Copyright Madison Woods
Mitzi dragged the soggy panda bear across to her basket, curled up and attempted to suckle it once more.
“Damned dog’s at it again,” muttered Joe, “thought you were getting her spayed.”
“Leave her alone, it’s her hormones,” said Sal, absently.
After Joe left for work, Sal washed the dishes, made the beds and then, unable to wait any longer, hurried down the street to the pharmacy, the unquenchable flame of hope flickering tentatively once more.
Later she lay on the settee, staring at the ceiling.
Mitzi padded cautiously across the floor, and gently nosed her panda onto Sal’s lap.
Pure schmaltz from me this week, I’m afraid. If you crave something a little grittier, then here’s the link to the story I submitted last time this photo came around: https://castelsarrasin.wordpress.com/2012/05/10/you-called-friday-fictioneers-may-2012/. Rochelle is indisposed, so the Friday Fictioneers will have to gather around her virtual bedside for the next few days, offering solace, soft food and comfort. Hope you’re feeling better soon Rochelle, and ready to enjoy your family next week.
castelsarrasin 
Childless longings picked up by the bitch?
Clever piece Sandra.
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Thanks Mick. 🙂
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Good dog knows how to comfort. You write excellent ‘Schmalz’. The first story is scary. 🙂
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I’m not very comfortable with this type of story, the first one is more my comfort zone. 😉
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This would work for almost anything.. childlessness or Oxycontin! Well done.
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I’ll take your word for that! 🙂 Thanks for reading.
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Moving piece. Let’s hope it happens for her one day.
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Thanks Patrick.
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Touching tale of canine empathy. I wonder why ‘bitch’ is a bad word….
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Yes, it is an uncomfortable kind of word isn’t it?
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I think you are way too hard on yourself with ‘schmaltz’.
A bit teary, perhaps, but still a strong piece.
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Thanks CE. 🙂
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Touching story Sandra. Going to read previous one.
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Thanks Indira.
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Dogs know, don’t they? Schmaltz or not, I liked it.
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Thanks Kimberly. 🙂
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Great piece, so much left unsaid but understood.
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Thank you Craig. Good to see you back on here again.
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I love the ending. There is a real art to open ended stories – some people just don’t give you enough to go on, but you have. Excellent.
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Thanks Paul, glad you liked it.
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Well done. Not schmaltzy at all. Your story portrays a great deal of hope and camaraderie.
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Thanks Alicia. 🙂
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Of course I liked it, human suffering over the body’s betrayal … Were you channeling me?
ha ha
I wish my writing had your range.
Tracey
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Thanks Tracey. Glad you liked it. 🙂
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If it’s schmaltz, it’s the good kind. Never apologise for adding variety. …And I love Mitzi!
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Thank Jennifer, I kind of like the dog myself.:)
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Sad story well written.
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Thanks for reading.
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Oho! I see what was done there! We just talked about this in my latest Short Fiction class!
Quite a good job. Very sneaky!
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Sneaky? Moi? :0
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Great work, Sandra. I like this one better than your first response to this photo, but both are excellent bits of writing. I appreciate it when those who have been playing for a long time try a second story for an old prompt. Every picture has so many tales to tell. No sense letting them go to waste.
All my best,
Marie Gail
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I keep saying I’ll recycle a story when we do a re-tread, but when I look back I find that whichever photo is chosen hasn’t attracted my best work. One day…. 🙂
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Awww… bitches are a girl’s best friend (not diamonds). What a lovely bitch and what a lovely story!
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We had two border collies, one male, one female. When I was upset the male dog was the one that got distressed and would try to lick the tears away. The female dog used to stand by the door glaring at me, like… “So??? Life’s a bitch ain’t it? Suck it up, hon.” 🙂
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Hahaha 🙂 Bitches also know tough love 😀
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Oh, this is so sweet. My first dog used to comfort me when I was sick.
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Some dogs are real comforters. Glad you enjoyed it.
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Animals always now. Great story.
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Thanks Sally 🙂
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Dear Sandra,
I identified with her anxiety and disappointment for years ago I went through similar feelings. I could use that dog now. But I’m happy that I have friends near and far who are comforting. I hope this makes sense, as I’m in a bit of a fog.
Good story as always.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Sending you lots of wuff, Rochelle. 😉 Thanks for taking time to read when you’re feeling low.
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interesting
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Thank you!
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A dog will always know and provide comfort. Great story!
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Thanks! And you’re right.
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This is so touching Sandra. She could feel empathy for Sal. Loved it.
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Thank you!
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I love the imagery here. I enjoyed it as always!
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Thank you.
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Nothing wrong with schmaltz! I loved it!
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I shall be back to my murderous self next week, no doubt. Thanks for reading.
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Animals always know and they know how to comfort. I thought this was great. I’m sure Sal will be thrilled with the filthy panda. 🙂 Off to read the gritty one now.
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Thanks Amy, glad you liked it.
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I kept waiting for someone to die, or at least the panda getting ripped to shreds. Can’t say I’m disappointed though. I believe you could write an instructional manual on how to fold a napkin and we’d find it captivating. I’m in awe of your talent.
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Hmmm… how to fold a napkin, particularly if someone’s dusted it with ricin and then cut the phone lines… Thank you Russell, I’m very flattered. 🙂
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Hey, I waxed poetic, myself. Like the moon, this photo effected us in strange ways!
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Thanks for visiting Lorna.
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🙂
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Since I have 3 daughter, I could identify with the dog feeling the hormones of her mistress.
This is such an interesting approach to the photo prompt, Sandra. I’m always intrigued by your writing. Exceptional story …!!! 😎
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Your house must be practically bristling with hormones Isadora. 🙂 Thanks for reading and commenting.
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And to think I just gave away my teddy bear for the week.
Very nice one Sandra!
Good day, Tay.
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Many thanks.
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A really engaging picture of pain and isolation – the dog has so much empathy while the husband seems totally oblivious to her suffering. Not schmaltz.
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Thanks for reading Margaret.
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Dear Sandra, Great emotional story and dogs to try to comfort when you are sad. They are such sweet pets! Nan
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Thanks Nan, I’m a bit of a dog lover myself. 🙂
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Poor Sally. My younger daughter was Sally for years, then IVF worked!
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So pleased to hear that Liz. 🙂
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At least the dog understood. Poor woman. Good story, Sandra. Although both your stories were good, I preferred this one. Well done as always. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Thank you Suzanne. 🙂
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Gosh, that’s a painful read. So much not said but beautifully iterated through the actions of both Sal and Mitzi. It just demonstrates in a very simple way how powerful showing is over telling. Well done.
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That, I think, is the benefit from regularly taking part in 100 word fiction. Every word has to show because there aren’t sufficient words available to ‘tell’. Nice to see you again Linda.
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You’re absolutely right – it’s constant practice that makes perfect.
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Only thing more heartwarming than a compassionate pet, is one offering to share her panda with you!
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