Well, today, on our last day of the Free Five-Day Writing Challenge, we want to do something a little different. We’ve been writing about important people, and this prompt asks you to choose an important animal as your subject. Yep, an animal, a pet, wild animal, zoo animal, backyard bird or squirrel, any critter with fur, feathers, scales, or skin. Then, characterize this creature by how they behave and the actions they display.
If you have enjoyed the challenge’s lessons, assignments, and the community of like-minded people, you will love Life Writers, and today, we have a special opportunity for you at 2:00 p.m., right after our check-in call. We’re going to give you a sneak peek at what’s inside the membership. I’ll show you around, explain how the membership works, and then, you can ask any questions you may have. Stay on after our check-in session or follow this link–Behind the Scenes of Life Writers and use the password 5day522.
Today is the last day of early enrollment to join Life Writers. You can sign up today for our summer session or save some dollars with an annual membership. If you do so tonight by 11:59 p.m., you’ll receive some great bonuses for taking action early–a goal/intention-setting workshop with me exclusively for early enrollees and a copy of my multi-award-winning book, Eating an Elephant: Write Your Life One Bite at a Time.
Our maximum word count is still 750 words, and the Brainstorm Your Story by Clustering is still available for your viewing pleasure.
And one last time, draft your story, post the piece in the comments section below, read a few of your fellow challengers’ stories, and include a word or two of encouragement.
Remember, we are looking to reward Rock Star Writers for their commitment to their own writing and the willingness to engage with fellow challenges. You have until Sunday, May 15, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. to qualify. You can read more about Rock Star Writers here.
Finally, I’ve finished the challenge – only five days late! Here is one of many unforgettable animals I’ve known. It was hard to choose just one!
What a wonderfully written story. I loved the many comparisons you made for instance: neck to strand of elbow macaroni, new quills to lice, black feathers that shown iridescence in the sunlight. A story of an ugly duckling that evolved into a swan. Great writing.
Putty-Man Our son Jonah should have been named Noah because that boy always brought home animals. This time he brought home a very small and young kitten. The kitten looked like a racon with magnificent markings, an exceptionally fluffy tail, four whopping white Hemingway paws, and a white chest. Now when I say home, I mean home to two dogs, one nine-year-old brother, a mom, and a dad, living on a 47-foot sailboat in Key Largo. When I first saw the kitten, I immediately remembered the fear my mom had placed in me. She would say, “Cats are bad, they… Read more »
What a really sweet story. I, too, am not a cat lover, growing up there was a movie about Cat People who were able to climb up building, come in through the windows of the building and kill you. It was something like that, anyway, it left a lifetime mark in my mind and to this day I get a creepy shiver when I am around cats. It was quite an experience for me in college. I majored in Biology and had to take Comparative Anatomy. Dissecting the frog was a piece of cake. Next, guess what we had to… Read more »
What a touching story! Although I’m not particularly a cat person, animals have that special gift of giving us comfort and insight just when we need it.
What a nice story, Holly. Cats are special animals, they have healing powers.
Holly, what a beautiful story. Animals have a way of knowing far more than we give them credit for. Years ago I quit going to zoos because I could not stand to watch the understnding in the eyes of caged gorillas. Happily, the majority of domestic animals are treated with love, and they sure love us in return!
The week evolved with Joe, Pat, Bob, and Deb….all three letters. I wanted to write about my dog Pixie. But she was five letters. I chose to write about a dear friend, who was an equestrian. It kept the three letters intact.
John, what a heartfelt story of your friend Sue. Sometimes life has a way of “muckety mucking” our life. I’m sure you miss her. Thanks for sharing this special story.
Sorry for your loss, John. We recently lost a dear friend to a long illness. I know how it feels.
John, I felt your loss of Due, I am sorry. That aside i like how you tied your relationship with Sue into the assignment. “muckety muck” expression, priceless.
My story # 5
I can so relate. leave it to Harley.
Enjoyed the rescue story. I’ve rescued two dogs over the years and I do not regret a minute of being their dad.
Linda, Nice story about Harley. Thanks for sharing.
See my story below.
Hi Raymond, love this story of you and Jet in the underbrush in Mississipi. I like that you specify ”two parents”, in todays world you can often multiply the number of parents to a child. And you did get a rabbit in the end. See you soon.
