The Return of Poppa Fox

Poppa Fox finds himself far away from home. He needs help getting back, will he find it?

As you might remember, Poppa Fox had been caught by the owners of the chicken coop, and dropped off miles away.

Well, it might surprise you to know that he was still alive.

Here’s what happened:

The owners put him in a bag and threw him in the back of the truck. They drove for a long time, then suddenly stopped, took the bag with Poppa Fox in it out of the truck and let him loose.

Poppa Fox heard the sound of a gunshot, but he did not get shot. He had dodged into the forest and was long gone.

Poppa Fox ran and ran until he knew he was out of range, and stopped at a stream for a drink. He was tired and needed to sleep, so he found a spot under a trunk, just like back home, and fell asleep.

He awoke when the sun was just coming up. He tried hard to smell his way back, but realized his nose had gotten hurt on the trip, and ended up going in circles.

He was definitely lost, and needed help. But where would he find help? He hadn’t seen anyone since last night.

Poppa Fox decided to climb up into a tree and see what he could see. As he reached the top, he was startled by flapping of wings and fell a couple of branches before catching himself.

“Watch where you’re climbing,” said the voice.

“Grackle?” said Poppa Fox. He could recognize that raspy voice anywhere.

“Oh, hello Poppa Fox,” said Grackle. “Aren’t you a little far from home?”

“Well, yes,” said Poppa Fox. “I am. It’s just what I needed to ask you. Would you mind helping me find my way back home?”

“What’s wrong with your nose?” asked Grackle.

“Well, it kind of stopped working,” said Poppa Fox.

“Hmm,” said Grackle. “Yeah. I can help you.”

“Really? Great,” said Poppa Fox. “Are you gonna fly around an spot my home from way up in the sky?”

“No.” said Grackle. “I know where you live, but I need you to do something for me before I tell you how to get home.”

“Oh,” said Poppa Fox impatiently, “OK. What is it?

“Well,” said Grackle, “I want Alligator’s watch.”

“Alligator’s watch?” asked Poppa Fox. “What for?”

“No questions,” said Grackle.

“OK! OK! I’ll get it for you,” said Poppa Fox and he climbed down the tree.

He started walking toward the stream and Grackle interrupted,

“The pond is that way.”

And Poppa Fox turned and went that way.

It took him no time to get to the pond, and there was Alligator, looking lovingly at his watch.

“Hello Alligator.” Called out Poppa Fox. “How are you today?”

“Oh, hello Poppa Fox,” said Alligator. “I’m fine, but aren’t you far away from home?”

“Yes,” said Poppa Fox. “I am far from home. That’s why I need your help.”

“Oh, sure, what is it?” said Alligator happily. “Anything for you my friend.”

“Can I have your watch?” asked Poppa Fox.

Alligator started laughing. Then he started twisting his body around. Then he stopped suddenly and said, “NO!”

“Do you know how much trouble I went though for this watch?” asked Alligator.

“Yes,” said Poppa Fox. “I do. I remember. It’s OK. I didn’t think you’d say yes.”

And he started to walk away with his head hung low.

“Wait a minute,” said Alligator. “I’ll trade you for it.”

“Trade me?” asked Poppa Fox. “For what?”

“I want Monkey’s ball!” said Alligator as he shined up the watch.

“OK,” said Poppa Fox. “You’re saying that if I get you Monkey’s ball, then you’ll give me the watch?”

“Yes!” Alligator.

“Great!” said Poppa Fox happily. “Monkey owes me a favor. I’ll be right back.”

Poppa Fox bounded off toward Monkey’s place.

“Monkey!” yelled Poppa Fox up to the tree. “Are you up there?”

There was a rustling in the branches.

“Of course I’m up here!” yelled out monkey from behind the leaves. “Where else would I be?”

“Sure,” said Poppa Fox. “That’s a good point. Hey, listen, can I have your ball?”

