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- Story Listed as: Fiction For Adults
- Theme: Inspirational
- Subject: Pets / Animal Friends
- Published: 11/28/2022
Sylvie and Chocolate
Born 1957, F, from Mesick Michigan, United States“Mama, please.” I beg.
“Honey, I don't think you should get that one. You're still figuring out how to use your leg prostheses. And once you get fit with your artificial arm, you'll be practicing and learning how to use your new arm correctly.”
“I don't care about that! I can do it mom. I know I can. I'm a quick learner. You've told me that. I will learn how to use my new arm real fast. So, mom can I please....”
“Honey, your mom is right. Did you see this cute little pup over here? Pointing to a Beagle with long floppy ears. “Dad, I don't want that one. I want this puppy. He needs me.”
“Sylvie, I'm not sure about this. Look, there's something wrong with him. He can't walk.”
“But we can fix him like you and mom fixed me.”
“Oh Sylvie, your mom and I need to talk. Give us a minute.” As they walk over to the kennel attendant and begin talking, Sylvie opens the latch on the door, maneuvers her way in and sits down on the floor next to the pup. By her surprise the pup slowly scoots over to her and lays his head on her lap. She compassionately looks into the puppy's little brown eyes that are filled with crust and drainage. As her eyes slowing fill with tears, she very carefully takes her sleeve and begins wiping the gunk from the pooch's eyes. “You need me to take care of you.” She whispers.
Sylvie's mom and dad look over at their daughter and are taken in by the beautiful gesture they see her undertaking.
“There's not a selfish bone in her body Becca. Let's get the pup for her. She needs him as much as he needs her.”
“I agree with you Dan, let's get the pup.”
Her parents kneel down in front of the dog pen and gaze at their loving daughter who is showing pure unconditional love for the little crippled pup. With tears overflowing they look at their daughter, the puppy, then at each other before her dad softly speaks.
“Sweetie, your mom and I have decided that the two of you need each other. The little tike is yours.”
Sylvie is ecstatic. She tumbles over when she tries to get up. But she tries again and succeeds. Her mom hands her the little pup. She holds on tightly but carefully to her new best friend as they stroll over to the attendant.
“Mam, we have decided on this little guy. We'd like to adopt him.”
“Are you sure sir? There are many other dogs to choose from.”
“No, he's the one.”
“Well, he's a lucky fella. He is scheduled to be euthanized at nine tomorrow morning. Thanks to you and your family he has a chance at a good life.”
“No mam, thanks to our daughter.”
Sylvie took her new best friend to the car while her parents did the adult job of paperwork and paying for the pup.
As she gently held the little dog's hind quarters against her chest, she softly whispers “What shall I call you? Buster, Cassie, Chocolate?” At that name he perks up his tiny ears and slops some sweet puppy kisses on her cheek. She giggles, “Chocolate it is.”
After a few minutes her parents return to the car. On the way home her dad asked, “Have you picked a name for your new friend yet?”
“I did dad. His name is Chocolate.”
“That's a very good name for him. He's all brown. The attendant doesn't know what kind of dog he is. She called him a 'duke's mixture'. I guess that means more than one breed. Maybe the vet will know.”
“I don't care what kind he is mom. He's mine. That's all that matters.”
Mom glances in the rear-view mirror and smiles.
“On our way home, we'll stop at Pets Are Us and get a doggy bed, food, collar, leash, bowls and treats for Chocolate. Then in the morning we'll call the Veterinarian and get Chocolate a physical and see what we can do to help him walk.” Mom said with compassion in her voice.
Once home mom begins dinner and dad goes to his home office to do some work. I take Chocolate outside with me. Carefully I take off both of my prostheses. “See Chocolate, I can't walk very well without these things.” I show him my prostheses. He sniffs them. I scoot around on my numbs for legs. He chases after me. He moves pretty good despite being paralyzed in the back. We both roll around and play. I roll over on my back and lift him up with my good arm and place him on my chest. He barks and barks and I laugh. He licks me. The more I laugh the more he licks me. “Oh, Chocolate I love you so much.”
“Sylvie! It's dinner time. Bring Chocolate in!”
“OK mom! We're coming!”
I click my prostheses back on my knee numbs, pick up Chocolate and head for the house. Once inside I put some dog food in Chocolate's bowl and get him some cold water. Then I sit down to my favorite meal, lasagna. Today has been a great day.
