The next photo is the PROMPT. What does it say to you? Step outside your boundaries and let your imagination take wing!
My story follows the blue inLinkz buddy that Ali calls Bracken.
PHOTO PROMPT – Copyright-Björn Rudberg
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Word Count: 100
WHEN THE NEED ARISES
It starts with a certain look, and you know it’s over. That’s how it is with Annie and me.
Without saying a word, she tells me what I don’t want to hear. We’ve both suffered too long and she needs to be free.
As we hike to our favorite mountain spot to say goodbye I envision life without her.
“Wish you didn’t have to go, Annie.”
She wags her tail, and feebly licks my hand. I caress her head, press the muzzle of my pistol against it and pull the trigger.
Whoever said men don’t cry was full of shit.
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
Such a painful twist. This is my Achilles heel, and you’ve just punctured it with a great big arrow, Rochelle. This will be a day to indulge in a lot of painful memories. The only redeeming aspect of this subject is that at least we are able do this for our loyal faithful animal friends. So well done, and I’m off to blubber …
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Dear Sandra,
Our pets are part of the family, aren’t they? The children who never grow up. We don’t have any right now but I’ve had to make that decision with a couple of them. I still get weepy about them.
Thank you for your comments and your blubbering. A high compliment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
I loved your story and the Heinlein quote. He is too often overlooked as ‘just a science fiction writer’ when in fact his observations about life and love cut right to the core and illuminate the beauty of being human.
I agree with your story, beginning, middle and end.
Aloha,
Doug
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Dear Doug,
Did you know that Heinlein was a Kansas City boy? He was among my favorites when I was in junior high and high school. I think it’s time to revisit.
Thank you for visiting and commenting. Your presence is always appreciated.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Beautiful. Painful, but beautiful. The love shown here, in the final moments, speaks volumes more than 100 words could ever allow. Thank you.
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Dear Kingsley,
Nice to see you back among us. Thank you for stopping by with such a lovely comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you! All too often ‘The Real World’ gets in the way of my virtual one and I keep trying to rectify this! x
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Nothing like starting a Wednesday with a little cry! So moving.
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Dear FF,
A high compliment. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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No words….
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😀 thank you.
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Ooh, I wasn’t expecting that! So moving, to take his faithful friend to their special spot before saying goodbye. I can only imagine was he was thinking on the way up there.
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Dear Ali,
It would be a hard thing to do. But perhaps the kindest way.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This is a perfect story… so good way of interpreting my picture. after all there are so many ways to love a pet. But I guess being out the last time and seeing the views you’ve grown to love matters for a dog as well…
Since I took the picture I will share some secrets on why I took this picture as well.
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Dear Björn,
Thank you for the wealth of Madeira pictures. They’ve inspired some of my favorites.
I totally believe that people and places mean as much to dogs as they do to us. If there are any doubts one can read stories where a dog remains by his master’s grave until he himself dies.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A moving story and cleverly structured, Rochelle. We had to put our old dog down a few years ago and it’s the hardest thing to have to make that choice. Beautifully told story.
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Dear Karen,
I think most of us know the heartbreak of having to end a pet’s misery. Tough decisions made with love.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Instant tears. Heartbreaking. So much conveyed in so few words.
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Dear Mary,
Instant thanks. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh that brought tears to my eyes. When it is time for an animal to go, and they always tell us, it is so difficult to let them go. Even harder to do it yourself
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Dear Al,
It’s one of life’s toughest decisions. And I do believe the animals know when it’s time.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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When we had to have our dog put to sleep, she couldn’t walk at all. But on the day she went, she walked to the car and jumped in. She knew it was time.
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I had the same experience with my Ginger. She usually hated riding in the car because she knew it meant the vet. That day she laid there. She knew. Tearing up as I write. We had that dog for 15 years from the moment of her birth.
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We had Ellie for four years after we took her from someone who was beating her. Her first owner kept her locked in the bathroom, and her second owner kept her locked in the bedroom and beat her when she made a sound. When we got her, I was married and when my ex-wife raised her voice, the poor dog would wet herself and hide.
She had four good years though
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Good for you, Al. We’re even. You made me cry.
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🙂
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Your story about Ginger makes me cry.