“What do you want my ball for?” asked Monkey.

“It’s a long story,” said Poppa Fox, “I’ll bring some coffee over next week and we can talk about it.”

“Well, sure I’ll let you have it,” said Monkey.

There were a lot of rustling leaves and moving branches. Poppa Fox waited below.

“Hey, Fox?” said Monkey.

“Did you find it?” said Poppa Fox.

“I did, but I need something from you before I let you have it,” said Monkey.

“What?” said Poppa Fox? “Come on, man. Just let me have it. You owe me remember?”

Monkey was quiet for a moment.

“I know I owe you,” said Monkey. “I will always be grateful for what you did, but your brother, see, he owes me big time.”

Poppa Fox thought for a moment.

“I hear you,” said Poppa Fox. “If I do this thing for you, you’ll forgive my brother’s debt?”

“Precisely,” said Monkey. “And you’ll get your ball.”

“OK,” said Poppa Fox. “What is it?”

Monkey proceeded to request from Poppa Fox a Ladybug from Rabbit.

Rabbit was willing to hand over a Ladybug, but in return, he wanted a nut from Sister Squirrel.

Sister Squirrel wanted something too.

“A ride on Grackle’s back,” said Sister Squirrel.

This threw Poppa Fox for a loop. How was he going to convince Grackle to give her a ride on his back AND help him get home?

Well, he thought he’d try. He decided to ask Sister Squirrel for the nut, sort of as a down payment. She was so sweet, she actually agreed.

“Oh, I have so many of them,” she said. “I won’t miss it.”

Poppa Fox hugged her and went straight for Rabbit’s house. Rabbit was pleased by the size and smell and weight of the nut. He gladly handed over the ladybug.

The ladybug wiggled and squirmed in Poppa Fox’s hand. When Poppa Fox arrived at Monkeys tree, Monkey shook the branches.

“Monkey, are you there?” asked Poppa Fox.

Without a response, a little basket hung on a string slowly made it’s way down from one of the branches.

The basket contained a rose leaf with aphids crawling all over it.

Poppa Fox opened his hand and out flew ladybug, right into the basket. Then the basket gently made it’s way back up to the branches and disappeared into the leaves.

Poppa Fox waited for a moment, until out from the leaves dropped Alligator’s ball.

“Thanks, Monkey,” said Poppa Fox, but there was no response.

Poppa Fox gave the ball to Alligator, who tried very hard to convince Poppa Fox to stay and play ball with him. He even said he wouldn’t give Poppa Fox the watch unless he played for a little bit.

Poppa Fox told Alligator how dishonest he was for not holding up his side of the deal, and Alligator knew Poppa Fox was right. Alligator gave Poppa Fox the watch.

“Let me throw the ball for you,” said Poppa Fox just before he turned to leave.

He threw the ball as far across the pond as he could, and Alligator dove in behind it. He loved playing ball.

Poppa Fox ran the rest of the way to where he was to meet Grackle, and had to wait a few minutes for Grackle to return.

When he returned, he snatched the watch from Poppa Fox’s paws and flew away.

Poppa Fox was confused, and bewildered. He had done what Grackle had asked. He started to become angry. But just as he was about to scream, Grackle came back.

“Sorry to keep you waiting, Poppa Fox,” said Grackle.

Grackle had the watch in one claw and wrapping paper and a bow in the other.

“Do you think you could wrap the watch up for me?” said Grackle.

“Um, sure,” said Poppa Fox.

As he wrapped the present, Grackle told him how to get back home. As it turns out, Poppa Fox was very close; apparently, he lived right around the corner from where they were.

“Oh, Grackle,” said Poppa Fox. “I promised Sister Squirrel that you would give her a ride on your back. Do you think you can do that?”

“Sister Squirrel wants a ride on my back?” asked Grackle.

“Yes,” said Poppa Fox. “Is that going to be a problem?”

