Misty - A Read Aloud Story For Children

By Beulah S. Fox © 1985

Issue: December, 1985

It was Christmas Eve 1977. A large evergreen tree, dressed in gold ornaments, dominated the living room at Granddaddy Law's house in Bishopville, S.C. Never had there been as many presents - thin ones, fat ones and a large one. Jennifer fondled each one and tried to guess its contents. Then she started begging her grandparents and Uncle John to open the packages on Christmas Eve. They finally agreed to let her open one package. She tore into the package and found a small hair drier from her parents, this satisfied her. She'd have to wait.

The next morning finally came. Going to church with her parents helped to take her mind off the presents.

Grandma Law stayed at home and prepared the lunch.

After the lunch, Jennifer was told that she could distribute the gifts. She tried to be very fair about it, giving each person a gift, then starting over again. Each one opened the gift and held it up for the others to see and enjoy before the next person opened his gift. The big box was opened last. It was a king size puff quilt for Jennifer's mother.

Everybody seemed very happy because of the beautiful gifts received. That is everybody but Jennifer. She seemed grateful but had a thoughtful look on her face. Then she looked at her mother and said, "I like everything that I got, but I would rather have a little puppy than all of this." Her mother heard and remembered what she said.

On the next Tuesday, Jennifer and her family returned home to Nashville. Nothing more was said about the puppy. As soon as Mother could get things unpacked, she took Jennifer downtown to the S.P.C.A. Just as they arrived, a puppy was being delivered there, a beautiful white puppy that appeared to be part Dachshund and part Terrier. Jennifer immediately fell in love with her and wanted her for her own. Mother bought the puppy for her. As they were going home, Mother said, "What are you going to name her?"

"It's beginning to rain. I shall call her Misty." said Jennifer.

They stopped by the library and got a book on how to train pets. Jennifer began training the dog. Before long, Misty would whine when she wanted out, shake hands with you and roll over. She seemed to love her new owner.

Jennifer said, "Mother, you know what? This is the best Christmas I've ever had. This is Misty's best Christmas too."

Misty barked as if to say, "That's right!"