The Watching, 2010, A Corgi Puppy's Christmas Surprise by Millie Williams, copyright 2010

Chapter One

            Justin and Topaz looked at each other and sighed. There was no help for it—the puppies were in choir practice again, and one pup was severely out of tune. In fact, it could be argued that she was nowhere near “in tune.” No one knew what to do about the unearthly racket. The two elder corgis removed themselves from the shady spot where they had been sitting, peacefully contemplating the big back field, and wandered up to the Castle where the walls would give what remained of their hearing some protection.

            Down by the barn, a steady stream of animals fled the noise as the off-key shrieking continued. The crows had flown away as soon as they saw the young corgis congregating. Blanco, the white burro, took off at a brisk trot for the farthest edge of the field, along with the goats and the other horses, and even the chickens were clucking loudly, trying to drown out the horrible noise as they scurried away.

            Charlotte, who was trying to get the puppies to sing nicely, was frustrated. She didn’t know what to do that would not hurt the little puppy’s feelings. The problem was the puppy called Twice, who got her name because she would not come if you called her only “Once.” Twice’s attempts at singing hurt everyone’s ears. After a few minutes, Charlotte clapped her paws and told all the puppies that they were dismissed for the day. Then she had a long drink at the water trough and turned to find her sister, Aisling, standing nearby.

            “Something must be done,” Aisling began. But seeing the defeated look on Charlotte’s face, she fell silent.

            “I have tried everything to help the child, but she just cannot sing, and she makes up in volume and enthusiasm what she lacks in tone,” Charlotte mused. “Perhaps the Lady-In-Waiting will have an idea that will help.”

            With that, the two red corgis dashed to the Castle to consult the Lady-In-Waiting. Soon, they were seated at her feet and filled her in on the whole affair. The Lady-In-Waiting thought for a bit, then suggested that perhaps Twice could be pulled out of the choir to utilize a different, more appropriate skill instead of singing. After all, everyone had a talent of some sort, and so they just had to encourage Twice to use the one with which she had been blessed. Charlotte and Aisling agreed that this might be a solution and said they would think about it.

Chapter Two

            Later that day, Twice was playing in the leaves under Grandfather Oak, the huge tree that grew in the middle of the forest beyond the Castle. He provided a home to many birds, squirrels, raccoons, and mice. The Castle corgis often came out to be near him, although no one really understood why they were so attracted to being under that particular tree. But Twice knew.

Grandfather Oak was the oldest oak tree in the world. His time in the Castle forest numbered more than 800 human years. Few knew that there was really only one old Oak Spirit, who was the father of all the oak trees in the world. When Grandfather’s wooden body had too many lightning strikes, or his roots weakened, or he had a hard few years without enough water, or he itched from bugs, he would gently slip from one wooden body to another one—a younger one that came from an acorn he produced and that had been buried by a squirrel. That next tree, in turn, would produce an acorn that might be picked up by a child and forgotten until it was dropped along the way miles and months later. In this way, the Earth had been populated by oaks, all springing from the first Oak, Grandfather Oak. Any time he wished, he could change location and live within another oak body.

            Sometimes Grandfather Oak chose a warmer climate, sometimes cooler. He liked to remain in one tree for hundreds of years, but he would abandon one tree for another one quite quickly because of what some might think were silly reasons. He was not fond of the wind, and he did not like animals that lived in his branches and stayed up all night. It was one thing for them to go out and forage at dusk, returning at dawn to be welcomed into lush branches, but quite another for them to play and rattle branches and leaves all night long. Sometimes he waited patiently for those animals to move on; other times he just left.

            Twice had felt Grandfather Oak’s spirit the first time she was taken to the tree as a very young puppy. She recognized his welcoming warmth for the puppies in her litter and their mother, and for the other corgis who had come along to show the puppies this new place to play. She sat and watched the tree for a long time, trying to understand. Then, like magic, Grandfather Oak touched minds with the small tri-colored puppy. They instantly bonded, and soon they began to converse.

            Twice became like a child to Grandfather Oak. She visited the old tree daily, sometimes staying all day, sometimes making two or three trips back and forth. The tree was always glad to see the puppy and greeted her with a rustle of his leaves and a smile that Twice could feel but not really see. Once she had been caught in a rainstorm, and Grandfather Oak reached his mighty branches down, down, down, making a completely waterproof shelter for Twice. When she eventually arrived back at the Castle, several corgis asked her how she stayed so completely dry in the torrent. Twice told everyone she had run so fast that she ran between the raindrops, which made everyone laugh and forget their question.