“No, no, no problem at all,” said Grackle dreamily. “In fact, I was just going there to give her the watch. I wanted to give her something to let her know that I liked her.”

“Oh, yes,” said Poppa Fox. “It’s very pretty.”

“And now I come to find out she wants a ride on my back,” said Grackle. “That’s great, I don’t need the watch at all.”

At that, Grackle took off and left Poppa Fox needing someone’s finger to tie the bow.

So, Poppa Fox found his way home. Everyone was happy to see him. They had a big party and invited Grackle, Alligator, Monkey, Rabbit and Sister Squirrel. Oh, and Wolfhound and Momma Chicken and Momma Duck came as well.

The only one missing was Brother Fox. No one had seen him since the humans took Poppa Fox away.

“He went looking for you,” said Momma Fox.

At that, Poppa Fox began planning how he would find Brother Fox.

The End.

Fox Brings a Chick Home

Little Fox wants to play, and the only animal around is Little Chickie.

Once there was a Momma Chicken that had four little chickies. They were very good little chickies, always wanting to be kind to their brothers and sisters, and not always, but most of the time, were actually kind to their brothers and sisters. You know how little chickies are, they are sometimes very good, and sometimes forget to be good.

In either case, Momma Chicken and Poppa Rooster loved them very much, no matter what they did or didn’t do.

Well, Momma Chicken decided one day to start taking walks with Momma Duck in the afternoon, for exercise. Someone would have to watch her little chickies while she was on her walk, so Sister Duck volunteered to baby sit them.

Just before Momma Chicken and Momma Duck left for their walk, Momma Chicken told her little chickies to obey Sister Duck as if Sister Duck were the Momma.

They all peeped, and she knew they heard her and would try their hardest to do what she said. She could always count on her little chickies at least trying to remember. They were still so young.

So, Momma Chicken and Momma Duck went on their walk.

Sister Duck had a bunch of fun things planned for the little chickies. They jumped on the trampoline, they colored in coloring books, they ate some marshmallows, they watched a video and they played dress-up. They all had a great time.

Well, one of the chickies found a hole in the corner of the coop and stuck her head through it.

“No, no,” said Sister Duck. ”Don’t go through that hole.”

Little Chickie backed away from it, but she couldn’t stop looking at it. The first chance she saw that Sister Duck wasn’t looking, Little Chickie ran straight for the hole, and popped right through it.

She found herself in a patch of sand, surrounded by little clumps of grass. She had never seen this part of the yard before.

She turned around and saw the big red coop towering up to the sky, and at the bottom, was the hole she had popped through.

She had no intention of going back just now, but she was glad to know how to get back.

She wanted to explore. She looked around to all the trees and sky and suddenly heard something coming from a large tree trunk close to the forest.

It was Fox.

“Hey,” said Fox. “Come here.”

Chickie looked around to see if Fox was talking to someone else. When she realized there was no one else around, Chickie shrugged her shoulders and took a few steps toward Fox.

There was suddenly a deep bark coming from the other side of the barn. Fox quickly lowered himself to the ground.

Chickie stopped and looked back at the coop.

“Hey, Chickie,” whispered Fox. “Come here.”

Chickie stood up straight.

“Well,” she said. “I don’t know you. Why don’t you come out into the yard instead of hiding in the forest?”

“I can’t,” said Fox. “I’m not allowed to go into the yard.”

“Why not?” asked Chickie.

“My mom said it wasn’t safe,” he said looking back into the forest.

“Hmm,” wondered Chickie.

“If it’s not safe for me,” said Fox. “It’s probably not safe for you either.”

“Oh,” she said looking around as she started to run toward Fox. “You’re right. I’m a sitting duck out in the middle of the yard.”

Just as she arrived at the edge of the forest, a hawk screeched way up high in the sky.

That made Chickie run a little bit faster.

She was about to hide herself behind the trunk Fox had been hiding behind, when Fox grabbed Chickie in his mouth and started to run deeper and deeper into the forest.

