Here is my contribution to “Friday Fictioneers,” a weekly writing challenge hosted by the lovely Rochelle Wisoff Fields. With the help of a photo prompt to inspire, we’re to write a 100-word story. This week, the colorful photo was provided by Rowena Curtin.
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Elena and her husband’s garden was full of colorful blooms and hearty plants. Everywhere her dog, Kibble, dug a hole, she planted a plant. Shortly after Kibble passed, so did her husband, and the plants dried up and died along with them. Long winters passed, and she watched as her neglected garden refused to revive each Spring without her care. One day, new neighbors moved in. Their dog, Cleo, began to dig holes. The other neighbors complained. Elena did not. Wherever Cleo dug a hole, Elena filled it with a plant. Her garden returned to life and so did she.
This small story is dedicated to my daughter’s new pup, Cleo! She’s a rescue, loves to snuggle, and is happy to have a home. She doesn’t dig holes, not yet anyway. 🙂
If you would like to join in and write your own story, or if you would like read the stories of others from this week, visit here.
Thoughts of a Wanderer 
A garden can make all the difference in the world.
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It’s very true, Jan. Growing things is a great means of catharsis! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
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The new neighbor showed up at just the right time 🙂
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She certainly did. Thanks for commenting, Linda. 🙂
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The magic ingredient
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That’s what we all need from time to time. Thanks, Neil, for commenting!
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This is lovely, I’m glad she has inspiration for her garden again.
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I’m glad you enjoyed the story. Thanks for letting me know, Heather!
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Charming tale. Cleo and Elena will be best of friends! 🙂
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Thanks so much, Iain. Just the friend she needed at the right time. 🙂
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Ah, lovely. Garden designs from doggie helpers are the best.
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I agree. I want a doggie helper too. Thanks so much, Gabi. 🙂
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What a bittersweet story with a happy ending!
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I’m sorry for the sad, but she and Cleo have some happy days ahead. :) Thanks, as always, Dale for stopping by and for your kind comments. Have a nice weekend.
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All good. It was a lovely story. You too!
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I love the gentle perspective of the MC in the story. Cleo looks so happy to have a home. Shelter animals have a rough go of it and many never leave them :(
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My daughter only wanted a shelter dog. She almost ended up with a couple. It was difficult to choose, because as you said, there were so many. Cleo will be much loved! Thank you, Lisa, for your thoughtful comments. Happy weekend! :)
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Happy Weekend to You Also!
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A small reminder that life goes on, although our loved ones are never forgotten.
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Thanks so much, James. They are indeed never forgotten. 🙂
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She also gets some company as well as picking up gardening again. Lovely!
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Gardening does soothe the soul, and like you said, especially with a friend. 🙂 Thanks, Sandra! Hope you are having a nice weekend.
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I’m not sure what to say other than this was a beautiful story. Tender and sad, and in the end, life-affirming! It felt good to read this story.
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Thanks so much, Michael, for your lovely comments. You made my day! 🙂
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You’re welcome!
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great story. i hope she finds the courage to take care and love another dog again.
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She will, Plaridel, and they’ll both take care of the garden. 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by!
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A nicely built story of renewed hope. I like the repetition of the dog digging a hole and Elena planting a flower in it. Lovely.
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Thanks so much, Margaret, for your lovely comments. I’m very happy you enjoyed the story. 🙂
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Dear Brenda,
I love it that the pup brought new life and resolve. Sweet story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks so much, Rochelle! I’m very glad you enjoyed the story. 🙂
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I enjoyed reading this inspiring story about love, loss, and new life and growth.
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I’m so glad you enjoyed the story. Your comments made me smile! Thanks so much, Angela. 🙂
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Awwwww she looks so relaxed and thankful. Beautiful woofer
And I love that it took another dog in the story digging holes to bring her love back.
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We don’t live close to my daughter (across the pond), so I’m looking forward to meeting her in person and not just on Messenger. 🙂 I’m so happy you enjoyed the story, Laurie. Thank you for letting me know.
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That might make for a chaotic garden, but it’s not a bad way to fill in the holes. I try to get my dogs to dig up the weeds, but they’re only interested in digging under the fence. Congratulations on the new puppy. Family dogs count.
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My favorite kind of garden … chaotic (haha). We had a cocker spaniel who loved to dig holes in the flower beds of the apartment complex we lived in years ago. Most of the residents were elderly and didn’t mind because they loved her, but we tried to fix the holes. 🙂 Thanks so much, Nobbin!!
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OK, you were right – this IS spooky! 🙂
Nicely done.
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I know! Thanks so much. 🙂
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