            Often, Grandfather Oak would tell her stories, and she would listen so avidly that she could almost hear his words with her big ears, imagining that the tree had the voice of a strong, elder human. She became so good at this that she believed he was speaking with an actual voice. The stories were wonderful, better than any she had ever heard elsewhere, except maybe from her Grandmother Hayley. Grandfather Oak particularly enjoyed sharing his stories with Twice, because it was very uncommon for another creature to understand that he was there and to seek his friendship.

Chapter Three

            On the day when Charlotte dismissed choir practice in frustration, Twice sought out the old oak to tell him what had happened. As she talked, she carefully opened up milkweed pods and blew the fluffy seeds about. She knew she couldn’t sing, she said, but she’d thought that she could make up for this by being very loud. Now, though, she had been told that she was going to have another type of lesson—just as soon as the corgis and humans could decide what kind of lesson this might be.

            Grandfather Oak rustled his leaves in thought, and then he had an idea.

            “Twice, there is something that you can do for me,” he began, and the little corgi looked up at him. “Look over behind me, to the North, and be very careful where you step.”

            Twice hopped up and began to sniff about. Following commands like “further that way” and “go closer to the blueberry bush,” she suddenly realized there was something alive on the ground.

            “Easy, child, easy” whispered the old oak tree. “Pick it up gently.” And she did. It was a small bird with a broken wing. The bird was exhausted from trying to fly and too scared to move. She brought it to the oak’s trunk and looked up inquiringly.

            “Twice, take this bird to the Castle. He will help you, as you help him. Go now, he is hungry and tired, and the people at the Castle will help you with him. Run along!” he said encouragingly.

            So Twice ran swiftly back to the Castle, trying not to jar the small bird or to slobber on him. Everyone was surprised at what Twice had brought home. The Royal Chef made some bread and milk for the bird to eat, and the Lady-In-Waiting found a box, placed the tired bird on some soft cloth in the bottom, then called the Doctor to tend to him.

            In a few weeks, the wing was healed but the bird, whom they named Jasper, could not fly. He could flutter up to the back of a chair, or a human could lift him gently to a branch. But when he wanted to go somewhere, he rode on Twice’s back. Jasper was a mockingbird, so he could sing any other bird’s song that he heard. He could also whistle tunes that he learned from the Emperor. He was a most talented bird, and Twice loved to listen to him. She still wanted to sing very badly, but she’d stopped trying after her bad experiences in choir practice.

            Twice continued her daily visits with Grandfather Oak, and one day he presented her with a baby bird who had tried to fly when he was too young. The bird’s mother had not been able to find him because he had hopped beyond where she was searching. And so, another bird came into Twice’s care.

Through the summer, Twice acquired several birds of different sizes, shapes, and colors. There was a cardinal who was redder than the barn, and a bluebird who had been so intent on catching a bug that he had flown right into Grandfather Oak and knocked himself silly. He was not really injured, only stunned, and recovered quickly. But the bluebird discovered that he enjoyed the little corgi and her collection of birds, which grew to include a sparrow, small and bright-eyed, and a chickadee. Two nuthatches lost their mother, and it took quite an effort to get them down to safety from the tree next door to Grandfather Oak. Twice ended up summoning a Royal Footman with her hysterical barking as the little birds’ calls to their mother got weaker and weaker. But Jasper was her favorite. The birds and the corgi often went out to see Grandfather Oak together. The birds did not understand him at all, but they enjoyed sitting in his branches and being with what felt like a protector.

            Finally, Grandfather Oak suggested that Twice try to teach the birds to sing together. She seemed to have a talent for this because, after all, she knew what bad singing sounded like. Getting the birds to sing in chorus wasn’t that hard, as birds are good singers.

No one at the Castle knew about these lessons; in fact, finding another talent that could be explored with Twice had been totally forgotten in the busy summer season. All the humans knew was that Twice would show up every couple of weeks with another bird who had had an unfortunate accident. And everyone liked the birds very much, especially the Royal Chef, who went to the effort of baking a new kind of bread for them each day. All in all, everyone was glad that the birds were Twice’s friends and so had become part of the Castle family.

