I came across Sgt Stubby I just had to write a about him. He was an amazing little soldier. Thank you for dropping by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh so cool! I’ve heard many stories of the exploits of brave animals during the war. Did you ever see the movie, “Warhorse?” I couldn’t keep a dry eye. This is yet another wonderful tale. Awesome job, Rochelle!
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Dear Eric,
I did, indeed, see “Warhorse”. To have my tiny tale compared to it is humbling, if not pleasing. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I can see where this story came from by the face of the dog in the tree. Good one!
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Dear Ted,
Yep. Poppy’s a little champ with enough personality for a whole pack of dogs. Glad you liked my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You painted a heartwarming story with your words.
Very nice …
Happy New Year 2014 !!!!
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Dear Isadora,
I see that you’re quite an accomplished artist yourself. Thank you for coming by with New Year’s wishes and compliments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wonderful historical fiction as always. You do that SO well!
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Thank you, Dawn for such high praise.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Seems you’ve begun the New Year off with great intentions| A great story. Happy New Year Rochelle.
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Dear Georgia,
It just seemed right to start off the year with something positive and uplifting. Thank you for your comments and a happy new year to you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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🙂
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Dear Rochelle, Business first … all the blogs including mine seem to have been having trouble with the like button…
now for the fun – I simply adored the pic of the dog and the tree and your grand-child… it was so gentle and dreamy like an illustration from an Edwardian children’s book… just enchanting.
As for your story.. well any dog story is going to reduce me to a soft blob. What a gorgeous pic of the darling, and how cleverly you told the story – beautifully done….
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Dear Valerie,
I had trouble with the like button last week as well. I hope WordPress can get things straightened out.
My daughter in law is quite generous with pictures of Olive since we’re too many miles apart.
About a year or so ago I watched a movie I thought was going to be a lighthearted comedy about a dog and his owner. It turned out to be based on a factual story that took us to the end of the dog’s life. I dissolved into a puddle and in the midst of the tragic ending I received a phone call from a friend. (It was a DVD so I didn’t miss anything). Anyway I was so overcome I had to tell my friend I’d have to return his call later. I said all that to say that I relate to being reduced to a blob over dog stories.
I appreciate your dropping by and am happy that you liked my story as well as the photo. As always, your comments mean a lot to me.
Kia Ora,
Rochelle
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Yep, I’ve had trouble with the like button. I click like and it changes to liked, but my gravatar doesn’t appear. I refresh the page and it’s back to the like button. The only way I can fix it is to log out and log back in again. Oh, by the by, I didn’t get a notification of the prompt either. I found it through EagleAye’s page.
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Dear Lyn,
It does seem that WordPress has been a little off kilter this week and quite a few of us have had issue with the like button. I’m glad you were able to find your way, in any case.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A wonderfully fun photo to start off the new year, Rochelle! And your story is also wonderful — again, you’ve chosen a piece of history and celebrated it with your sparkling prose. Fantastic that you celebrate this dog hero!
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Dear Dave,
Sometimes I find a story and sometimes a story finds me. This was the latter. I’m glad you liked it. Seemed right to start the new year on a happy note.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Your stories are always wonderful, Rochelle. This one is certainly no exception.
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Thank you, Adam. 😀
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Good story! Stubby was featured recently in “Mysteries at the Museum.” He was one hell of a dog! Glyqlʻk Nyya Yʼár to you and yours! ^..^ B
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Dear Barbara,
I’m not familiar with Mysteries at the Museum. But I was instantly drawn in when I found Stubby’s story all over the internet. Happy New Year,
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Stubby is in the National Museum of American History, and I wanted to make the link available to those who might want to read more about him…
http://blog.americanhistory.si.edu/osaycanyousee/2011/05/stubby-dog-hoya-mascot-and-war-hero.html
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happy new year. enjoyed this story as always.
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thank you on both counts, plaridel.
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That one gave me goose bumps!
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Thank you, Linda.
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I saw the photo and immediately thought: superhero puppy 🙂 Your grand daughter is adorable! And your story is beautiful. I hope you have a wonderful 2014 with lots of love and laughter and more lovely stories.
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Dear KZ,
Naturally I’m biased where my grandbaby’s concerned. Thank you so much for your compliments and your regular participation. I hope your 2014 is also filled with a plethora of blessings.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A lovely story to start of the 2014, a century since the start of WWI. I’ve just watched a stage version of War Horse, also about brave animals in those terrible trenches.
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Dear Patrick,
A stage version of War Horse? Wow, that must’ve been some production. It was quite a movie. Thank you for coming by with such nice comments on my story. It is 100 years isn’t it? 😉
Shalom and Happy New Year,
Rochelle
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Dear Gertrude,
I had read a lengthy piece about Sgt. Stubby a few months back. He was quite an amazing animal and a real inspiration to many. I was going to add more to my story about Gertie treeing a man (i.e. – how to capture a husband), but had already exceeded the word limit.
signed – Scruffy
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Dear Scruffy,
It’s appalling the things they don’t teach in school, isn’t it? I’m so pleased to have found the story or stories online. Thanks for coming by.
Shalom,
Gertrude
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Such a lovely story! I just read the Wiki on Sergeant Stubby – what an amazing dog.