Chickie was going back and forth in her mind. She didn’t know if Fox was going to eat her or if he was just getting her to a safe place.

He was biting down on her very gently, but she was inside his mouth nonetheless.

“I shouldn’t have disobeyed Sister Duck,” she thought to herself.

Fox ran for so long that Chickie couldn’t help but think Fox was going to eat her.

He ran through a field, around some rocks, and even through a creek before he stopped and put her down.

She looked up at him and saw his large sharp teeth and fainted.

- - -

Back at the yard, Momma Chicken and Momma Duck were just arriving from their walk. They had heard the hawk and wanted to get back quickly to make sure everyone was OK.

Momma Duck hugged Sister Duck, and Momma Chicken began counting her Chickies.

“One, two, three, Hmm,” said Momma Chicken.

“Where’s Little Chickie?” she asked the other chickies. They just peeped.

“What do you mean,” asked Sister Duck.

“Well, I’m only counting three,” said Momma Chicken.

They all counted the chickies many, many times. Looked everywhere in the coop, outside the door, around the coop, but no sight of Little Chickie.

“Momma Chicken,” said Sister Duck.

“Yes, dear,” said Momma Chicken. “Did you find her?”

Sister Duck was pointing to the hole in the side of the coop.

“I think she might have gone exploring,” said Sister Duck.

“Oh, dear,” said Momma Duck and Momma Chicken at the same time.

They all ran outside and started calling out for Chickie.

Wolfhound heard all the commotion and came running around the coop.

“What’s going on here?” he growled.

“Oh, hello Wolfhound,” said Momma Chicken. “We’ve lost my little Chickie.”

“We think she’s exploring,” said Sister Duck. “Somewhere around here.”

Wolfhound smelled the ground around the coop, and then followed the smell to the middle of the yard, and then over to the edge of the forest. Then he smelled something else that got him really excited.

“She’s not here,” said Wolfhound. “It looks like she’s been taken by someone.”

“Oh, no!” said Momma Chicken.

Wolfhound smelled the air and the ground.

“It’s Fox!” he said, and he bounded off into the forest.

They all sat the motionless, then suddenly, Wolfhound bounded back out of the forest.

“Well,” he said. “Come on. What are you waiting for?”

So Momma Duck and Momma Chicken followed Wolfhound into the forest.

“Stay here,” said Momma Duck to Sister Duck. “We’ll be right back.”

And they disappeared into the forest.

- - -

When Chickie woke up, there was Fox, looking at her, waiting for her to wake up.

“Oh,” said Fox. “You’re up. I wasn’t sure if I had hurt you.”

“No,” said Chickie. “I’m fine. Where are we?”

“I brought you to my house,” he said.

“Son!” came a voice from behind Fox. It was Momma Fox

“What have you got there?” she said.

Fox got out of the way, and Momma Fox looked at Chickie and shook her head.

“Son,” she scolded. “What have I told you about bringing chicks home?”

“Um,” said Fox.

“I told you not to!” she said and began pacing. “This is not good. You shouldn’t have done it.”

“I’m sorry Momma,” he said.

“Oh, Fox,” she said. “Don’t you remember what happened to your father? He was hanging out at the chicken coop with your Uncle, and…”

She stopped abruptly. There was a tear in her eye.

“I’m sorry Momma,” said Fox. “I won’t do it again.”

She looked at him and hugged him.

“Please don’t,” she said. “It’s dangerous. We don’t want that kind of trouble.”

Fox looked sadly at Chickie. He mouthed the words “I’m sorry” to her.

“Well, it’s too dark to take her back tonight,” she said. “We’ll have to take her back in the morning.”

“OK, Momma,” he said.

“Look at her,” said Momma Fox. “She’s scared and probably hungry. Go find her some food.”

“OK,” he said as he sped off into the forest, but then immediately, he was back.

