Part of the Holiday Fest Challenge, but this will be unusual because it's from the puppy's POV.
Puppy's First Christmas
Chapter 1
People don't want to adopt a Pit Bull anymore, and unfortunately, my dad is one; so I look like one. My mom was an Australian Shepherd so I look a bit funny. She got hit by a car, so now I have to figure out how to find food. Dumpsters are always a good option, but I really like going to the park because every now and then someone will give me part of a hot dog and pet me. I was making my rounds through the park, where I had already ate some hot dog a little girl sat down and drank some hot chocolate. I focused on a really tall man, wearing some kind of khaki uniform.
"Pup, what's going on with you?" The man said as he bent down and examined me. I had this itchy thing going on with my fur and it caused sores that really hurt.
"One of our local strays, Admiral. She hangs around and begs food." One of the kiosk owners told the tall man. He always gave me any leftover hot dogs and was one of my favorite humans.
"What breed is she?" The man asked.
"I think she is a mutt. My wife thinks she is pit bull and Australian shepherd though." Jerry, the kiosk owner said.
"She's in rough shape." Admiral said.
"You know; she would be a good dog for your wife and daughters. Would give them something to concentrate on. Getting her healed up. And given the breeds, she would be protective of them when you are away." Jerry remarked. All of a sudden, I felt myself being picked up. I had never been so high up but Admiral was so nice and warm.
"Yeah. Christine would kill me, but Katie was talking about a pet we used to have years ago. I think she would like it at least." Admiral remarked. I put my head on his chest and smiled. He smelled really good. He must have good food to eat.
"Well, Monster; looks like you are headed to a new home." Jerry said as he scratched my head.
"Monster?" Admiral asked.
"Just what I call her. Rename her, by all means." Jerry said. I felt myself getting really sleepy. Admiral was really warm and strong.
"I'll run it by the girls. Alright; let's get you home and bathed. I'll go back out for puppy food and pads." Admiral said as he walked to a truck, sort of like what had killed my mom.
The truck was even better, and Admiral had some kind of heater on his truck. Within a few minutes; the truck had stopped and he carried me into a nice, warm house.
"Christine!" Admiral yelled. Just then a short and very thin woman came down the stairs. She had scars all over, kind of like me and she must not have had any good food for a long time. Surely Admiral fed her?
"Hey. Oh…a puppy?" Christine said.
"A stray. I found her in the park when I picked your prescription up. Katie had been talking about Oscar last night and…you know?" Admiral said.
"Yeah, I know. You're a sap for strays. She needs a bath." Christine told him with a smile.
"She has mange." Admiral remarked.
"She needs some TLC. Why don't you give her here, and I'll see to a bath? Can you get some supplies for her? I have supper in the crockpot." Christine asked. I immediately noticed that they didn't touch or kiss. I knew they must be a couple, so it was odd. Maybe Christine was a stray too?
"Yes, ma'am. How has your day been?" Admiral asked.
"We all napped. Katie had a nightmare. They are excited for Christmas." Christine told him. He handed me to her and I licked her face. If he wouldn't kiss her, I would. She laughed in response. I figured out quickly, she smelled like my mom. She must be a mom too.
"We'll decorate tomorrow since I'll be home. Oh, the hot dog vendor named her Monster, but if the girl's want a different name, go for it." Admiral told her.
"They will be happy. Better than buying some highly bred dog." Christine said.
"My thoughts too. I'll be back soon." Admiral said. He gave Christine a gentle and nervous kiss on the forehead. I had to wonder what their story was. They lived together and apparently had human children, so why didn't they like each other?
"Take care." Christine said before carrying me up the stairs. She put me in a bathtub and began running water. To begin with, I was scared of the water, but it was warm and she was making the sores feel better. As she was drying me off; a human girl came in. She also had scars on her face and neck but she gave me a smile.
"A puppy?" The girl asked.
"Yeah, your dad found her in the park and he's a sap. Her name is Monster but we can rename her. She's going to take some care. Has mange." Christine told the girl. I let out a bark in greeting and pawed at the girl, wanting to know her name. Christine needed to introduce me.
"Monster kind of fits." The girl said.
"It does. Katie; can you get me another towel?" Christine asked. So, this was Katie. Her scars and sores kind of looked like mange too. She handed Christine another towel and helped her rub me down.
"Hannah's gonna love her." Katie said.
"Yeah. I think she is going to be a good girl for us." Christine said.
"I hope she sleeps with me and Hannah. No old laundry room for you, little girl." Katie said. Christine handed her over and I was carried into another room. These humans apparently didn't want me to walk. Another girl came into my view, also completely covered in scars and bruises. What kind of house was I in? She apparently was Hannah and she let out a little squeal when she saw me.
"A puppy?" The girl asked.
"Yeah. Dad found her in the park and brought her home. Mom gave her a bath. I guess Dad went and got her stuff." Katie told her. Christine wasn't in sight, but I was sat down on a bed and immediately gave Hannah a kiss. Her arm was in a hard plaster cast and she looked even worse than Christine or Hannah.
"So sweet." Hannah said. She pulled me onto her chest and I continued giving her kisses. Whatever these humans had been through, my kisses would make it all better. I am good like that.
"Girls; I am going downstairs to finish dinner. Your dad ran to the store to get supplies for Monster. Behave yourselves. Monster; you're in charge. Take care of my girls." Christine said as she scratched my head. I let out a bark in response. It was not a job I minded. The bed was comfortable and I could tell Katie and Hannah were sweet girls. I cuddled close to Hannah and felt myself falling asleep. I could get used to this house and these humans despite them having mange and being so thin.