Raymond,
Great description of Jet and hunting rabbits. Thanks for sharing.
Oh you brought tears to my eyes with the ending. iI became attached to your relationship with Jet and felt bad you never saw him again. Great descriptions of the rabbits, Jet’s behavior, and your shooting abilities or lack of them. thank you for the beautiful story Ray
Day 5-Memorable animal
Thank you Patricia for the idea. I started out to write about the first time I saw a black squirrel in NC. two sentences into the story i went in another direction- i love it when that happens
Stella,
Enjoyed the piece. Having grown in NYC, I’m well aware of squirrels. They are skittish and indeed fun to watch. Every once in a while, we get a stray squirrel on the lanai screen. They can’t see me inside. I’ll tiptoe up to the window and gently tap on the glass. It’s so much fun to see them fly.
Sorry, Stella. I misspelled your name.
Sheila, great story and description of the theatrics of squirrels. They can be entertaining. Thanks for sharing.
I think you have my story confused with someone else’s.
I used the wrong name for Stella”s piece.
I mentioned it above.
Squirrels never give up. and you took me right into your story and how much pleasure you get watching them succeed.
Enjoyed your story and your descriptions of the squirrels’ behavior. I wonder if they were consciously cooperating.
A wonderful rendition of what happenes in the squirrel world.
Stella, your writing made me feel as if I was sitting there with you watching the squirrels’ activity. Great descriptions. Thanks for sharing.
Day 5-Memorable animal
Thank you Patricia for the idea. I started out to write about the first time I saw a black squirrel in NC. two sentences into the story i went in another direction- i love it when that happens.
Hello fellow sojourners. Here is my contribution to the last day of this challenge. I am posting it late in the day, but I am extremely happy to reach the end. Thank you all for being my partners in crime. I will be reading your stories in a few minutes. For now, here is mine.
Etya. good use of my extra word count,hehehe….beautiful story, with detail description of Ace’s behavior. i was with you in the pool, in the living room, at the breeder’s house. I, also, fell in love with Ace. thanks
My wife and I are not into dogs but after reading your story, I can see why a dog would be good to have around the house. Thanks for revelations .
Thank you, Raymond. Dogs are great companions.
so happy to read about the love you had and received from Ace. Good dog for sure..
Love your story. I laughed a lot at Ace trying to be a lap dog because we had a German Shepherd after our King who saw me with my Cairn terrier and decided to be my lap dog. Pets have a special healing power.
Beautiful story of a wonderful pet. Can only be appreciated by a fellow lab owner. And those eyes!
Etya, what a wonderful dog. Our furry family members have a special place in our hearts and I believe we will see them again. Thanks for sharing your story.
Etya, I am so happy that you did not stick to the 750 word limit. What a wonderful description of Ace. The scene in the pool was charming, and I laughed when he performed in front of the TV. Thank you for this heartwarming story and for sharing your Ace with us.
This story is entitled “Max” but should be called “Max, the Best Boy Ever.”
Beautifully written. I, too, fell in love with your kind, loyal and ever so loving Max. Tears are still rolling down my cheeks that began with yours in your story’s account of his final trip to the vet. I have always had dogs, and as a Zoologist, elementary teacher, mother of five had rabbits, cats, hamsters, gerbils, chickens, etc, etc. My love, however, were dogs.
Sheila,
Loved the story. Loved the ending when you said that Max EARNED his picture on the wall. BTW, were you ever in the Marines?
Sheila, You brought tears to my eyes. I lost my beloved dog in February of 2021. It was so very hard. We don’t have a new dog yet, but I keep telling my husband it will be someday soon. Thanks for sharing your heartwarming and well-written story.
What a touching story of a great companion!
Sheila, your story brought tears to my eyes. Max deserved to have his picture on the wall.
A touching story of a gentle, loving, well-mannered Rottweiler. He earned the dedication to him. Thanks for sharing.
Confess I wrote this before as an exercise in two points of view. Abundance was Angel’s predecessor.
Orah,
I loved the two different points of view. And I was so sad at the end. I have been in your shoes when they administer the sedative. Sorry for your loss. Thanks for sharing this well-written story.