“What do they eat?” asked Fox.

“Seeds and bugs,” said Chickie.

“Oh,” said Momma Fox. “There you go, Fox. Seeds and bugs. Go get them.”

Fox tore off in search of seeds and bugs. Momma Fox brought her wet nose uncomfortably close to Chickie and took a good long sniff. Chickie thought she saw some drool coming from Momma Fox’s mouth, and she may have licked her lips. Then she left.

Chickie took a deep breath. She was tired. Before she knew it, she was asleep.

- - -

Wolfhound had grabbed Momma Duck and Momma Chicken and thrown them on his back. They were slowing him down. He was running through the forest, then a field, then he jumped over a creek, then he suddenly stopped.

“What is it?” asked Momma Chicken.

“They’re close,” said Wolfhound.

Momma Chicken stood up on Wolfhound’s back and spotted Little Chickie.

“There she is,” she said.

Wolfhound immediately shushed her.

“Quiet,” he said. “Look over there.”

There was Momma Fox sleeping. Her son was nowhere to be found.

“OK,” said Wolfhound. “We’ve got to act fast. Momma Duck, you go scout Momma Fox and if she wakes up, make as much noise as you can.”

“But she’ll get me,” she said nervously.

“No she won’t.” said Wolfhound. “I’m much faster than she is. Don’t worry. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

“OK, Momma Chicken.” said Wolfhound. “I want you to come with me. I’ll need you to watch for Little Fox while I’m getting Little Chickie.”

“We can do this,” said Wolfhound. “We’ll meet back here at “oh seven hundred hours”. That’s twenty minutes.”

“I’m scared,” said Momma Chicken.

“We’ll get her out,” said Wolfhound. “OK, Momma Duck, go, go, go, go.”

Momma Duck waddled over to where Momma Fox was sleeping. She sat down very quietly, trying not to quack.

Wolfhound and Momma Chicken crept quietly over to where Little Chickie was sleeping.

They got to Little chickie successfully, and Wolfhound opened his mouth and gently picked Little Chickie up, then snuck away as quietly as they had come. Momma Chicken almost clucked, she was so happy.

They got back to the rendezvous point, but Momma Duck was nowhere to be found.

Something had gone wrong.

“Take Chickie and go,” said Wolfhound. “I’ll catch up with you.”

“Be careful,” said Momma Chicken.

They were about to part, when duck came waddling over to the area.

“What’s going on?” she asked. “Are you guys leaving without me?”

Wolfhound didn’t waste any time, snatched her, Momma Chicken and Little Chickie in one sweep and was off and running toward the coop.

Once they got to the coop, they all jumped off Wolfhound’s back and Momma Chicken took Little Chickie and her other chickies home.

“Thank you so much Wolfhound,” said Momma Chicken, “I’ll see you tomorrow?” she said to Momma Duck.

And they left.

- - -

When Fox got home from hunting for seeds and bugs, he found that Chickie was gone.

“Oh, no,” he yelled. “Momma Momma, Chickie’s gone!”

Momma Fox came running. When she noticed Chickie was gone, she looked all around.

“Quick,” she said to Little Fox. “Look everywhere. We have to find her!”

They looked and looked until they were too tired to look anymore, and then they looked a little more.

“We’ll have to go and tell them the bad news tomorrow morning, first thing,” said Momma Fox. “This is not good.”

“I’m so sorry Momma,” said Little Fox.

“I know,” said Momma Fox. “I know.”

- - -

The next morning, Momma Chicken arrived at Momma Duck’s and let her chickies go off and play. Except for Little Chickie.

“Sister Duck,” said Momma Chicken. “Little Chickie needs to say something to you.”

“Oh,” said Sister Duck. “OK. What is it Little Chickie?”

“I’m sorry,” said Little Chickie. “For not obeying you. I won’t do it again.”

“Oh,” said Sister Duck. “It’s OK. Thank you for apologizing.”

