This week at the Carrot Ranch, Charli Mills challenged writers to In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about something shaggy. It can be carpet, a hair-do, or some sort of critter. How can something shaggy steer the story? Go where the prompt leads!
Charli wrote about a new shaggy duvet she had purchased. I couldn’t imagine having a shaggy duvet. It just wouldn’t be necessary where I live, and certainly not at this time of year. I can understand how delightful it would be in colder climes though and trust it will keep Charli warm.
At first, all I could think of was the shaggy hairstyles of yesteryear. Then I thought of those shaggy dog stories, those long rambling unfunny jokes, also from the past. I wasn’t feeling the inspiration until Charli replied to my comment on her post. She said that her new duvet was ‘lovely warmth, not too heavy and oh-so-soft!’ It seemed like the Goldilocks complex and I thought I’d apply that principle to my Shaggy Dog story. I hope you enjoy it.
Shaggy Dog
“I want a dog,” said Jason.
“You’re in the right place,” said the attendant at Rescue Kennels. “We’ve all sorts of dogs. What sort are you after?”
“A shaggy dog, please.”
The attendant showed Jason the shaggy dogs.
“They need a lot grooming,” he warned.
“Oh. Not shaggy then. Curly perhaps?”
Jason shook his own curly head at the curly dogs. They’d need grooming too.
“How about short?” said the attendant.
“They’re awfully noisy,” said Jason, as they walked the aisles.
“They are dogs,” said the attendant.
“Right,” said Jason. “Do you have any cats? Maybe a shaggy cat?”
Thank you for reading. I appreciate your feedback. Please share your thoughts.
Note: The collection of stories made in response to the previous prompt Confidence, including mine, can be read at the Carrot Ranch.
Norah Colvin 
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