Chapter Four

            All summer, Grandfather Oak told Twice stories, which she would relate to the birds, and the birds would sing back to her in thanks. Grandfather Oak’s stories covered centuries and centuries. Some were his own experiences during his travels about the Earth, and some he had learned from others.

            In the fall, Grandfather Oak turned his leaves into magnificent shades of red and gold. Although it was hard for Twice to see these colors through her corgi eyes, she could feel them, just as she felt Grandfather Oak’s voice, and she knew that it was a beautiful sight. One day she brought the humans from the Castle to admire the tree, and the Lady-In-Waiting gathered up a bag of leaves with which to decorate the Great Hall. Grandfather Oak was pleased that the Lady-In-Waiting thought he was so beautiful. Twice giggled when she heard him say that, which made Grandfather Oak blush, turning more of his leaves red.

            Soon, though, the leaves all fell to the ground, and Grandfather Oak began his solitary time. The birds that usually nested in his protective branches went south, the squirrels sought out thickets and dead trees with holes where they could make winter nests, and the other animals drifted away. Twice and the birds still came out to see Grandfather Oak, but many days were not good for traveling, and sometimes it was very windy, which the birds did not like.

            One day, Twice went out alone to Grandfather Oak and laid by his side, where she was protected. She and the Old Oak talked all day, and Twice—who was getting good at telling stories—was complimented by Grandfather Oak. She told him about the Watching, which was a very special celebration held each December near the Castle for all the animals who cared to come. She had not been old enough to go the Watching the year before, and she knew there were many secrets about it that would only be revealed when she was finally a Watcher herself in a few weeks. But she had been learning about the Castle traditions and celebrations leading up to the Watching, said to be the happiest time of all for the animals at the Castle and the wild animals that lived nearby.

Grandfather Oak, who had heard of the Watching, sighed. He wanted more than anything to see the Watching with his little friend, but it took much effort for him to change earthly homes into a new wooden body, and he didn’t think he was ready for this just yet. Perhaps he would wait through the lifetime of this charming little corgi and her friends at the Castle, because it wasn’t often that he found someone to converse with, and he and Twice had become very good friends. He listened intently to Twice, and said that maybe one day he would go to the Watching with her, and they would sit together. Twice looked at him doubtfully. How could such a big oak tree travel several miles to see the Watching?

Chapter Five

            Finally it was December, and preparations for The Watching began in earnest. The first tradition was decorating the trees that surrounded the Castle. Every year, the Royal Gardeners planted new pine and fir trees. These were too young to be decorated their first year, but in a few years, they would grow up to replace trees that had become straggly, or that died, or that got too big for anyone to decorate. Each group of corgis and other animals was given a tree, chosen by lottery to be sure that everyone had a chance at the best trees. Often the straggliest trees were the best decorated, for they seemed to shine under the attention given to them, and they would proudly hold their branches up a little higher and a little straighter.

            The horses and Blanco the burro were together in one group, which required help from the Royal Footmen. Their tree was decorated with bells, mistletoe, holly, and red bows. It was a very imaginative tree, as horses are usually more concerned with carrots, apples, and sugary treats. Every now and then, one of the horses would bump the tree to hear the bells ring, and then they would all neigh. That made everyone laugh!

The humans, led by the Lady-In-Waiting, decorated a lovely tree with food for the wild animals of the woods, placing hay at the bottom along with a heated bucket of water, so that there would always be a drink available. The tree itself had suet balls, peanut clusters, peanut butter rolled up into slices of bread, orange slices, and dried apples strung on string, along with small cups of dried blueberries and nuts. This tree would be replenished every day during the winter so that everyone would always be able to find something to eat. All year, the Lady-In-Waiting had also saved bags full of corgi hair from brushing the Castle corgis, and she tucked bits all over the tree so that small animals could line their winter nests with it. The mice were delighted beyond words (had they had any words at all, that is) with their warm bits of fluff.

            Princess Cheveu, a tri-colored fluffy corgi, and her best friend, Esmerelda, carefully arranged a lovely pink and white tree, their favorite colors. Esmerelda was secretly a turkey, but several years ago she had masqueraded as a flamingo to avoid becoming Thanksgiving dinner. The younger corgi girls always helped Princess Cheveu and Esmerelda with their tree.