They hugged.

Momma Chicken made sure everyone was accounted for, and tied her shoe. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.

Sister Duck answered the door. It was Momma Fox and her son.

“Is Momma Chicken here?” she asked.

“Oh, yes,” said Sister Duck. “She is.”

“Who is it dear?” asked Momma Duck.

“It’s Momma Fox for Momma Chicken,” said Sister Duck.

“Oh?” wondered Momma Chicken. “Yes, Momma Fox, can I help you?”

Momma Fox started crying.

“Oh, Momma Chicken,” she cried. “I’m so sorry. My son brought your little Chickie home yesterday afternoon. We meant to bring her back this morning, but she, well…”

She was interrupted by Little Fox.

“Momma, Momma,” yelped little Fox. “She’s right here. Chickie is right here!”

“Are you sure, son?” asked Momma Fox.

“Momma Fox,” said Momma Chicken. “When we discovered she was gone, we asked Wolfhound to help us find her, and his nose led us straight to your home, so we took her back.”

“Oh, no,” sulked Momma Fox. “You thought we were going to eat her, didn’t you.”

“Well,” said Momma Chicken.

“I assure you,” said Momma Fox. “My boy only wanted to play. He is a sweet boy. In fact, Son, come here.”

He came over.

“You need to apologize to Momma Chicken,” she said to him.

“Momma Chicken,” said Little Fox. “I’m sorry about taking your baby.”

“It’s alright,” said Momma Chicken. “We’re all fine.”

“And Chickie,” he said. “I’m sorry for taking you in my mouth.”

“Oh, that’s OK,” said Chickie. “It didn’t hurt.”

Well, the kids got playing and the Mommas got talking. Turns out Momma Fox had wanted to start taking walks in the afternoons too, so, they all went for a walk.

Oh, at some point before they left, Wolfhound came running around the corner barking up a storm. Apparently he had smelled the Foxes and thought he needed to get rid of them.

Momma Fox explained everything, and Wolfhound felt like everything was on the up and up.

He decided to lay down just outside the coop, just in case.

The End

Poppa Fox and His Brother

Poppa Fox follows his brother, forgetting that trouble always follows Brother Fox.

Poppa Fox was an honest, hard working fox. He raised a family in the forest, and was friend to many. His family consisted of him, his wife and his little boy. His boy was a good boy, not ever getting into much trouble. Sure, he was like every young fox growing up in the forest, getting into a little bit of trouble, but he was a good boy. He took after his father.

Poppa Fox knew that his son needed a good model for how to be when he grew up and had his own family, so he took every moment to be that example. He didn’t try to hide his mistakes and was very considerate of others. He never lied, never withheld information and never hoped that bad things would happen to anyone.

He was the kind of Fox that would hear someone sneeze, analyze by the sound how many tissues would be needed, and have it in their hand by the time they realized they needed a tissue.

He was the first to volunteer to help with anything, and was a good shoulder to cry on.

He was a good husband too. He knew his wife needed him to just be around, so he insisted they both read books or magazines in the evening. He devoted his weekends to projects around the house, but not projects that he thought needed to be done, projects that he knew she wanted to be done.

He knew not to give advice unless he was asked and was always right on time. Well, he was never early, and never late without a call.

He sounds like a great Fox, doesn’t he? Well, he was.

Poppa Fox’s father was a good man; hard working, generous, and a good husband. Fox’s Momma was a sweet, loving woman who’s self appointed purpose was to make sure her husband was happy.

Needless to say, Poppa Fox had it good. He was brought up well.

Poppa Fox had a brother.

Brother Fox was a good friend; loyal, hard working, a bit scattered at times, but meant well. For some reason, as good as Poppa Fox had it, Brother Fox had the opposite. He was always getting into trouble, always late to dinner, forgetting to do his chores and even got parts of his tail cut off or snagged doing who knows what.