That night as I say my prayers. I thank God for Chocolate. “Dear God. Thank you for bringing Chocolate and I together. You knew that we needed each other. Mom and dad thought maybe a dog would be good for me. I never even thought about having a pet or wanting a pet until I saw Chocolate. It was all in your plan God. I promise I will take good care of him. I will never let anyone hurt him or tease him. You can count on me God. I won't let you down or Chocolate down. Amen.”
The next morning during breakfast mom said dad had talked to Dr. Cunningham the vet at We Care Veterinarian and explained Chocolate's special needs. She said she would be happy to see him at 11:00. We arrived ten minutes early, but she took us right in.
“So, this must be Chocolate? And you are Sylvie?”
“Yes mam. Do you think you can help Chocolate?”
“Yes, I believe I can.”
The vet examined Chocolate. She trimmed his nails, checked his eyes, ears and belly and gave him two shots. Then she carefully looked at his back legs and hips. She took x-rays and blood test. When she came back in the room, she explained the x-rays to my parents. I didn't understand what they were saying. But I did understand the smile on her face. Looking at me with great enthusiasm she said, “I can help Chocolate. There's good news. He has extremely weak hips, but he is not paralyzed. He may or may not gain full mobility, but we can help him get stronger. I know a doctor named Ramkin. He specializes in making and fitting dogs with lift harnesses and wheelchairs which I believe will greatly improve Chocolate's mobility. I will contact his office and explain the situation. They will call within a day or two to set up an appointment with you. They're usually about three months out for appointments but that's the best we can do”
“I understand, thank you Doctor Cunningham. We'll be waiting their call.”
“Ya, thanks Doc.”
“Sylvie, you take good care of Chocolate. You have a very special little dog.”
“I will, you can count on it!” I say as I scoop Chocolate off the table.
The days seem to creep by as I wait for Dr. Ramkin's office to call. I occupy most of my time playing non-stop with Chocolate. I don't want him to feel different, so I always remove my prostheses before we play. I think he likes that. One time he bit a hold of one of the straps and was dragging my fake leg around the yard. He's pretty strong for a little puppy. We were deep in our play when I heard my mom calling.
“Sylvie, Sylvie, come in the house! I need to talk to you. Hurry up!”
“Coming mom!” I quickly put on my prostheses and pick up Chocolate. I scuttle across the yard as fast as my artificial legs would carry me.
“Sylvie, we have to take Chocolate to Dr. Ramkin. They scheduled us an appointment July 12th.”
“Mom, that's almost three months.”
“Sylvie, wait, I'm not finished. They said there was a cancellation, and they can see Chocolate as soon as we can get there.”
“Let's go mom! What's the wait.” I race out the door and into the car at lightning speed.
Once at Dr. Ramkin's office we had to wait about fifteen minutes. During that time, I watched dogs going in and coming out with wheelchairs connected somehow to their bodies. They appeared so happy, doggy smiles, tails wagging and running or rolling (I chuckle) down the hall. Oh, how I prayed this would work for Chocolate.
“Mrs. Burke, Doctor Ramkin will see Chocolate now.”
I carry Chocolate into a small waiting room. He's a little nervous, panting and trembling.
“It's OK Chocolate.” Nuzzling against his fluffy brown ear I utter calmly, “I was scared too. But the doctors helped me, and they will help you. I promise.”
I held my friend closely while we waited for the veterinarian. We didn't wait long.
“Well, hello there Chocolate.”
I look up to see a gray-haired old man with the kindest smile I've ever seen.
“And you must be Sylvie? So very nice to meet you.” He reached down and gently shook my hand.
“Now, let's see what we can do for this young one. I need to take him to the back and conduct a few tests on your little friend. You can either wait here or back out in the large waiting room. This will take a little while.”
“We'll wait here.”
“No mom I want to wait in the other room so I can see the cute special dogs coming and going.”
After about forty-five minutes we are called to the back. As we walk down the corridor, I spot Chocolate coming towards me, when he sees me, he starts to run. He is fitted with a wheelchair. Tears begin to tickle down my cheek. Soon I'm sobbing uncontrollably. I run to Chocolate, telling my legs to take me faster. I fall. Before I have time to get up Chocolate is on me, filling me with nonstop licks. I wrap my arms around his neck and return his kisses. “Oh Chocolate.” I cry.
Doctor Ramkin walks up behind Chocolate. “You sure have yourself a very special pup here young lady. It usually takes dogs weeks even months to get used to a doggy wheelchair, but he acts like this has always been a part of him.”
“He is special, very special to me.”