The elder corgis and animals worked together on another tree with ornaments that featured baby animals of all kinds. There were even baby zebras, which led to some discussion about exactly what one called a baby zebra—a zebrette or a foal? Everyone agreed that the Elders’ tree was the most original.

            Twice could not decide which tree committee she wanted to be on, so finally the Royal Chef said he would help her and the birds with their own special tree. They decorated a small tree with cookies cut out in the shape of oak leaves and decorated in red and gold, along with clusters of acorns that had been glued on tennis balls and sprinkled with glitter. The birds added red ribbons, and although it was not a traditional looking tree, Twice and the birds were praised for their original idea. Jasper balanced on Twice’s back and whistled songs of the season, while the other birds chattered as they attached the long ribbons that blew gaily in the breeze. Twice could not wait to tell Grandfather Oak how much everyone liked her tree.

Chapter Six

            Another tradition was the gift giving. Each animal chose out of a big basket two names, either human or animal, for whom they would make a gift. Some gifts were hard to make, especially with tiny puppy feet, such as stringing brightly-dyed macaroni for a necklace. Everyone knew who was making those macaroni necklaces because of the occasional stains of blue or yellow on a white fur bib. Other gifts included cookies baked under the Royal Chef’s expert eyes, a piece of colored paper folded carefully into an origami shape, and a marigold grown specially in a tin can that had been painted with love. There was much whispering, especially among the youngsters, about what they were making. The staff at the Castle would also make sure that each corgi got a new squeak toy, a new ball, and a new rawhide; the elder corgis would receive special food treats and a new neckerchief.

            Twice was delighted to have picked Jasper’s name. She asked the Royal Chef to help her prepare a special suet cake with seeds and dried berries in it. It was about the size and shape of a donut, and she carefully tied a red bow on it so it could be hung on the branch where Jasper slept each night, next to her bed. She had also gotten the Emperor’s name and spent a lot of time thinking about what he might like. Finally, Grandfather Oak suggested that she walk along the stream and look for an unusual rock that the Emperor could use as a paperweight. Twice searched and searched and finally found a very smooth stone with marks on it that looked something like a buffalo. Grandfather Oak told Twice that she could ask the Lady-In-Waiting to help her glue a piece of felt on the bottom, so the rock would not scratch the Emperor’s desk.

            As the time for the Watching grew closer, the youngest animals, who had not attended it before, were given classes in the appropriate behavior. The Watching was a most serious affair, yet also very joyous. No one was allowed to speak, so the youngsters had to practice silence—not an easy lesson for busy pups. St. Frank, benefactor and confidant of all the animals in the world, worked with them until they were able to sit still for an hour and not say anything.

An animal must have reached the age of six months to become a First Watcher, and on the morning of the journey to see the Watching, all the First Watchers would be presented with new collars, blue or red, and each with a silver star with a diamond in the center and their name on it. Most never wore this collar again, but it was treasured and kept in a safe place so it could be brought out and shown to other youngsters in years to come.

            The First Watchers were not told what the actual ceremony would be, only that they must sit, pay careful attention, and not speak or make any noise. There was nothing like the First Watching, everyone said, and the youngsters would remember their First Watching with great joy if the surprise was kept.

            The youngsters practiced walking long distances, because the Watching Field was several miles away and the only humans allowed to go were the various Saints—St. Frank, St. Nick, who loved all youngsters, human and animal, St. Val, who practiced love where ever he went, and St. John, recently of this earth but now working with The Boss in Heaven. Wagons and carts were cleaned and repaired, and harnesses and bells were polished until everything sparked and shone like the sun. Blanco, the horses, and some of the goats would help to pull the wagons, which would hold supplies such as warm blankets and snacks, and, most important of all, the elderly ones who could no longer walk the several miles to and from the Watching Field.

Chapter Seven

            At last, after what seemed like forever, it was time for The Watching! Everyone got up early and had a quick bite to eat, as they were all eager to get on the road through the woods. Each animal had on something festive—a collar made of holly or with bells attached to it, or a pretty coat. All the First Watchers had on their new collars and proudly strutted up and down, showing them to anyone who would look. Of course, all the older animals admired them.