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It’s okay, Vijaya. it still makes me cry.
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Such a sad and beautiful story!
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This was a post I wrote in 2012 about her:
http://kattermonran.com/2012/05/31/beautiful-ellie/
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Very touching. I related to it all. Thank you for the link.
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Thank you for reading.
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You made me cry. In a strange way I guess this is a compliment.
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Dear Lynda,
That’s the highest of compliments. 😉
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’m crying…
might as well have shot me, too.
Randy
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Dear Randy,
Mission accomplished. Not the part about shooting you, too. 😉 If you’d laughed I’d worry.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
Everyone cries, and we all should at the loss of a pet and companion. Nicely handled.
All my best,
Marie Gail
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Dear Marie Gail,
I always told my boys that it takes courage for a man to cry. Too many ulcers have been birthed from the archaic belief that real men don’t cry. I have a dear friend who is the embodiment of masculinity and tenderness.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Moving story!
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Thank you, Santoshwriter. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Powerfully moving. I never saw it coming so double whammy!
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Dear Claudia,
Mission accomplished. 😉
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Such a heartbreaking story! Very well done.
Sarah
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Dear Sarah,
Your comments warm my heart.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Heart wrenching … and … unexpected direction. How quickly our minds go to the common place.
Having just lost 2 pets a short month ago this made me think of them and get teary.
Touching !!!
Isadora
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Dear Isodora,
Our pets are the children who never grow up and lose their dependence on us. They love unconditionally. I’m sorry for your loss and I don’t say that lightly.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Yes, our pets can be as special to us as our children. Our last cat lived to be 24 years old. I believe love kept him with us that long.
Thank you for your kind words about our 2 kitties. Unfortunately, they had a terrible demise.
Isadora
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Such a sad tale that so many of us can relate to; love and letting go. Well written.
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Dear Maree,
To have a pet is to know joy and heartache. Their lifespans are so much shorter than ours.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Such a moving tale, Rochelle. Sad ending for Annie 😦
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Dear Aathira,
It’s tough to lose a loved one. 😦
Thank you for coming by and commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Are you sure you wrote this story? I guess that’s what makes an author a cut above others.
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Dear Ted,
Yep. I’m sure. 😉
Thank you.
shalom,
Rochelle
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PS My husband raised an eyebrow when he read it and voiced surprise at the last line. But nothing else would fit there.
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Having gone through a similar experience recently this piece really got me. Such sweet sorrow in such memories.
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Dear J.D
I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m glad the memories are sweet.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It never ceases to amaze me how simply elegant, despite the painful subject and certainly unusual twist to your thoughts and response to the prompt, your writing it.
It’s not always easy to take highly charged emotional works – strip them done, and then offer such profoundly touching sentences that weave a complete story.
Brilliantly written Rochelle.
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Dear Pat,
I never give or take the word brilliant lightly. Thank you for such a lovely comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Your words are so apt and meaningfully considered that I believe “brilliant and inspired” really serve purpose.
Shalom Rochelle
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Oh, such a sad way to start my day. That you accomplished such sympathy for both man and beast in such a small space is a testament to your skill. Thank you for this.
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And thank you for that, Helena. Your comments mean a lot to me.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It’s SO hard to lose an animal. You always want to do your best for them and wonder if, when the time comes, it’s the right time. Well done!
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Dear Alicia,
I’ve been there more than once. With my fifteen-year-old Ginger I knew it was time. She was losing teeth and couldn’t hear. But when she missed three steps coming down the staircase I could no longer let her suffer. She knew and I knew but the memory of that day still brings me to tears.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It was very moving. I’ve had several dogs euthanized because of cancer, kidneys shutting down, etc, all from old age. But the shooting of a pet brings out such anger in me. My father shot my beloved dog when I was a kid because she bit someone. He took her across the river to the dump and the sound of the shot reached me as I screamed and cried in ;my room.. I promised myself I would never let that happen again.. Good story. An emotional story. Lucy
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Dear Lucy,
I understand your feelings in light of what happened to your dog. So I guess there are two ways of looking at it.
My friend who inspired this story had told me once that when it was time to to put his dog down it would be by his own hand. Not out of meanness or cruelty but out of love for his pet.
