THE GOOD CHILDREN

Synopsis

The Good Children is an emotional heart-warming life story of two very special dogs and their reluctant cousin Skye, as told through their eyes. Journey with them as they recount their amazing adventures and lives with their human companions; stories that will make you laugh out loud, shed a tear and smile. An absolute joy to read and suitable for anyone who loves animals, adults, and children alike.

Tag and Tess lived long full lives, were loved all of their days and are sorely missed.

Fisher King Publishing Ltd.
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t: +44 (0) 1845 526194 m: 07738 413 262   www.fisherkingpublishing.co.uk

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FIRST CHAPTER

CHAPTER ONE

 

They sat together, bewildered amongst the raucous jostling of their siblings. One slightly aloof and distant, the other anxious and insecure, but both seemingly drawn to each other, a silent bond of support holding them together. Their young infant minds strived to make sense of the world around them, a world of legs, sounds, smells and feelings, that this was not really their place. Their first mother gently pulled them to her warm soft body, squeezing them between everyone else as they all climbed over each other and snuggled close. Unable to form words, the brother and sister instinctively pushed closer together, their bond forged amongst the competitive world they had been born into.

Mama would quietly tell them all stories about her daily escapades when she would disappear and leave them alone to fend for themselves. Dada would occasionally come into the room and stare at them with mild curiosity, but no other desire to care for or to intervene in the disputes that would break out amongst them as hunger overcame play. When Mama returned, she made sure they were all clean and fed, doing her best to ensure a fair share was had by all, but with fourteen children, it was tricky. As they lay together keeping warm, Mama warily greeted Dada as he graced them with one of his visits. Her look and stillness made it clear to him that he could be on his way; she wasn’t interested in his bravado and boasting, not with this lot to care for.

In a short time, their strength grew and their legs were just that little bit longer, allowing them to explore their surroundings. It was a noisy affair with shouting and laughing in excitement at the prospect of adventures with Mama. They would try to follow her out of the house, their little legs clumsy and uncoordinated. The brother and sister would follow, sometimes in the middle of the crowd and sometimes bringing up the rear, the cautious nature of the boy and the aloofness of the girl causing them to think before they leapt. At night, Mama began to tell them about the outside world.

“You must all be brave and never be afraid,” she would say, “People will come for you soon. You will have a new mother and father, and people are generally good.” She would trail off in her story, a look of concern and worry in her eyes. She knew she could no longer care for her children; there were just too many and not enough food, so they must go.

“It will be exciting. You will have such adventures!” She tried to make it sound like a good thing, but it broke her heart to let them go. She had decided to keep two with her but could not decide who. The brother and sister would push just that bit closer to each other, seeming to understand more than the others that they would never see their mama again.

Then one day it happened. A new mama came. The girl was picked up and stared at a smiling face in front of her. She wasn’t sure about this new mama; could she be trusted? A panic filled her; what about her brother? He couldn’t cope without her. Then to her relief she saw her new mama pick up her brother and tuck him under her other arm. They both looked at each other as they were carried out into the big wide world; at least they would be together. They were taken to what seemed like a box with wheels, which they would later learn was a car. They were placed inside on a layer of soft blankets.

“There you go, sweeties, nice and warm.” The new mama beamed happily at the two faces staring back at her. “I will call you Tess,” she pointed to the girl, “and you are called Tag.” The boy looked at her with worried eyes, hoping that he would be loved and cared for. The new mama looked back at Tess, “You look like a little princess with that haughty face. You must be Princess Tess, and you, well, you are definitely a Mr Tiggy McTaggle.” She laughed and closed the door. The brother and sister looked at each other.

“New Mama says I’m a princess.” The girl stared at the boy, who licked his lips and gazed worriedly around him.

“New Mama says I’m…” He paused, trying to remember exactly what had been said, but there had been an awful lot of words for a young mind. “I’m Tiggy Tag.” He nodded to himself, satisfied he’d done his best.

“Don’t worry, Tag. I’ll look after you.” Tess licked his face just like their first mama had done to comfort them. Tag licked her back.

“Thank you, Princess Tess.”

“You can call me Tess,” she said as she straddled her four paws to balance better.

“And you can call me Tag.” He stood a little taller and a lot braver with his sister beside him.

The shaking box stopped and the door opened, causing Tess and Tag to blink in the bright light. “Now then, wee babies, let’s go and meet Uncle Jook.” Their new mama picked them up, tucked them under each arm, and carried them into their new den. From their vantage point, Tess and Tag stared down at the big dog staring back at them with old eyes. Their noses coloured him with an array of scents, all unique to him.

“Well, Jooky boy, who’s this then?” Their new mama put them down on the floor, more scents flooding into their brains. Old Jook regarded them, his nose slowly twitching from side to side as he took in their name smells. He lowered his head to the crouching figures in front of him, unsure and anxious at the large face peering at them. He grunted to himself.

“Well now, little ones, welcome to the pack. Stick with me and I’ll keep you right. Our leaders are strong and strict, so don’t step out of line or you will be sorry.” He gave them a stern look. “I’m Jook.” He lay down in front of them and they regarded him cautiously, smelling he was kind and gentle.

“I’m Tag.”

“And I’m a Princess.” Tess gave him a haughty look, but Jook wasn’t fooled for a moment.

“Are you now?”

“You can call me Tess.” She puffed out her chest and tried to look important. Jook nudged her with his nose and she fell over.

“I’ll decide what I call you. Until you can push me over with your nose, I’m in charge, got it?” His hard stare caused them both to quickly agree and he softened. Another two-leg came into the den.

“Is this them?” Mark looked down at the beautiful little puppies in front of Jook and grinned. “They’re gorgeous.” He picked them up and cuddled them.

“Lick his face, they love that,” said Jook, watching as Tess and Tag enthusiastically licked the two-leg’s face. “That is your new dad, but believe me, it’s your mum that’s in charge.” Their new mama came back and took Tess from Mark.

“Who’s a wee sweetie then?” Morag laughed as Tess tried to nibble her nose. “Ah no, no teeth!” She sat down and her faithful old Jook laid his head on her lap, looking at the new arrival. “You’re still my best boy, Jooky, Mummy loves you very much.” She kissed the old dog’s head and he beamed with pride. “You’ve got your work cut out training these two,” she said, and Jook agreed.