Twice’s birds all had bits of ribbon tied to their legs, and Jasper, who could not fly anyway, had a tiny little bell on a ribbon around his neck. He was very proud of it and perched safely on Twice’s back while the other birds flew to and fro, chattering happily. When no one was looking, Twice quickly shoved a very tiny bundle under some blankets in one of the wagons.

            The goats stood patiently as their red harnesses were adjusted and then backed carefully into the arms of the carts they were to pull. The horses and Blanco pulled bigger wagons with piles of blankets, and on top of these were all the elder animals. The horses stamped their feet and whinnied, and the goats wagged their little tails happily. St. Frank and the other Saints had a hard time keeping the First Watchers together because they seemed to be everywhere, and the Saints did not want to lose anyone.     

            Finally, all was in readiness. First to set off was Blanco, pulling his little cart, with Princess Cheveu leading him. His bells danced and sang as he pranced along, and his cart held the very Eldest animals, whose eyes were bright with anticipation. They had been wrapped up very carefully by the humans so they would not get chilled. Next in line were the First Watchers, rambunctious and full of energy—corgis, other dogs, some young goats, and a couple of kittens. Twice and her birds were in this group. St. Frank walked with them and, within a few moments, St. Frank’s dearest friend, Brother Wolf, slipped out of the woods and joined them. The First Watchers were stunned into silence; they had known that there would be many wondrous things to see, but surely none more wondrous than a tame wolf who obeyed St. Frank? Soon they overcame their uneasiness, however, and showed Brother Wolf their new collars while they chattered with excitement.

            Next came the corgis with wheels, all decorated with red this year. They frisked along in their little carts. It was not their fault they had only two legs that worked and two wheels. They were always so cheerful, and one could not help but admire their courage. They were followed by the rest of the goats who were not pulling carts. The goats were quick little walkers and kept up easily with the larger animals. Someone had even woven ribbon into the beard of Splash, who was the head goat, and he baa’ed as he led his girls on the trip. The horses with their wagons followed and finally the rest of the grown up animals who had attended The Watching in years before. The long trip would take most of the day, with a few stops to rest and have a drink of water. The humans at the Castle waved until the last of the animals were over the top of the hill. It was barely snowing, just enough to be pretty and not worrisome.

            St. Frank felt a sense of calm satisfaction as the group finally approached a wide field on the side of a big hill. Trees around the edge, mostly young pines, would give shelter from the wind and weather if necessary, and they also provided a place for the wild animals to feel secure, especially with a wolf roaming about. Brother Wolf would not hurt any animal, but it was hard for most to believe that. The Watchers arrived with a minimum of fuss. There had only been a couple of skinned elbows when youngsters tripped as they romped, and none of the elders had complained about the cold, in spite of the light snow that was coming down.

            The Watchers spread blankets on the ground, and the more experienced Watchers checked to be sure that everyone was comfortable and wouldn’t have to wiggle about. St. Frank and the other Saints carefully carried each elder corgi or other animal to a place up front so they could see the special events of the night. The Saints gently touched the elders here and there to remove pain and to provide clear sight and good hearing for the night, so they could enjoy what might be, for some, their last Watching on this Earth. On one side of the elders were the wheelcorgis, and on the other side were the First Watchers. Brother Wolf always stayed with the First Watchers, and many of them cuddled up to his thick coat to help stay warm. Behind these groups, the rest of the animals congregated, friends seeking out friends.

            The sun set quietly, and the animals waited in the dark. The snow had stopped, and the stars above were brighter and clearer than anyone could remember from other years. Many animals napped, and all that could be heard was the sound of breathing and the occasional snore or rustle as someone shifted a little. Along the edge of the field, the Saints kept watch. At some point, Twice and Jasper got up to go up the hill, claiming they needed a drink, and they were warned to not drink much, as they could not leave their places once the Watching began. Twice fetched the small bundle she had hidden in a wagon and carried it carefully in her mouth back to her place. When she was sure that no one was looking at her, she quickly dug a small hole and buried the bundle, patted down the ground, and sat on it.

Chapter Eight

            When the night seemed the darkest and the stars their brightest, a First Watcher softly said, “Oh!” and everyone began to sit up to see what was happening. Wakefulness spread through the gathering like ripples from a pebble dropped in a pond, and those animals sleeping the deepest were gently shaken awake by their friends.

