Grunter, A Dog's Tale, written and Illustrated by Jim Horton (a children's illustrated book)

[Jim Horton]

The manuscript is complete and I have a several more illustrations to finish. Once the book is complete with illustrations, I plan to submit it to a publisher.

Word count 1349

Jim Horton
403 72nd Avenue, North
Unit # 8
Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
843-259-9124
[e-mail]
www.jimhortonart.com

GRUNTER, A DOG’S TALE
The Adventures Of A Little Puppy
Written by Jim Horton

Oh, please take me, Grunter barked as the man come by the window and looked in. I’m ready to be taken home.

The man looked down at Grunter and smiled at the happy little dog’s face. Grunter’s tail wagged furiously as he put his front paws against the window. He barked with excitement as he looked the man over. Oh, please take me, he barked. I want to go home with you.

The man turned and entered the pet store. He walked to the clerk and asked. “How much is the cute little dog in the window?”

“Oh, you mean Grunter,” the clerk replied. “I’ll look up his paper work and let you know. If you wish, you’re welcome to play with the puppy while I get the papers.

“Why do you call he Grunter?” The man asked.

“Pick him up and you’ll see why,” returned the clerk.

As predicted, when the man picked Grunter out of the window, Grunter started grunting.

“The little fellow grunts every time he’s picked up,” the clerk said. “I’ll be back in a moment.”

Grunter was delighted that the man had taken an interest in him. Oh please take me home, Grunter grunted as he licked the man’s chin. I’ll be a good puppy, just please take me home.

After hearing the price for Grunter, the man said he would take the happy little puppy.

A few days later, the man returns to the pet shop with Grunter. “My landlord informed me that pets are not allowed in the housing complex. I’m sorry but I must return the puppy even though I have grown to love him”.

“Well, our store policy is to let the customer return the animal within two weeks. Therefore, you can get your money back”.

“I’m just so sorry that I can’t keep him but I also love my apartment and don’t want to move,” the man said sighing.

Gunter had settled down to wait for a new owner. He spent his waking hours watching through the window for someone to take him home. Suddenly a woman’s face was down pressed against the window. Grunter went into his act of jumping, barking and leaning against the window with his front paws.

Oh please come in and take me home, he barked. I can tell you have a kind face and would be good for me.

The lady stood, then walked into the store. She went straight to Gunter and picked him up. “Wow, you are such a cute little puppy. I love the way you grunt when I rub your belly”.

“We call him Grunter because of that,” the store clerk said. “He’s such a little grunter”.

“I’ll take him,” the lady said. “

A few days later the lady returned with Grunter.

“This rascal is ruining my life,” she yelled. “He barks all the time and chews my best slippers. I
want to return him. You promised I had two weeks to get use to the dog, so I’m returning him.”

“No problem,” said the clerk. “That’s our policy and you may return him.”

The same day, a man saw Grunter in the window and entered the store. To Grunter’s delight the man came over and began playing with him. Grunter put his best forward and entertained the man with his antics.

“I want this puppy,” the man said. “He’s just what I have been looking for over the past few weeks.”

“He’s called Grunter and I’m sure you have noticed why,” the clerk said.

“Grunter. Yes that just the right name,” the man said. “Yes, Grunter.”

The man lived in a big house with a fenced back yard. Grunter loved his new home and master.

“Well, little buddy, we’re about to get a new home,” the man informed Grunter. “I bought a new house and we’re moving tomorrow. You’ll like it even better than this house.”

The next day, while the movers were moving things into the new house, the man put Gunter in the back yard for his own safety. Grunter was not please and cried and scratched because he wanted inside with his new master. Being upset he knocked down a barricade, then wanders away.

Suddenly free, Grunter ran in circles to celebrate his freedom. Without realizing what he was doing, Grunter ran too far from the house and suddenly found himself lost. He could not remember where his new house was located.

Oh no, what have I done, he whimpered. I don’t know how to get back home.

Grunter wandered aimlessly as he searched for his new home. After a tiring and unsuccessful search, he found an alley way by an abandoned house and laid down to rest. He whimpered and cried as he drifted off into sleep.

Suddenly he was awaken by the sound of foot steps. A couple walking down the street noticed
Gunter crying and cowering in the alley way.

“Oh look, a poor little puppy,” the wife said. “He looks lost, hungry and cold.”

She picked Grunter up and cuddles him in her arms. Grunter as usual starts grunting.

“That’s so cute. Listen to him grunt,” she remarked. “You’re just a little grunter.”

“He is adorable,” the husband said. “Why don’t we call him Grunter. At least until we find his owner.”

Oh yes, take me home and care for me, Grunter grunted. I’ll be the best dog in the world. I’m so scared and alone. Just take me home and love me and I‘ll love and defend you in return. I‘ll be a great watch dog.

“If we take him home, our children will want to keep him,” the wife remarked. “I’m not sure that would be a good idea.”

Children! Did I hear you say Children? I love children, Grunter barked.

“Oh, the kids will enjoy having him around,” the husband replied. “They will understand that the puppy belongs to someone and he may have to be sent back to the owner. First, let‘s take him home and feed the poor thing.”

Yes, yes, take me home and feed me, Grunter grunted. I’m hungry and need water. Please take me home.

“Hey kids, come see what we found,” the father yelled as he carried Gunter into the house. “We can only keep him until we find his owner.”

Grunter showed off with his tricks as the boy and girl came into the room. He ran up to them and when they picked him up, he licked their faces as he grunted. I love children, he barked.

The couple posted ads for a lost dog in the local paper and put up posters with Grunters photograph, announcing a lost dog found.

One week later, the owner knocked on the couples door and announced he was Grunters owner.
The couple invited him in where he found Gunter playing with the children.

“We have grown very fond of the little dog,” the father said as he walked over to his children and Grunter. “The kids love Grunter.”

“You call him Grunter, the man questioned? “That’s the name I gave him.”

“Yes, because he grunts every time he’s picked up,” the father replied.

“Yes, I know,” the man agreed. “You know, I hate to break up this loving scene with you, your wife, your children and Grunter. You seem to love each other so much.”

“What are you saying,” the father questioned?

“I think Grunter would be happier with your family than with me. I’m a bachelor and have less time to devote to Grunter. Even though I love the dog, I feel you would be better for Grunter than me.”

“Well, we do love the little fellow,” the father said. “We would love to keep him.”

Grunter jumped and barked with glee. I’m finally at home with my family.

All laughed as they watch Grunter showing off with his tricks. Grunter had finally found a real permanent home.

[Michelle James]

That was an excellent read, Jim! Very good storyline.

With a little editing on the grammar use, I think you're set! Can't wait to see some of your illustrations with this one. You do such exceptional artwork.