Writing Adventure Group Theme #30 – Broken

It has been entirely too long since I have participated in the Writers Adventure Group. With some sort of predictable routine emerging, post baby-birth, I found a little spare time to sneak in some writing for this weeks theme. Like in some previous weeks, I have used this writing exercise as an opportunity for a little self observation.

While this is not a piece of fiction, I think writing non-fiction in story form ultimately helps the creative writing process, in the long term. I hope that you enjoy reading a little story from my life. Once finished, please head down to the comments section and leave me a little feedback.

“Broken”

“Well, if you sit down I’ll give it to you.” I tried to be firm but I was as giddy as my four legged companion. The moment he laid eyes on me carrying a forty-pound bag of dog food in one hand and a plastic shopping bag in the other, he knew some type of treat was in order.

During my routine trips to the local pet supply store, I always try and pick up some sort of toy or bone for my pooch to occupy himself with. Being young and full of energy has to be difficult during the hours spent alone while the people of the house are out to work.

Over time I have discovered that expensive dog toys, for some strange reason, do not last as long as the less expensive toys. Perhaps Syrus doesn’t get as much enjoyment out of them and winds up using them less. Whatever the cause, I’d much rather not have to discard an obliterated toy after little more than a day of play.

While strolling down the toy aisle, my desire to purchase a cool toy won over against my better judgment. The toy was a combination of a Kong Classic, which has been a fantastic chew toy, nylon tug straps, and a squeaker. This Kong Tails toy was marketed as an indestructible toy suitable for any dog. Throwing caution to the wind, I picked one up off the shelf and continued to shop.

When I returned home, I was just as eager to play with the new toy as Syrus. Once his food was put away and he was seated calmly, I removed the Kong Tails from the package and handed it to him. He took it from my hand, ever so gently, and trotted off into the living room. I followed him out and watched him place the toy on the floor and dance in circles around it. After a few hysterical steps, he would lean in for a sniff before returning to his dance.

Smiling to myself, I turned and walked back into the kitchen to pour myself a glass of iced tea. After finishing my beverage and doing a couple of odds and ends, I returned to the living room to play with Syrus and his new toy.

I entered to see Syrus sprawled on his back, working the squeaker with his powerful jaws. The look of complete joy on the animals face brought a smile to my own. As I drew closer, I realized that Syrus was playing with only the nylon straps. The Kong Classic portion of the toy was discarded and laid motionless on the other side of the room.

In less than fifteen minutes, my goofy dog managed to dismantle yet another pricey dog toy. On the bright side, Sryus had a blast playing with the nylon straps and squeaker for a few days before they were frayed ribbons.

WAG Topic #30: “Broken”. This week write about something broken: toys, bones, hearts: it can be anything that just doesn’t work the way it’s supposed to any more. Your piece can be as long or short as you want, using any form you like. No Rules! Now Write! (You may add links to this list between now and 20 JULY 2010.)