Brother Fox tried hard to be a good Fox, but no matter what he did, things always seemed to fall apart, or end in some sort of disaster.

Once, Brother Fox and Poppa Fox climbed a small mountain for a picnic. It seems harmless, but that day ended in a fire that burned most of the mountainside.

Another time, what started as a leisurely Sunday walk around the forest somehow ended with Brother Fox slipping on some ice, and getting stuck upside down in a ditch.

Or another time that should have been a night out dancing, ended up locked up in a freezing cold, damp cave for almost seventeen hours.

No telling how these things happened, but they did.

Well, Brother Fox and Poppa Fox were hanging out one morning and they happened upon a chicken coop. They kept their distance, and downwind of course, because of a large Irish wolfhound that guarded the whole area.

Wolfhound was slow to start, but got up to speed very quickly, so the brothers had to be very careful.

Now, the foxes knew better than to try to eat any of the chickens, Wolfhound made sure of that, but they weren’t there for that. They had actually accidentally found themselves at the edge of the yard, trying to find their way back home.

Brother Fox somehow had convinced Poppa Fox that he knew exactly where they were going. In all actuality, Brother Fox took a wrong turn a long time ago, and Poppa Fox couldn’t even remember why he had agreed to this trip in the first place.

“I shouldn’t have listened to you,” said Poppa Fox, knowing that something bad was going to happen, probably very soon.

Well, the Fox brothers were about to leave the area, when Brother Fox saw a little chick pop out of a hole in the side of the chicken coop.

As you might guess, this caught his attention.

Well, Brother Fox, being the well-meaning fox that he is, wanted to make sure Momma Chicken knew her little chickie had escaped, so he hopped out from the safety of the forest and into the clearing that was the yard.

It seemed like instantly, as if the ground around the chicken coop was hooked up to weight sensors or something, a large, deep bark came from the other side of the coop, and then the sound of running, no, it was more like galloping.

Brother Fox panicked, thinking the big barking thing was going to hurt the little chick, and swooped up the chick in his mouth, spun around and ran back toward Poppa Fox.

Poppa Fox barely had time to react. Everything had happened so fast that by the time he thought to tell Brother Fox to leave the chick alone, it was too late.

Before Brother Fox made it back to the edge of the clearing, around the corner came a huge Irish wolfhound, galloping as hard as he could, with his eyes fixed on Brother Fox.

“Let go of the chick!” yelled Poppa Fox. He knew Wolfhound was just trying to protect the chick. It was his job. But Brother Fox wasn’t thinking straight, so much so that he may not have even heard what Poppa Fox had yelled.

Brother Fox was so crazed, he literally slammed into Poppa Fox, knocking him out of the forest, and into the clearing that was the yard. Poppa Fox didn’t realize it just then, but he would later find out that when Brother Fox slammed into Poppa Fox, one of the chicks bright yellow feathers had popped off the chick and attached itself to Poppa Fox’s cheek.

Brother Fox was gone in an instant, and there stood Poppa Fox, in the middle of the yard, with no protection, and a beast of a dog running full pelt right at him.

Oh, I guess now would be the appropriate time to say that Brother Fox and Poppa Fox looked exactly the same, especially to Wolfhound.

So, Poppa Fox thought quickly. He thought he’d reason with Wolfhound.

But Wolfhound was not in a reasoning mood. He wasn’t slowing down at all, so Poppa Fox ran.

He ran toward Wolfhound at first, as anyone should if a derailed train is coming at them, then strategically darted to the side. He knew Wolfhound was fast, but could not make quick turns.

This bought Poppa Fox a few moments.

“Wolfhound,” yelled Poppa Fox with his hands out in front of him. “Let me explain!”

But as Wolfhound rounded the yard and started gaining speed toward Poppa Fox, the little chick’s feather had fallen from Poppa Fox’s cheek and was now sticking out of his mouth. This is what caught Wolfhound’s eye and made him speed up.