            In the sky came a riffle of faint yellow, then another, then another. The riffles marched along in rows, and then faded as blue streaks raced across the sky. The colors changed, reflected, sparkled, and danced. The First Watchers, who had never seen anything like this before, were very excited. Soon, the stars began to move into patterns. This was something new, and even the Saints watched with anticipation. One pattern was like a reindeer that was running, one appeared to be a flying eagle, and one resembled a mighty tree blowing in the wind that Twice just knew was Grandfather Oak.

            Finally, the colors began to mute and blend together, with just a few sparkles mixed in. It became very dark again as the stars rearranged themselves into their normal patterns, and everyone held their breath in expectation of what might come next.

            Down at the foot of the hill, under some trees, appeared a small building, not much bigger than a tool shed. The doors opened up and a figure came out. The Man gave a slight groan of relief as he stretched his back. He must have been sitting down for a while, all the elder animals thought to themselves—they understood how he felt, and so they smiled. The Lady followed, carrying a bundle in her arms, and the First Watchers wondered what it could be. She sat down on a small upside down bucket and gently unwrapped the bundle. Everyone shifted a little so they could get a clear view. It was a Baby! He was sleeping, and those closest to him could see His little mouth make an “O” shape as He breathed. More than one mother animal thought He was the sweetest Baby they had ever seen, and they yearned to go near Him.

The Man and the Woman had a little conversation, but no one could quite make out what they were saying. Then, from one side of the field, came a group of sheep, with two shepherds leading them, and a border collie. The border collie crawled up to the Baby, wagged his tail in greeting, and offered a paw to the Man. Later on, some of the animals who had sat closest to the scene told their friends that the Man said “Good boy!” to him.

            In a few minutes, three strange beasts approached from the other side of the field. The First Watchers were amazed for they had never before seen any animals like these. They were camels, exotic beasts that can go for days without water or food, yet stay strong and sure-footed as they carry humans on a journey. The humans on the backs of these camels wore crowns and rich-looking clothes. They got off and came to the Family, offering gifts. The First Watchers now understood that this was why they had made gifts for each other at the Castle. This was a Watching tradition!

            While the animals and Saints looked upon the scene, the Lady smiled and thanked the visitors for their gifts. She sat the Baby, who was now awake, on the ground, and the border collie lay down next to Him to help Him keep His balance. The Baby gurgled, smiled, and looked up at His Mother, who smiled back at Him.

            Twice caught Jasper’s eye. They apparently had the same sudden inspiration. With the unspoken language that animals have, they passed along a secret message to the birds who had become Twice’s charges.

Chapter Nine

And then a song began, soft yet strong, powerful yet gentle as a puppy’s sweet kiss. At first, the Watchers could hear only music and rhythm. But after a few minutes they heard a chorus of voices. The words slowly became clearer, and all the corgis and other animals and Saints looked up toward the stars, where they saw a most wonderful sight—an enormous number of animals and people, all singing beautifully together. Their song spoke of joy and love, of happiness, of kindness to all. All the animals understood the song, as did the Saints.

The Watchers all began to look in the choir for their friends who had left this earth to go above. Many of the Watchers stood up for a better view. There was always enough time to seek, and no one ever came away without finding those whom they had loved and who had gone on before. Some of the elder animals, who knew this was their last Watching on this side, dabbed their eyes and admired how young their old friends now looked, how happy and how beautiful.

            In the center of the choir was a corgi named Bridget, and next to her was Indy, her dearest lifelong friend. They had been called to the Boss very close to each other, first Bridget and then Indy. Sitting around them were five baby girl corgis who all had pink ribbons around their necks, from the lightest pink of a rose to the deepest pink of a sunrise. One pup was clutching a half empty bag of marshmallows, and many of the Watchers thought she looked a little gooey. No one said anything, but they smiled at the sticky baby.

The Watchers had all heard of Bridget, who had taken her puppies with her when she answered the Boss’s call. She had loved them so much. It had been devastatingly sad for those who were left behind and seemed so unfair. But seeing them all together and well cared for under the Boss’s kind Hands, everyone felt so much better. It was always hard to lose anyone, young or old, but everyone was touched by seeing the ever-so-cute little ones. Indy carefully reached over and took the bag of marshmallows from the smallest puppy and tucked it behind him, so that it wouldn’t distract the animals who were watching below them. At a word from him, the little corgis smiled and raised their paws in a newly learned wave to the Watchers. At this, several older corgis wiped a tear or two from their eyes. They could not wait to get home and tell everyone that Indy, Bridget, and the baby girls were just fine.