I’ve had to have two pets euthanized. In each case I had no other choice.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Awesome, Rochelle, but that one really ripped my heart out. The twist in the end is great. Way to go. The subject of dogs always pulls at my heartstrings.
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Dear Eric,
Of course I was aiming for the heart so it’s nice to know I hit my target. It’s also gratifying to hear from the men in the group that my story made them cry. Men and boys have been sold a lie about tears and masculinity. Some of the most masculine men I know are free and easy with their tears.
Thank you,
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Lovely, moving, and beautiful, Rochelle. As usual, your writing allows us to look at hard subjects with a gentle eye.
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Dear Jennifer,
And my husband thought my last line was ‘over the top.’
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Been there, done that. You’ve described the feelings beautifully.
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Dear Patrick,
Thank you for that. It’s always a little intimidating to write in the voice of the opposite gender. I’d hoped to get it right.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Yes, you did! I was thinking, “Wow! She achieved the tone of a man effortlessly.”
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You’ve gone all soft on us this week! Very well-crafted as always, even if we get called ‘ye big Jessie!’ for that where I’m from..but we do suffer a certain lack of education..From Hamish Gunn
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Dear Hamish,
Soft? Well sentimental maybe.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I think I spoiled it a bit for myself by accidentally scrolling down too much and glimpsing the comments. This post makes me think it might be a good thing I will not be in any position to have a pet for a long time. I’d be too heartbroken if anything happened.
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Dear Lauren,
I hoped my story worked for you even if you did spoil the ending for yourself.
And I’m in agreement. I do miss animal companionship but it’s really tough to lose them. I’m just not in a position to have another pet either. Meanwhile I consider my African violets to be my house pets. 😉 No dander or poop.
shalom,
Rochelle
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😦 So sad.
I’d never seen a boy or a man cry as much – or as hard – as my first husband did when we had to put one of our dogs down. This story reminds me so much of that day.
Ellespeth
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Dear Ellespeth,
That had to be difficult. My husband cried when we put our cat down four years ago. She was 18 and we’d had her for all but 9 weeks of those years.
Thank you for sharing your story and commenting.
Shalom
Rochelle
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Its sad when its done. You keep hearing them walk across the room and then you remember that they have gone. Everyone cries, some on the outside and the others inside.
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Dear Subroto,
How very true. You do miss them and, while you can adopt another pet, that one can’t replace the one you lost.
Thank you for swinging by with your comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I had to do this for a neighbor when I was a teen – and it still hurt. Thank goodness >strong>we have such a caring, understanding vet. 😦 Well expressed! 🙂
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Dear Paul,
It’s a tough thing do do.
Thank you.
shalom,
Rochelle
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So painfully true — seriously, this made me cry — but that’s a good thing, you’ve touched me. We’ll have to face this reality soon with our 15-year-old miniature schnauzer — and I can’t bear to think of it.
And real men *do* cry. 🙂
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Dear Jen,
Compliments don’t get any better than tears when warranted. If I’d written a humorous story and you’d cried, well then…;)
For years the only emotion my husband allowed himself to show was anger. But finally he gave himself permission to cry and I believe he’s a stronger man for it.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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How wonderful that your husband has allowed himself to grow emotionally — !
All the best to you —
Jen
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Dear Rochelle,
Your story was exquisitely narrated, tightly structured, and very moving.
We have a seven-month old Standard Poodle, and she is the light of our lives (except when we call her a “goose” or a “silly ass.”) — and I ache to think of the day when she will inevitably leave us. This is why I didn’t want a dog all these years, but I caved in when my husband and daughter clamored for one.
Sweet sorrow.
Beautiful story.
~Vijaya
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Dear Vijaya,
Animals are wonderful. I’ve loved both dogs and cats in my life. I mourned their passings as I would any other member of the family. At present we have no pets as neither of us really have the time to devote.
Enjoy your Poodle while you have her.
Thank you for your all your sweet and affirming comments. 😉
shalom,
Rochelle
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That is so heartbraking. I love the last sentence.
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Dear Anne,
My husband was skeptical and feared that some might be offended by it. For me it was the only line that worked.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, a brilliant moving piece… i could feel both the love and the loss and the pain flowing from the story.
