WHERE IS PUGSLEY? story

As Joe dropped Pugsley’s leash, the dog lost his balance, tumbling into the cave.

"Mr. Maxwell!" Joe yelled.

Dropping to his stomach he was able to see Pugsley in a large cavern. He leaned over too far trying to grab Pugsley's jumping paws.

Sliding into the hole Joe heard Pastor Maxwell calling his name. Now boy and dog lay on the floor together.

Pastor Maxwell was frantic, asking loudly, "Are you okay?"

“Yes!” Joe answered. After boosting Pugsley out, strong arms lifted him.

Uncle Larry gave Joe a big wink. "You were very brave," he said.

The rest of the church youth hike was icing on the cake. Everyone joined in a prayer of thanks for Joe's safe return, ate lunch and later had a snowball fight.

By the time they returned to the car Joe was quite tired. But it felt good overcoming his fear of the dark to get his dog.

“Wait 'til mom hears about this trip,” Joe said, his face breaking into a smile.

Then he whispered, "Thank you Jesus...for everything."

* * *

© Richard & Esther Provencher 2007
All Rights Reserved

URL for Richard L. Provencher
http://writers.ns.ca/Writers/rprovencher.html