            Darby, sitting below, held his breath. Look, it was Molly! She had been lost during surgery, and there she was. He stood and wagged his short tail, and his eyes shone with happiness. Suki, who was now Darby’s little sister and had come after Molly had left, was ecstatic to see her predecessor. She was thankful that Molly came and whispered in her ear “Mom likes it when you lie down and offer your belly to be rubbed” and other advice. Molly saw Darby and blew him a kiss for Jane, the human she loved and missed so much. Biscuit, the lab, was sitting on one side of Molly and called out, “Tell Mom I miss her!” Jack was sitting with Molly, and he waved to all those below. “Look!” he called out, “I don’t need my wheels anymore!” and in sheer joy, he jumped up and down a few times, causing a titter among the Watchers. Next to Jack was Rummy, who had also needed a cart. How happy he was to not only be walking again but able to fly as well. Both boys waved very hard to the crowd below.

            Everyone gasped when they saw Maggie, the brindle corgi. Although she had been beautiful on Earth, she was breathtaking now. In her special way, she waved to all who missed her, and barked the lovely song that all the ones above were singing. She had finally learned that not everything belonged to her, it all belonged to the Boss, but that was all right. She just followed Him around a lot and pretended it all belonged to her.

            It was also exciting to see Reba the Svelte—and svelte she was! Her copper coat gleamed with sparkly highlights, and the Watchers were pleased to see her looking so well. Her friends Owain, Heart, Pandee, and Olivia waved as hard as they could and were so glad to see how happy she was. Next to Reba sat Teddy, who also had a lifelong obsession with food. They had often exchanged stories of how to best get food down from where the humans felt it was inaccessible. Now they were the best of friends, and Teddy waved to Louis and Barnianne, who missed their old friend very much. It was so good to see him again.

            Booty was there, too. She was a very special horse who had run very fast in races on earth. Then her legs and feet had given out on her and she had to leave. She whinnied out that she ran every day in horse races in big green fields, and no one cared who won—it was just the racing that they enjoyed. And running didn’t hurt her legs anymore. The horses below all shook their heads and softly snorted at the joy of seeing her well again.

            Watcher Rylie, who was lying on a soft warm blanket because he had to use a cart, looked up and finally found his dear friend Wendy. Wendy had been very ill, and he had wondered how she could ever be well again. But there she was, safe and healthy! He smiled and could not wait to tell their mother how happy she looked.

And Jackson was there. He was a beautiful beagle who had suddenly gotten very sick and heard The Boss call him. Like a good boy, he left and ran swiftly to the Boss, who gave him the most wonderful petting he had ever had. The Boss knew all Jackson’s secret, favorite itchy spots. Jackson raised his head and howled when he saw Cheyenne and the others in his pack below, who were so happy to see him well again.

Although it seemed like a very short time, in reality, the actual Watching took quite a while. Everyone had time to search for their friends and loved ones who had gone over the Bridge. All had a chance to see, to cry, to remember, to rejoice in the health and happiness they could see in the departed ones. There was enough time for the elders and those animals who were ill to understand that the place they would go to soon, too soon for some, was joyful and peaceful.  And then, even though there had been enough time, it was nearly over.

           

Chapter Ten

            The song began to fade and, as it did, the figures in the sky gave a last wave. In a few moments, the animals and people in the sky were gone. The field was silent. No one had cried out, no one had yapped in happiness at seeing someone they desperately missed. The animals were sitting quietly when one suddenly called out, “Look! Down there!” and pointed toward the bottom of the hill. For the first time that anyone could remember, the scene with the Family had not faded along with the figures in the sky. Next to the Family, more figures had appeared and, because the light was dim, it took a few moments for the animals to realize what they were seeing.

            It was Twice, with her birds lined up in a single line on the ground—except for Jasper, who sat on Twice’s back. He waved his good wing and all the birds began to sing a song that no bird had ever sung before, quiet, but joyous. Although some of the animals had to cock their heads to hear clearly, no one missed a single note. The Baby watched, fascinated, and the Man shook his head in disbelief. What magic this was, to have birds come to sing to The Baby! Although the song was short, it was sung perfectly, in harmony. And then a ripple of quiet comments spread through the crowd because someone had noticed that Twice was softly singing, too. She did it without thinking, to help the birds with the rhythm. Her sweet voice complimented the song, without any of the shrieking and sharp notes that used to cause listeners such distress.

