Writing Prompt

WRITING OBSTACLE

In accordance with the idea that pets and their owners are similar, tell the reader everything they need to know about your main character by describing their pet.

Writings

Milady

From his sisters perspective, getting himself companionship was long overdue. And when it came to her, it was like a long lost matchstick found its box. When their paths crossed the first time, he wouldn't really notice her. In fact, he really didn't want to notice any of the dogs and even put a fake phone number on the receptionist form. "Can't you just act like you're interested, brother?" Nora whispers in his face, her eyebrows shaped like two arrows. Tom answered with a slight smile, and proceeded to follow her through the cranky door.

They were greeted with a mix of barking, hissing and scratching sounds of paws hitting metal. The shelter had to be home to 30 dogs at minimum.

Her waxy grey hair was covering her little eyes, but it was like her glare was burning through them with a hot, fixed stare to her neighbouring box. There, a younger dog fed her 4 mieping puppies. Her paws, resting like two rocks, in a perfect symmetry. "This is Milady." the nurse said, pointing at the little heap. "She's gone through a lot, she's eight years old. Luckily she's more or less healthy. She got her left foot crushed by her former owner. Since then she's unable to walk with it and limps. So, no big walks with this little one, or else she gets even grumpier than she already is." the nurse laughs. "Oh and please by the love of the lord, no cats! She can't even stand other dogs." now the nurse was making a sign with her eyes, refering to the puppy situation, as if Milady could hear her.

Tom was looking at the little madame. "Maybe it wouldn't be that bad to buy a dog. And this one even seemed easy to handle. No big walks, no pet play dates, and his sister would finally leave him alone. This little heap could be his way out of this social obligation his family is hanging over his head. His time was overdue. He was 46 years old and a forever bachelor. Nobody would choose him, and nobody except him would choose her too.

Tabby

The door opened and the room filled with noise and activity. The tabby, who was curled up on the blanket draped over the couch cushion, turned her head and narrowed her eyes at the sun that stole it’s way into the room with the open door. Bothered by all the clamoring that now surrounded her, she stood up and arched her back in a deep stretch. She splayed her paws and dug her nails into the blanket as she tipped her head back and closed her eyes, enjoying the feeling of her back muscles pulling taut. Eying the room carefully to gauge how quickly all this ruckus would die down, she jumps down to the floor. Her people are bustling about so she walks under the dining room table to get out from under foot. Having her tail stepped on is not a pleasant feeling and one she’d like to avoid if possible. Observing from the safety of table and chair legs, she watches her people carry in bags and drop them on the table. She hears noisy laughter from the tall, giggly one, lots of talking from the smallest one, and calm request from her favorite person. With all her people in the kitchen, and none of them reaching for her food, the tabby decides to walk away and find a quiet spot in her favorite persons bedroom. She walks slowly and carefully down the hall, taking in the tv sounds from the other bedroom, the sunlight coming in from the bathroom window, and the clicking sound that happens when the heat turns on. When she makes it to her bedroom, she jumps up on the bench at the foot of the bed and walks to the end closest to the big window. The sunlight is coming in and she closes her eyes and enjoys the warmth as it soaks through her fur. A shadow glides past her and she opens her eyes, quickly on high alert. She jumps down from the bench and moves closer to the big window to better see. Squirrels are nervously flitting around on the deck outside and leaves are falling from the big oak tree as the wind shakes them loose. The tabby watches them all with suspicion and a hint of delight, mesmerized by the dance of nature taking place before her eyes. A bird flies past breaking her out of her reverie and she’s stung by a sudden pang of longing. How she’d love to be outside in the middle of the dance instead of inside merely watching it. Yes, this house is warm and comfortable and familiar, but out there is different and unknown and exciting. If only she could have both. She drops her head in acknowledgment of the impossibility of this thought. She loves her home and her people and this is enough: more than enough really. With that satisfying thought to comfort her, she jumps up on the bed and curls up against the pillow with the soft satin cover. She lets out a little sigh and closes her eyes as contentment lulls her to sleep.