“Let's go back in the room so we can talk.”
Back in the room Dr. Ramkin proceeds in explaining to us how to fit the wheelchair on Chocolate. He also gives us a dog lift harness which he wants him to wear once in a while to help strengthen his legs.
“Chocolate will probably not regain complete mobility but through the years his back legs will get stronger. As he grows you will need to bring him in for adjustments and new wheelchairs. I've been in this business a long time and I think this little guy is going to surprise us all.”
Well surprise us he did. Chocolate and I shared many years together romping around the yard with and without our artificial devices. When he was around six years old, he was able to go without his wheelchair or harness for a few hours at a time. But it was almost like he didn't feel normal without his apparatus. As with me, I feel more complete with my prostheses, all three of them. I now have my new arm too. Chocolate and his wheelchair and me and my prostheses you can't catch us. We're gone like the wind.
Sylvie and Chocolate(Shelly Garrod)
“Mama, please.” I beg.
“Honey, I don't think you should get that one. You're still figuring out how to use your leg prostheses. And once you get fit with your artificial arm, you'll be practicing and learning how to use your new arm correctly.”
“I don't care about that! I can do it mom. I know I can. I'm a quick learner. You've told me that. I will learn how to use my new arm real fast. So, mom can I please....”
“Honey, your mom is right. Did you see this cute little pup over here? Pointing to a Beagle with long floppy ears. “Dad, I don't want that one. I want this puppy. He needs me.”
“Sylvie, I'm not sure about this. Look, there's something wrong with him. He can't walk.”
“But we can fix him like you and mom fixed me.”
“Oh Sylvie, your mom and I need to talk. Give us a minute.” As they walk over to the kennel attendant and begin talking, Sylvie opens the latch on the door, maneuvers her way in and sits down on the floor next to the pup. By her surprise the pup slowly scoots over to her and lays his head on her lap. She compassionately looks into the puppy's little brown eyes that are filled with crust and drainage. As her eyes slowing fill with tears, she very carefully takes her sleeve and begins wiping the gunk from the pooch's eyes. “You need me to take care of you.” She whispers.
Sylvie's mom and dad look over at their daughter and are taken in by the beautiful gesture they see her undertaking.
“There's not a selfish bone in her body Becca. Let's get the pup for her. She needs him as much as he needs her.”
“I agree with you Dan, let's get the pup.”
Her parents kneel down in front of the dog pen and gaze at their loving daughter who is showing pure unconditional love for the little crippled pup. With tears overflowing they look at their daughter, the puppy, then at each other before her dad softly speaks.
“Sweetie, your mom and I have decided that the two of you need each other. The little tike is yours.”
Sylvie is ecstatic. She tumbles over when she tries to get up. But she tries again and succeeds. Her mom hands her the little pup. She holds on tightly but carefully to her new best friend as they stroll over to the attendant.
“Mam, we have decided on this little guy. We'd like to adopt him.”
“Are you sure sir? There are many other dogs to choose from.”
“No, he's the one.”
“Well, he's a lucky fella. He is scheduled to be euthanized at nine tomorrow morning. Thanks to you and your family he has a chance at a good life.”
“No mam, thanks to our daughter.”
Sylvie took her new best friend to the car while her parents did the adult job of paperwork and paying for the pup.
As she gently held the little dog's hind quarters against her chest, she softly whispers “What shall I call you? Buster, Cassie, Chocolate?” At that name he perks up his tiny ears and slops some sweet puppy kisses on her cheek. She giggles, “Chocolate it is.”
After a few minutes her parents return to the car. On the way home her dad asked, “Have you picked a name for your new friend yet?”
“I did dad. His name is Chocolate.”
“That's a very good name for him. He's all brown. The attendant doesn't know what kind of dog he is. She called him a 'duke's mixture'. I guess that means more than one breed. Maybe the vet will know.”
“I don't care what kind he is mom. He's mine. That's all that matters.”
Mom glances in the rear-view mirror and smiles.
“On our way home, we'll stop at Pets Are Us and get a doggy bed, food, collar, leash, bowls and treats for Chocolate. Then in the morning we'll call the Veterinarian and get Chocolate a physical and see what we can do to help him walk.” Mom said with compassion in her voice.