Orah, I love that you showed the cat’s point of view-clever idea. Sweet story. How lucky that it worked out for both of you and you had nineteen years together. thanks
It was interesting the way you wrote from the cat`s point of view and then yours. Enjoyed the story very much.
thanks for the story of Abundance…It was a smart idea to write it from both views. I would develop it further about how Abundance felt at the end of life on going to sleep in your arms.
Wonderful idea. I will add that.
Orah, I loved the use of both points of view. Our animals seem to show up just when we need them the most. Thank you for sharing.
Abundance and Me
Orah, he was a beautiful cat. i am so glad he brought you so much joy during his 18 years of living. Saying goodbyes is never easy.
I like both perspectives of the story of how you met. Abundance went to a good home.
Day 5- An Unforgettable Animal
Attached is my story about King.
Hi Ms Norma you didn’t tell me that story. We had a similar experience with a Doberman and my oldest son, Bobby, when he was three years old. When he was five we had a, Shep, a German Sheppard that became his constant companion and guard. His guardianship of Bobby became a problem when I realized that he could attack Bobby’s boy playmates if Shep misinterrupted ‘boy rolling and ramping’ and harm one of his friends. We found a home in the country for him. Our next family pet was a Basset Hound quite different and a story I hope… Read more »
I can understand once bitten twice shy. You got your point across, well!
Norma,
I’m not happy about what happened to you, but I’m glad that you showed another side of the pet thing.
Oh, Norma, I would be frightened if King had injured me. I’ve been bitten a couple of times by small dogs. I was told that the dog senses your fright, which makes them more aggressive. Great story.
You conveyed the fear that dogs can cause as they protect their master. Good story. Thanks!
Verg good description of a bad experience. That would be enough to turn you against dogs.
When our kids were small, we owned a purebred German Shepherd, sold to us by his breeder. Before long, he began going after our hogs, drawing blood on some. We didn’t take long to get rid of him, not only to protect our livelihood, but our kidsas well.
Nice story, Norma. Too bad you had this experience. We had a guard dog German Sheppard at my husband’s business in New York. His name was KP, and he understood three commands only-sit, watch, and okay, friend. The last one was for relax. I never petted him.
We had a German Shepherd dog named Pal. A farm dog he was. I should have written about him, maybe I will. He ran with the coyotes sometimes then came home and protected my brother and I with his life.
Great story, Norma. I was bitten when I was two and almost lost a finger (I remember it well). I have been afraid of dogs ever since. So, we had a German Shepherd named King when I was a teenager. He was a big cry baby but he protected us when it was called for. He had a fenced-in yard to play in. He was a big, strong dog. He had to be on a choke leash to go for a walk, but he never hurt anyone. He had to sleep with me in a teenager’s single sized bed. I… Read more »
I remember a white German Shepard named King too. I was leary of him because of his size and protectiveness of his owners. Thanks for sharing.
Bentley
Being a ‘dog freak,’ I naturally enjoyed your story. I have had four mini poodles all four apricot and/or white and unlike your Bentley, calm, cool, cuddly and ever so loveable. Your descriptions were terrific, and I especially liked the way you and Bentley had your ‘Man to Woman’ chat on setting boundaries and could actually visualize your eye-to-eye exchange. Great!
Diana,
Bentley sounds like a very hyper dog. We’ve had toy poodles for over 40 years – never one like Bentley. But my daughter rescued a “Chiweenie” – chihuahua and dachshund – she called “Lola,” which sounds like Bentley. That dog would never sit down with anyone and if we put her in the kennel she would howl so loud you couldn’t think. Great descriptions. Thanks for sharing.
Such a cute story. Bentley must have mellowed with age. Definitely a hyper dog.
Bentley seems like a challenge. A dog can certainly change a household. I am glad he has settled down.
Day 5 Challenge
Your story is humorous. I can relate to the pancakes flopping, unfortunately. Great ending line, a story to write.
Thierry,
What a humorous story. You described it well. I thought I was watching a scene from “Little Rascals.” Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for reading another of my stories and for the reference to ”little Rascals”.
Thierry, with this scene painted so well, you brought a smile to my face and a giggle, too.