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Dear KZ,
I never mind getting comments like this. Thank you for your sweet words.
shalom,
Rochelle
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I like the twist. I expected Annie to be human of course and that he was maybe going to shove her off the cliff. Instead, a tear jerker about an experience I, like so many have had to endure. Well written.
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Dear Ann,
I’m not the shove-your-lover-off-the-cliff type. 😉 Although that is where I wanted the reader to go. Mission accomplished there. And yes, most pet owners, if they truly love their pets, will experience this kind of pain.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It’s funny, though, this cliff thing, having just had an argument with one. There is always the mysterious desire to go over the edge, or drop something (and hopefully not someone) off. 🙂
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So painful Rochelle. You brought out the feelings so very well. I remembered of my dog and how my husband cried. So sensitive a subject written very beautifully.
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Dear Indira,
Your husband sounds like a man in touch with his feelings. My husband cried when we put our 18 year old cat down four years ago.
Thank you for your sweet comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This was so painful but beautifully worded. Couldn’t imagine having to do this to a loved one 😦
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Dear Uma,
With an animal it’s the ultimate act of love. That doesn’t make it any easier though.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, Sad but lovely story. We had to have my daughter’s pet rat put down. He had a tumor. The vet let my daughter say goodbye and then leave him there. My dad had to have an old dog put down. The poor dog was 15 and couldn’t get out of his box one morning. He took him to the vet. It’s sad but sometimes necessary. Well written as always. —Susan
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Dear Susan,
I’ve never had to put down a pet rat. I did have to euthanize a dog and, years later, a cat. Tough decision. Ginger, my dog, was 15 and failing. I couldn’t watch her misery any longer. .The cat was 18. When they’re with you that long they’re family, the child who never grows up. .
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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My heart litterally stopped beating. With the recent passing of Oden and Coco we have lost a part of ourselves. Yes we cry, they were our soulmates. You certainly said so much without actually saying the words. * sigh*
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Dear Pat,
I’m sorry for your loss. They do become a part of us that never really leaves.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That one got me “right in the feels” as the kids say these days.
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Dear Adam,
One of the nicest compliments I’ve received.
Thank you.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Only had two dogs in my life and the last one was the best. From second to fifth grade, I had Max who was part collie/German shepherd. We were pals. Max was strong (once he dragged me across the driveway!) and very affectionate. He got cancer my fifth grade year and had to be put to sleep. I cried and cried when i found out and …
DAMN IT, why in the HELL did you do that to me????? Son of a B*@^%!!!
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Dear Kent,
He he. Ain’t I a stinkah?”
Shalom,
Rochelle
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HAHAHAHAHA! Yup, Bugs.
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Had me crying! Adding my post here as the blue guy is not there…
Shalom!
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Dear Barbara,
This story seems to have had that effect on quite a few this week. If it’s any consolation, the writer shed a few tears as well. 😉
I’ve gone ahead and linked your story for you. I know it’s kind of late but this is the first opportunity I’ve had. Sometimes the blue guy doesn’t seem to be there but a little square might appear where it should be. My experience has been that if you click that it will take you to the link up.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Good story! Thank you for adding me! What I see when the blue guy is not there is a hyperlink that says “get the InLyx code. There is no square. Could this be a firefox issue maybe?
Be well! – ^..^
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ah, the circle of life. one has to die so another can take its place.
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Dear Plaridel,
Sometimes that circle is tough.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That was a powerful yarn to spun there. Thoroughly enjoyable!
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Thank you Weltchy. Happy you stopped by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle,
Men definitely do cry; you almost made me cry just reading this. It’s such a poignant, realistic look at the last moments of a beautiful friendship. Just wonderful.
-David
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Dear David,
Almost made you cry? I’ll have to try harder. 😉 (Just kidding). Thank you for your lovely and affirming comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’m a tough nut to crack sometimes. 🙂
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I agree with David – real men cry too. Perhaps that’s what makes them “real” men.
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And I totally agree with both of you, Danny. I raised three sons and used to tell them that it took a real man to have the courage to cry.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle- Nothing like driving it home. Such love and compassion to know when it is time to let a loved one go. And such strength to do it in a loving way. This was beautiful.
