Who Made This Mess?

Who Made This Mess?

By Dayna Ault

Illustration Notes: Story consists of Mother, the family dog and three children: Lila (3 year-old girl), Tess (6 year-old girl), and Joey (book reading, 8 year-old boy). Mom should be wearing a dress.. Story takes place during normal day(s) of family activities, such as playing a game or puzzle in the floor, reading a book, or eating a meal. Mom notices messes as she walks in from other room of the house.

Mom: WHO made this mess? (Mom gestures at spilled trash can.)

Joey: I can guess. (Dog is hiding, with only small part peeking out from behind the furniture.)

Mom: Who made THIS mess? (Points to knocked over potted plant)

Tess: I can guess. (Different part of hiding dog is seen.)

Mom: Who made this MESS? (Frustration building, at muddy paw prints.)

Lila (giggles): I can guess! (Dog hangs head, tail low, still trying to hide.)

Mom: I think I know who made this mess.

You know, that dog is such a pest.

She’s really adding to my stress.

I think we may need one…dog…less!

Joey: Please don’t think that she’s a pest.

Tess: Even though she makes a mess. (Pulls curtains closed to hide dug-up yard)

Lila: She’s just lonely - that’s my guess.

Joey: Teacher says dogs can sense stress. (studiously)

Joey: But, she’s a friend for us, right Tess?

Tess: And we will clean up every mess! (pushes chewed shoe under couch with foot)

Mom: I’m not sure Joey and Tess,

Can make her be less of a pest.

Tess: She’s soft and cuddly to caress. (brings dog to mom to pet)

Joey: Petting dogs can reduce stress.

Mom: She is quite cute; I do confess. (softening, petting dog)

Tess: Attention is what she loves best. (Children gather around mom who is warming to dog.)

Joey: It might help her make less mess.

Mom: She is awfully sweet…. oh, ok - YES!

All 3 children: She can stay! Woo-hoo! Mom’s the best!

Lila (poking mom with finger): Uh oh, Mommy - she’s eating your dress. (Dog happily chewing on hem of mom’s dress.)

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