Back in the day, we were hog farmers. I’m all too familiar with these races.
y
I’ m glad you enjoyed it Linda, as someone who experienced it. Thank you for your feedback.
Thierry, this story made my laugh. It was so funny. “It was a strange sight to watch. My grandmother never wore bras, the piglet passing between her legs while her flat breast flapping around as Aunt Jemima Pancakes on the loose, had the best of me.” I could just see your Mamie running. It was like a movie scene. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you again Etya, ”Like a movie scene”, so true, these moments in time are still so present to me.
Thierry, check out his website http://www.krichmar.com
Etya, I love Jeff’s work, what a great website and portfolio. Thank you for sharing.
He is my pride and joy! Thank you so much. I do not know if you noticed, but his first job was in Montreal at Sid Lee.
I haven’t read all, but Montreal is known and Quebecers for their creative side in all fields of life, worldwide. It’ s beautiful to witness pride in a parent, as you should be. I hope he kept good feelings and great memories from his life on our great island. See you soon Etya.
Thierry, you brought big smiles and giggles to me in your story today. I wonder what was more shocking to you, the pig getting loose or seeing your grandmother in her slip? Happy to read that you caught the pig, albeit in a most shocking way…poor little piggy.
Yes dar poor little piggy, he got over it quickly, worst fate were waiting for him! The whole scene was funny, we were in this huge field and it got shelter in the first cabin he saw. I guess. I read your Goldie story with delight but I’m not sure I posted comments in the right place! see you soon.
Great story Thierry and funny. Loved some of your descriptions. Keep on writing. You are doing great!
Good evening Norma. Thank you for your support. I have a laugh thinking of people reading it myself. I have yet to get into serious reading peoples stories, have a good night.
Really enjoyed how you described the outhouse and painted the scene with the pig that took place there.
Thank you Steven, it’s been an intense week of writing, more like a stage race. Thank you for taking the time and feedback. It was a quite an event.
Wow! I liked the way you set the scene and introduced your grandmother before the pig got loose. I pictured what was going on by your description. Your grandmother is quite the trooper.
My grandmother was a humble woman, she was funny too and you could always count on her to get the job done, no matter what! Thank you Nancy.
That vision made me laugh. Great description and playing out of the scene.
Good morning Rose, my grandmother could never stay mad long, an such events could only end up in laughter with her. Glad you had a laugh!
Day 5! We did it, congratulations writers and thanks for sharing your stories. I learn so much from each of you. I didn’t expect to write about this but it’s what popped up and insisted.
Rose.
I’ve always found hawks to be mystical. They are very patient awaiting their prey. There are a handful in my neighborhood. They keep the rabbits, squirrels, and snakes from becoming nuisances. I love to watch them catching thermals.
Rose, what a well-written, inspirational story. And I love the picture. Your writing was superb. Thanks for sharing this incredible story.
What a lovely story, Rose. I had similar experiences with butterflies several times after my husband died. Lovely that you have the photo of the feather to hold Al’s memory close to your heart.
What a lovely story of hawks and spirituality. You were open to the signs nature provided.
What a beautifully written piece, my friend! I believe in animal spirits. Al is watching over you. Thanks for sharing.
Rose, just a wonderfully crafted story. I could picture the hawks each time they appeared. The hawk feather was such a delightful surprise.
Beautiful, powerful, strong connection with your spirit bird. Now I know why you are always photographing down by the river. Happy hunting. thanks for your story.
A Dog’s Tale
Being the Dog Freak that I am, you have written another winner. You are such a gifted writer. Perhaps you should do a book of maybe “bigger than life experiences” in vivid analogist form or something like that that you more aptly state.
Great story. Can relate to seeing someone because of their dog. I will admit I visit my son to get my dog fixes. Your descriptions paint relatable humble pictures. Well done
Steven,
Even your unforgettable animal story becomes a masterpiece. I really enjoyed Zoe, your therapy dog, and you go for a walk in the final innings of the 2003 Marlin World Series. It appears that Zoe earned an entry on his/her resume for that stint with you. Thanks for sharing. Vern
Steven,
Hoping your next relationship wasn’t based on a dog! Great story; you have such a way with words. Loved it. Thanks for sharing.
Hope you never get tired of reading or hearing me sing your praises. If there is a list for people signing up to purchase your published book, put my name on it.