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Dear Ali,
I’m glad you went and read more about the little hero. I just had to use him for my story. I’m pleased that you liked it.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Well, I have heard of those brave war dogs. True story, I assume.
Good Post!
Scott
Mine: http://kindredspirit23.wordpress.com/2014/01/02/friday-fictioneers-blasted-from-the-past-carolyns-adventures-r-1314/
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Dear Scott,
As you can see by the photos, Sgt. Stubby was a true war hero. My story took some liberties, of course. Glad you liked it.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Loved the photo prompt for this week. I hope that little one doesn’t live too far away from you. Enjoyed your story–can’t go wrong with a dog!
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Dear Patti,
Alas the little one lives in California and we’re in Missouri. Too far. Glad you liked my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Another beautiful blending of history, storytelling, and whimsy. Adorable photo!
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Dear Dawn,
Thank you on both counts.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a wonderful little story…a great tribute to dogs like him everywhere! Wonderful to kick on the new year of Friday Fictioneers too. I love the photo.
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Thank you, Tiffany. I thought it would be fun to start out the year on a positive note.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Happy New Year Rochelle, that’s a great story to start the year and my compliments to that dog. I don’t think mine will ever climb trees (he specialises in eating/pilfering chocolate), but the photo reminded me of a book I loved as a child – The Dog Who Wouldn’t Be – http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/291179.The_Dog_Who_Wouldn_t_Be
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Dear Subroto,
Poppy’s a one of a kind dog. I miss her and my granddaughter out there in CA. Thanks for the link. Looks like a fun book. Maybe I’ll get a copy of it for Olive.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh, Rochelle, you really got me with this one! My grandfather used to tell the story of how, when in the French trenches in WWI, this man came round with labrador puppies for the soldiers. Well, apparently he took one and he used to say that when they had to leave France, he had to leave the dog behind and reckoned it would had ‘died of a broken heart’. And I came to reckon that it had been my grandfather whose heart had been broken at having had to leave the dog behind. And it breaks my heart every time I remember this story. Aside from that, great story Rochelle. Happy New Year. Ann
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Dear Ann,
Your grandfather’s story is a heart breaker.
I’m glad you liked my story, though.
Happy New Year,
Shalom,
Rochelle
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The picture of the dog is marvellous!
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That is an awesome story. Really brings a lump to the throat.
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Dear Al,
“Hey bird dog get away from my quail…” “Awesome” is good. Thank you. The true story of this pooch is amazing in itself.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Haha 😀
Near where I grew up, there is a plaque to a dog who saved several people before the time of electricity and things like that. Someone attacked a group of people and the dog attacked them, being wounded itself, it dragged it’s owner to safety before laying down beside him and dying. The gravestone has been there for over 200 years. When they built on the site, they had to keep the stone there as it is part of the deeds of Folkestone.
I am sure I am missing some bits as I can’t remember the name of the dog or the exact year, but that is roughly what happened
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There are so many touching and true stories out there. The stone in the photograph is actually at a WWI memorial here in Kansas City, Missouri. We visited it last summer but at the time I was unaware of Sgt. Stubby. Next time we go I’ll have to look it up.
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He has his own wikipedia page here
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It was one of my many resources actually and from whence I lifted the photos. Usually wiki photos are public domain. Always a good idea to check though.
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Yes it is. When I use photos for my poetry, I usually check to see if they have a copyright or something like that
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Hats off, Rochelle! You always come up with a fine little story.
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Many thanks for a high compliment, Stephen.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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tail wags and paw waves both to the tree climbing dog and Sgt. Stubby. delightful way to start the new year. i fell off this bandwagon in 2013 but getting back up to start again. blessings in 2014, Rochelle.
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Dear Sunshine,
Welcome back. Thanks for the tail wags and paw waves. Had to start the new year on a positive note.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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it is a great photograph. what a dog!!
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History and doggies! What a great picture. (Granddaughter is adorable, by the way.) You always find the human touch in your history pieces, and now you honor our canine friends. Lovely read.
Here’s mine: http://unexpectedpaths.com/friday-fictioneers/did-i-tell-you-the-one-about-my-talking-dog/
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Dear Maggie,
There are some amazing dogs in history and the present. Nothing more touching because their love is so unconditional. .Thanks for the comments and compliments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh, I sense he teared up a bit at that. What a wonderful sentiment to celebrate life with a puppy. Happy New Year, Rochelle! I finally wrote my story, although a little later than normal. I love the light hearted photo. This is crazy stuff!
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Dear Amy,
It seemed fitting to start the new year off with some fun. Thanks for dropping by and commenting. Never too late with Friday Fictioneers. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks Rochelle for the great photo and your historical post about Stubby. The photo has helped launch the career of a new character on my blog (Super-Max, The Wonder Dog). Hope you don’t mind if I use the inspiration from this photo for my future posts. Thanks again, JED
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Dear JED,
Super-Max, the Wonder Dog? I like that. I’ll look forward to his howling great adventures.
Glad you liked the story and the photo.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Lovely New year, Rochelle. That is a cute granddaughter you have. Yes, you are fortunate! 🙂
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Dear Celestine,
And a blessed new year to you, too. Hope to see more of you around.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Happy New Year Rochelle and everyone – let’s make it the best yet! 🙂
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Nice! I’ll join!
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