Once home mom begins dinner and dad goes to his home office to do some work. I take Chocolate outside with me. Carefully I take off both of my prostheses. “See Chocolate, I can't walk very well without these things.” I show him my prostheses. He sniffs them. I scoot around on my numbs for legs. He chases after me. He moves pretty good despite being paralyzed in the back. We both roll around and play. I roll over on my back and lift him up with my good arm and place him on my chest. He barks and barks and I laugh. He licks me. The more I laugh the more he licks me. “Oh, Chocolate I love you so much.”
“Sylvie! It's dinner time. Bring Chocolate in!”
“OK mom! We're coming!”
I click my prostheses back on my knee numbs, pick up Chocolate and head for the house. Once inside I put some dog food in Chocolate's bowl and get him some cold water. Then I sit down to my favorite meal, lasagna. Today has been a great day.
That night as I say my prayers. I thank God for Chocolate. “Dear God. Thank you for bringing Chocolate and I together. You knew that we needed each other. Mom and dad thought maybe a dog would be good for me. I never even thought about having a pet or wanting a pet until I saw Chocolate. It was all in your plan God. I promise I will take good care of him. I will never let anyone hurt him or tease him. You can count on me God. I won't let you down or Chocolate down. Amen.”
The next morning during breakfast mom said dad had talked to Dr. Cunningham the vet at We Care Veterinarian and explained Chocolate's special needs. She said she would be happy to see him at 11:00. We arrived ten minutes early, but she took us right in.
“So, this must be Chocolate? And you are Sylvie?”
“Yes mam. Do you think you can help Chocolate?”
“Yes, I believe I can.”
The vet examined Chocolate. She trimmed his nails, checked his eyes, ears and belly and gave him two shots. Then she carefully looked at his back legs and hips. She took x-rays and blood test. When she came back in the room, she explained the x-rays to my parents. I didn't understand what they were saying. But I did understand the smile on her face. Looking at me with great enthusiasm she said, “I can help Chocolate. There's good news. He has extremely weak hips, but he is not paralyzed. He may or may not gain full mobility, but we can help him get stronger. I know a doctor named Ramkin. He specializes in making and fitting dogs with lift harnesses and wheelchairs which I believe will greatly improve Chocolate's mobility. I will contact his office and explain the situation. They will call within a day or two to set up an appointment with you. They're usually about three months out for appointments but that's the best we can do”
“I understand, thank you Doctor Cunningham. We'll be waiting their call.”
“Ya, thanks Doc.”
“Sylvie, you take good care of Chocolate. You have a very special little dog.”
“I will, you can count on it!” I say as I scoop Chocolate off the table.
The days seem to creep by as I wait for Dr. Ramkin's office to call. I occupy most of my time playing non-stop with Chocolate. I don't want him to feel different, so I always remove my prostheses before we play. I think he likes that. One time he bit a hold of one of the straps and was dragging my fake leg around the yard. He's pretty strong for a little puppy. We were deep in our play when I heard my mom calling.
“Sylvie, Sylvie, come in the house! I need to talk to you. Hurry up!”
“Coming mom!” I quickly put on my prostheses and pick up Chocolate. I scuttle across the yard as fast as my artificial legs would carry me.
“Sylvie, we have to take Chocolate to Dr. Ramkin. They scheduled us an appointment July 12th.”
“Mom, that's almost three months.”
“Sylvie, wait, I'm not finished. They said there was a cancellation, and they can see Chocolate as soon as we can get there.”
“Let's go mom! What's the wait.” I race out the door and into the car at lightning speed.
Once at Dr. Ramkin's office we had to wait about fifteen minutes. During that time, I watched dogs going in and coming out with wheelchairs connected somehow to their bodies. They appeared so happy, doggy smiles, tails wagging and running or rolling (I chuckle) down the hall. Oh, how I prayed this would work for Chocolate.
“Mrs. Burke, Doctor Ramkin will see Chocolate now.”
I carry Chocolate into a small waiting room. He's a little nervous, panting and trembling.
“It's OK Chocolate.” Nuzzling against his fluffy brown ear I utter calmly, “I was scared too. But the doctors helped me, and they will help you. I promise.”
I held my friend closely while we waited for the veterinarian. We didn't wait long.
“Well, hello there Chocolate.”
I look up to see a gray-haired old man with the kindest smile I've ever seen.
“And you must be Sylvie? So very nice to meet you.” He reached down and gently shook my hand.
“Now, let's see what we can do for this young one. I need to take him to the back and conduct a few tests on your little friend. You can either wait here or back out in the large waiting room. This will take a little while.”
“We'll wait here.”
“No mom I want to wait in the other room so I can see the cute special dogs coming and going.”