You flatter me, my dear.
Please Don’t stop.
I spent the afternoon with a Jack Russell at a client’s house. He was, as described, a bundle of energy, just like Zoe. I loved your story, every line of it. This was one of my favorites: “From a vantage point behind a coconut, they would peer downward from their perch and hiss their plight of tormented indignation.” I can’t think of more perfect breed to invoke “tormented indignation” in a critter of the feline persuasion.
Steven, you made me fall in love with Zoe. What a fun description of her theatrics.
My attention was captured from beginning to end. Great imagery, creativity and humour.
Wow! What imagery. Steven, you had me from the beginning to the end. i tried to give you privacy in the first two sentences thinking you posted your love interest story. not to worry I caught on. I enjoyed the imagery and the underlying innuendos, well done, no beautifully done.
Hello, Life Writers. I would like to introduce you to my soul mate cat Jeepers. I included two pictures at the end of the story. One when he was a kitten, and one when he was a big boy.
Thanks, Millie, for the sweet story, and I love the pictures. How wonderful for Jeepers to live 19 years. Thanks for sharing this special story.
Jeepers, creepers Millie…this is one beautiful cat. Loved the photos. You are a good cat Mom.
Millie, Jeepers was a keeper. He was a beautiful cat. He reminded me of Fluffy a kitty I had growing up in USSR. Same coloring. Loved his closeness to you and his understanding of your mood. I had to make the same decision with Ace when he was diagnosed with leukemia. i did not want him to go through the chemo. He lived six months longer, and we put him to sleep when he stopped eating. it was heart-wrenching. i still keep his ashes.
I liked your description of Jeeper’s personality. You had a real connection
What a perfectly delightful story of your little Jeepers. I howled when you said, “Don’t try this with a cat you just met unless you’re willing to lose an eye.” Very good writing.
Love the pictures. I can see why you fell in love with Jeepers. Nice description, physical and characteristics. I felt like I knew Jeepers.
Millie, you brought joy to each other and tears in my eyes. what a sweet story of love and affection. well expressed. thanks for sharing.
Sweet story of being in the Right place at the right time to meet the perfect cat. .
I love all animals, so I found this topic an easy one to write about. Did you know I had an early career as a certified animal technician who worked at veterinary offices? I studied both large and small animals during my schooling. So many stories I could tell from that. Oh well, I hope you find my silly dog story entertaining!
Kit, I thought “wholesome entertainment” before I got to your ending! In fact, I smiled all the way through the story. It is so true that our pets take their cures from us and they pay VERY close attention. We should not be surprised when they act like us. Thank you for a great story. Jackie
Kit, Scott is a character, for sure. So happy he is part of your family.
Kit, what a description of Scout’s character. you did a fantastic job; I could see him in action. What fun! yes, you are lucky to have him in your family.
Nice description of the behaviors a smart dog displays with its master.
Kit, I love your story about Scout. He sounds like such a loving and fun dog to have. I lost my last dog during the pandemic and am trying to coax my husband into another one. Your writing was great!! Thanks for sharing.
Kit, I love your dog and how attached he is to your family. Your writing is clear, and I can just see his evening game of ball. What a blessing.
Loved how you showed Scout’s personality through his actions and sounds. I feel like I know him.
Thank you for reading, Rose!
having some connectivity issues…. stand by!
Story of an animal
What a sweet story and so well written and easy to follow. I could actually feel like I was picking the rabbits up with you. Have done so many times, so it was easy. Thank you for sharing. As usual quite of few of my own rabbit pet stories flopped and hopped around in my head.
Nancy, special story. Keep writing. Thanks for sharing!!
What a cute story. Well written, Nancy.
Great story. You did well showing the scene from the perspective of you as a child.
Sweet story. whew, you got away with it. loved the description of overcoming fear, eating grass, and picking up pellets. enjoyed reading it, thanks for sharing.
You got away with it! Charming story of kids and their pets.
Good detail of how rabbits eat grass. I never knew that.
What a sweet story about your rabbits. Thanks for sharing.
Nancy, that was a delightful story about your pet rabbits! I liked your description of how to pick them up and I felt like i was right there with you while you were doing it. That is funny about your sneakiness.Good job!