Finding a way into tricky situations has never been a problem for me - although I still haven't learned the art of getting out of them. And today was no exception. Somehow, I managed to get myself stuck on a tree. No, not up a tree. Not in a tree. On a tree.

I'm a nine year old tailypo, you see. I have big round eyes, fox-like ears, and a nose that's always sniffing out trouble. My friends call me “Klutz” because, well, I may be fast but I'm not exactly graceful. I’m always stumbling and tripping over my own feet, and I have a habit of getting into all sorts of predicaments. Tailypos, by nature, are very graceful and lightening fast. Their long tails help them counter balance themselves as they move about. Unfortunately for me, I ended up with a short nubby tail. I don’t know how or why but I figure it’s what I got and I gots to work with it.

Today I had decided to go on an adventure and explore the forest surrounding my house. I was having a great time, darting between the trees and chasing after butterflies, when I suddenly found myself near the top of a tall oak tree. I had no idea how I'd gotten up there, but the view was amazing. I tried to get comfy and sit on the branch but my foot slipped.

While I was hanging upside down from the branch I spotted a squirrel darting around in the branches at the very top. Being the curious creature that I am, I just had to investigate. So I clawed my way up the tree, eager to get a closer look at the little critter. Unfortunately, as I reached for the squirrel, my foot slipped on a slick branch and I tumbled to the ground with a thud.

I was woozy for sure but I tried to walk it off. Not my best idea. I ended up stumbling into the tree trunk and before I knew it, I was stuck in a mound of sap. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't pull myself free. My body hung there in defeat.

As the sun began to set and the sky turned orange and pink, I knew I was in trouble. I was stuck in a tree, miles from home, and I had no idea how I was going to get myself free. Mom is gonna be so mad, I though to myself.

Just as the panic was setting in, I heard a faint rustling sound nearby. I looked around and saw a girl my age with a dirt-covered face, a slouchy fanny pack around her waist, and a small shovel in her hand.

"Hey there," she said, peering at me curiously. "What are you doing stuck on that tree?"

I explained what happened, and the girl chuckled. "Well, you're in luck," she said. "I've got just the thing to get you out of this sticky situation."

She whistled a short tune. “Lock, Load, Barrel! Come here boys!” the girl called. "I've got a special treat for you!”

Three big, mean-lookin’ dogs came bounding over. Their drooling jowls were flapping in the breeze, revealing un-flossed fangs. I shut my eyes thinking it wouldn’t hurt as bad if I couldn’t see them eating me.

Before I knew it, the dogs were licking the sap off of my fur with their rough tongues. It was a bit smelly, but it was also kind of ticklish. “Ick! Their breath smells like poop,” I yelled between giggles.

“Yeah, they tend to eat poop they find out here. Their sense of smell is so good they can smell whatever the poop-a-traitor ate.” Oh man I’m really gonna need a proper bath once this tongue bath is finished, I thought.

Within minutes, the sap was all gone, and I was free. I thanked the girl and her dogs profusely, and she just laughed. "No problem, I’ve been in a similar sticky situation myself,” the girl said. “These boys love nothing more than a good sap-licking. If you ever get stuck again, just give us a holler. We'll be happy to help. I’m Merry by the way.” She reached her hand out.

I shook her hand, “My name’s Gnar.”

I was thrilled to make some new friends but I wasn’t too excited to get back home. Mom was gonna kill me.