12/11/2025
My wife, Vivian, wrote a story about our dogs, except they aren't the main characters...these are her own words: Sebastian the Slug felt dehydrated. It had been a hot summer day in May Valley. He saw a freshly dug up tunnel in the backyard and inched his way towards the opening. "Psst, get in quick!" an alert gopher popped his head above the hole and mentioned for Sebastian over. "Thanks, mate!" Sebastian used his last ounce of energy to get to the opening, but suddenly, a large black Pitt bull bounded past him, narrowly missing crushing his side. "Whew! That was a close call!" After the first dog left, a second dog came out and sniffed Sebastian and went away near the tunnel and began sniffing hard at the rodent underground. She then left to do her business and left the backyard. "Ok, that's enough excitement for this slug," cried Sebastian as he made his victory march towards the gopher. "Gopher, are you still there, mate?" "Yes, but hurry!" called a muffled voice. Finally, when Sebastian made it to the tunnel, he slipped inside and marveled at the tunnel system underground. "This is great! Thanks for letting me in, mate!" Sebastian beamed at the gopher. "My name's Gwendolyn, but you can call me Gwen," the gopher smirked. "Say, why don't we form a partnership? You be the lookout when I gather nuts, and I'll let you cool off here during the daytime." "That's a deal! I would shake on it, but you wouldn't want my slime," said Sebastian shyly. "Say, I heard you slugs are quite a few in number," Gwen quipped. "Oh yes, scientists estimate there are quadrillions of slugs in the world, above ground, underground, and in the waters. Only 5% of us are ever seen since we spend so much time underground. It's been hard for me to find a safe place to live out my days, so you bet your furry whiskers that I'm sure glad to have found you, Gwen!" "That's quite alright, Slimy, I mean, Sluggy!" giggled Gwen. "Name's Sebastian. Pleased to make your aquaintance," Sebastian tipped his imaginary hat. Gwen and Sebastian lived out their years underground in that backyard in May Valley and were the best of friends. The End.