            When the song was over, the Man and the Woman bowed their heads in thanks, and one of the men on the camels approached. Jasper fluttered up to his shoulder, and the man stood very still, for he had never seem a bird do anything like this before. He quietly conveyed his thanks for the lovely song, and Jasper fluttered awkwardly back to Twice’s back. The Baby gurgled and reached His little hands up, and, with great effort, Jasper fluttered down to Him.

            And then, a miracle happened. For without asking, only through Jasper’s giving pleasure to the Baby, the mockingbird’s wing was made strong and whole again! None of the animals realized it at first, but then they saw Jasper fly easily up to Twice’s back and stretch out a straight wing, which before had been deformed. From the crowd came gasps of surprise and murmurings of happiness at being a witness to this miracle. A few moments later, the whole scene faded away, and the Watchers were all on their feet, stretching and calling to Twice to thank her for the song.

Twice scampered up the hill to St. Frank, exclaiming, “I can sing! I can sing!” and St. Frank petted her, telling her that she could always sing, but now, when she sang with love, it was beautiful. “You were trying too hard before,” he said, and smiled at her. Then, to her surprise, he said “You and I will come out to the field in the spring. We must water Grandfather Oak and place a small fence around him, so that no one will step on the seedling.”

            Twice was surprised that St. Frank knew her secret—but then St. Frank knew everything about all of the animals. For Twice had buried an acorn. Grandfather Oak had never actually been born, he had just come to Be, so he couldn’t count his age. He had so wanted to attend the Watching, but Watchers had to be more than six months old. If one of his acorns wintered on the hill and sprouted in the spring, however, he could count the day he sprouted as his real birthday. He had loved Twice’s idea that he be planted there in the special field so that he could observe the Watching for years to come and help watch over the animals each year. Although it would be a very long walk for Twice to visit him in this new home, she was still young, and she could bring the birds and another corgi or two with her.

            St. Frank blessed the acorn and the spot where Twice had planted it, and the spirit of Grandfather Oak immediately entered the acorn. He was tired, and he looked forward to resting, then sprouting in a new wooden body when the winter was over.

            “Sleep well, Grandfather,” said Twice, and she heard him reply, “Happy Watching, child—I will greet you in the spring.” Then he began to snore quietly.

In Remembrance of All the Special Friends Who Went to the Bridge This Year

Bridget and her puppies  *  Indy  *  Welshkins  *  Travis  *  Torry  *  El-a  *  Molly  *  Glory  *  Rusty  *  Buster  *  Sam  *  Poppy  *  Topaz  *  Piper  *  Misha  *  Toby  *  Satan  *  Dancer  *  Blackie  *  Uncle John  *  Parker  *  Lacy  *  Magic  *  Chris and Kinsey  *  Gizmo  *  Merridy  *  Stoney  *  Lark  *  Angus   *  Cami  *  Wrangler  *  Jerry Bear   *  Max  *  Molly  *  Billie  *  Miles  *  Stormy  *  Woody  *  Trooper  *  Libby  *  Kendal Clare Anne  *  Porter  *  Jack  *  Alys   *  Maggie  *  Reba  *  Camilla the Hun  *  Reggie  *  Cooper  *  Penny  *  Justin  *  Kirby   *  Titania  *  Hughie  *  Teddy  *  Smiley  *  Cadi  *  Ivan  *  Boyer  *  Glory Be  *  Biscuit  *  Pepper  *  Rummy  *  Shooter  *  Booty  *  Aurora  *  Marsha  *  Trixie  *  Nanny  *  Nurse Wendy  *  Calvin  *  Poppy  *  Jackson  *  Cowboy  *  Porter

(Be sure and add your comments about the story and please become a follower, as I do post some other things through the year.

Also be sure and view the Remembrance List which follows this posting for our dear loved ones who left us this past year.)

If you have enjoyed this story, you may order the book with the artwork at www.corgiaid.org.  Click on the button that says "The Watching".  All profits from the book go directly to help homeless corgis and corgi mixes to get healthy so they can be adopted by a new family!

God bless you all!