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Dear Dana,
There is a time to let go. I remember the moment clearly when I took my dog Ginger to put her to sleep. She knew and I knew. I still miss her.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Clearly mine is not the only world you’ve rocked with this one, Rochelle. Oh, the loss of our dear, furry friends. It’s almost unbearable. Beautifully told.
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Dear Dawn,
People who’ve never loved a pet don’t understand. “Just an animal?” No way. I’m amazed and pleased this week with not only the comments this week but with the way others have related and shared their own stories.
Thank you.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Since you’ve shared some wonderful links with me, I want to share this older story of mine. Of course, in my heart, this never gets old… I still miss Callie Girl so much! Shalom!
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Such a sad story … I had to take my cat and put him down a few years back, he had a wasteing sickness and could no longer eat etc. … one of the worst experiences of my life. Well told Rochelle.
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Dear Georgia,
So many of us relate. Our pets are our companions and the only ones who love unconditionally, aren’t they?
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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So true Rochelle … and strangely enough the ones we also often love unconditionally … n’est pas? Ciao Georgia.
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Dear Margo Sue Ellen,
I’ve had to do this a few times. Just like in Ol’ Yeller. It’s tough duty. Rather than shoot them, I suppose I could just read to them from the encyclopedia until they died from boredom. – Calvin
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Dear Calvin,
Ah. Ol’ Yeller. One of the most traumatic movies of childhood. Sorry you had to do it personally. That has to be tough.
Thanks for swinging by.
Shalom,
Margo
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The way this started out I was like “yeah whatever get over it buddy” (hate love stories!) but wow that twist just about put me in tears. Very powerful stuff here Rochelle!
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Dear Riya,
I tend to veer away from love stories myself. Although you could call this a love story I think. Just not your Harlequin type. 😉
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Very lovely, and touchingly sad.
Claire
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Thank you, Claire. 😀
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Your stories have an extra layer built into it. Nicely done! This place does call to mind unfortunate events, Rochelle. I found this moving and sad. If you can’t do it yourself, maybe it shouldn’t be done.
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Dear Amy,
This one seems to have triggered memories for many. Many of us have had to make that final decision for our furry friends.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wonderfully done, and your piece emphasises how often we read in terms of our own assumptions. The love between narrator and Annie is clear, as is the pain at the responsibility of letting her go. If only all partings were as clear and necessary.
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Dear Sarah Ann,
There are relationships and then there are relationships. The narrator loves Annie with all his heart.
Thank you.
shalom,
Rochelle
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You’ve captured the heartbreak of every animal caregiver out there. Well done.
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Thank you, Emelie. 😀
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Ain’t that the truth, Rochelle. This is one of the hardest moments all pet owners hope will never come. Well done.
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Dear Tiffany,
It is very hard and one of the reasons I don’t have a dog or cat at the moment.
Thank you.
shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle, My goodness, you certainly have a huge, faithful following and for good reason. Your story is so sad, but right on. We have had pets for a long time and when they die, it is so sad to have to take them to the vet and leave. One of the worst things we do as pet owners. Great story! Nan 🙂
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Dear Nan
I’m pretty awed and amazed by the following. All I did was take over Friday Fictioneers because I couldn’t bear the thought of losing it. I never dreamed it would grow like this.
Yesterday my brother had to put his 15 year old friend to sleep. Very sad day but it was time. There comes a point when you can’t watch them suffer any longer.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Really touching, Rochelle.
Wish he didn’t have to pull the trigger. He didn’t want her to go, anyway…
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Dear Anita,
Pulling that trigger was the last thing he wanted to do.
Thank you,
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I wish my wonderful, talented, beautiful wife would quit doing this to me. Always the twist, and then the tear jerker. Oh, I forgot….real men don’t cry. B.S.
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Says the man who cried when we put the cat down. That’s why I love him. 😉
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Dear Rochelle
Along with many other readers, I was a little teary-eyed when I got to the end. I think lots of pet lovers can relate to this sad time.
Well written, as always.
Take care
Dee
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Dear Dee,
There’s no avoiding that tearful end with a beloved pet, is there?
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I love this , Rochelle. Excellent job of capturing the emotion.
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Dear Josh,
Thanks for following the link and taking the time to comment. Glad you liked it. It’s one of my favorites, still.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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