After about forty-five minutes we are called to the back. As we walk down the corridor, I spot Chocolate coming towards me, when he sees me, he starts to run. He is fitted with a wheelchair. Tears begin to tickle down my cheek. Soon I'm sobbing uncontrollably. I run to Chocolate, telling my legs to take me faster. I fall. Before I have time to get up Chocolate is on me, filling me with nonstop licks. I wrap my arms around his neck and return his kisses. “Oh Chocolate.” I cry.
Doctor Ramkin walks up behind Chocolate. “You sure have yourself a very special pup here young lady. It usually takes dogs weeks even months to get used to a doggy wheelchair, but he acts like this has always been a part of him.”
“He is special, very special to me.”
“Let's go back in the room so we can talk.”
Back in the room Dr. Ramkin proceeds in explaining to us how to fit the wheelchair on Chocolate. He also gives us a dog lift harness which he wants him to wear once in a while to help strengthen his legs.
“Chocolate will probably not regain complete mobility but through the years his back legs will get stronger. As he grows you will need to bring him in for adjustments and new wheelchairs. I've been in this business a long time and I think this little guy is going to surprise us all.”
Well surprise us he did. Chocolate and I shared many years together romping around the yard with and without our artificial devices. When he was around six years old, he was able to go without his wheelchair or harness for a few hours at a time. But it was almost like he didn't feel normal without his apparatus. As with me, I feel more complete with my prostheses, all three of them. I now have my new arm too. Chocolate and his wheelchair and me and my prostheses you can't catch us. We're gone like the wind.
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Help Us Understand What's Happening
Shelly Garrod
08/07/2024Hi Ben, thanks for your kind comment. I Appreciate you taking the time to read my story. This was an emotional story to write, but I've been wanting to write about this subject for a long time before I took the challenge. I'm very pleased with how it turned out. Thanks again.
Blessings, Shelly
Help Us Understand What's Happening
Cheryl Ryan
08/02/2024This is interesting and heartwarming and I think everyone who owned a dog at a point will appreciate it. As I read, every other beloved animal who has been a part of my life flooded my mind; and I am grateful for their years of love and patience with me.
Thank you for sharing!
Help Us Understand What's Happening
Shelly Garrod
08/03/2024Hi Cheryl, I'm happy you found the story heartwarming. I'm always amazed at the unconditional love some human parents give their fur babies in return. It takes a very special person to care for and love a handicapped animal. Thanks again for taking the time to read my story. And your kind and considerate comments are always welcomed.
Blessings, Shelly
Help Us Understand What's Happening
Joel Kiula
08/01/2024I am inspired by this amazing story. Hold on to what is important and useful in your life.
ReplyHelp Us Understand What's Happening
Shelly Garrod
08/01/2024Thank you very much Joel for taking the time to read my story and leaving a wonderful comment. Your kind remarks are airways appreciated.
Blessings, Shelly
Help Us Understand What's Happening
Lillian Kazmierczak
01/04/2023This was a delightful story of inspiration, Shelly! They were meant for each other!
ReplyHelp Us Understand What's Happening
Shelly Garrod
01/05/2023Thanks Lillian. I wanted to create a special bond between animal and human. And to show that we need each other no matter what the circumstance may hold. It warned my heart to write this story. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment on my story. Glad you found inspiration in the story line.
Help Us Understand What's Happening
Kimberly Barnhart
12/08/2022Love the special bond between Sylvie and Chocolate! Very inspirational!
ReplyHelp Us Understand What's Happening
Help Us Understand What's Happening
Kirsten Stone
11/30/2022Hi Shelly, This was such a great story to read. I had such a wonderful time reading it. In fact I have a disability . What I was told is I could do anything anybody else could do. It just may take me a while to learn it. But what a fantastic story
ReplyHelp Us Understand What's Happening
Shelly Garrod
11/30/2022Good morning, Kirsten. I'm so happy you took the time to read and comment on this story. I was hoping this beloved story would hit the heart strings of some people and I see that it did with you. It doesn't matter what disability a person or animal is dealing with they can find a way to overcome and succeed at whatever they set their minds to do. Thank you.
Blessings Shelly
Help Us Understand What's Happening
Help Us Understand What's Happening
Shelly Garrod
11/29/2022I'm glad you liked the story, Marla. Thank you so much for commenting on this story and some of my other stories. I'm glad you are enjoying them. Your comments mean a lot to me.
Blessings Shelly
COMMENTS (7)