Poppa Fox noticed the increase in speed and started backing up. The only place Poppa Fox could think to go was into the chicken coop.

This turned out to be the worst thing he could have done, but that’s what he did.

Oh, those chickens freaked out. There were feathers flying everywhere, eggs breaking, doors flying open. When Wolfhound caught up with him, he followed him in.

It was a big mess.

Wolfhound caught Fox just outside the chicken coop and pinned him down.

But before Fox had caught his breath enough to explain to Wolfhound, the humans who owned the chicken coop and the chickens and the wolfhound and the yard had heard all the ruckus and came out to find a fox covered in feathers and eggs, the chicken coop in a mess, and the wolfhound panting, completely out of breath, pinning down a fox.

The humans had a special cage for foxes, grabbed Poppa Fox and put him in a car, and drove away.

While the humans were away, Wolfhound fell asleep. That’s when Brother Fox actually brought the little chick back to the chicken coop and explained everything to Momma Chicken.

The chick was not hurt, in fact, she had a great time.

Momma Chicken woke Wolfhound and told him the whole story, then Wolfhound told everyone his side of the story. Everyone apologized and forgave each other.

Brother Fox and Wolfhound made an agreement that basically stated that as long as the chicks were not taken, no one would get chased.

Brother Fox returned to tell Momma Fox and her son what had happened. They were very sad.

What happened to Poppa Fox? Wolfhound overheard the humans talking when they came back. They said Poppa Fox was taken miles away and let go in another wooded area.

Maybe he’ll turn up again…if he finds his way back home.

The End

Stork's Underwater Adventure

Stork is convinced he needs to live underwater.

Once there was a stork. Well, you know him. He’s tall and sometimes clumsy. He’s got an ailment of sorts that when he gets stressed out, his wings start flapping and he can’t stop them. He likes when ladybugs walk on his beak. Oh, and he takes a long time making decisions.

Maybe it’s because he wants to be sure to make the right decision, or maybe he’s afraid of making the wrong one. Either way, it takes him a long time.

Well, everyone who knows Stork has heard his crazy idea about going underwater.

“I’ve been practicing,” he says. “I know I can do it.”

He’s been saying that for years now. The fact is, that at first, everyone who heard it tried to convince him not to.

“It’s dangerous!” said one.

“Storks aren’t supposed to go underwater!” warned another.

But after a while, everyone got the idea that he wasn’t going to be doing anything anytime soon.

This week, though, he started again.

“I think I’m ready,” he said to squirrel. “I’m going to the pond today.”

“You go there every week,” said Squirrel.

“Why don’t you come with me!” asked Stork.

“OK,” said Squirrel.

So they walked together toward the lake.

Mouse was at the edge of the pond looking into the water. When Stork and Squirrel walked up, they startled him.

“Hey,” yelped Mouse. “What are you guys doing here?”

“Oh,” said Stork. “I was just coming over to maybe think about possibly later going underwater.”

“I’m just along for the company,” said Squirrel. “What were you doing?”

“I was just talking to the…” Mouse stopped himself. “..to myself. I do that sometimes.”

They all laughed.

“I do that all the time,” said Stork.

“Well,” said Mouse. “I gotta go.”

Squirrel and Stork said goodbye.

“Well,” said Squirrel. “Is today the day?”

“Um,” mumbled Stork. “I’m not sure yet. I have to look at the pond for a little while.”

“OK,” said Squirrel. “You do that. I’m gonna go over here and take a little nap. Wake me up when you’re done.”

Squirrel snuggled up to a large root and closed his eyes.

Who knows how long he was asleep, but suddenly, he was awakened by small splashing sounds.

He opened one of his eyes and he thought he say Stork leaning really close to the water and a fish sticking his head out, whispering something to Stork.

He rubbed his eye and opened them again, and Stork was searching for something in the pond, but the fish was gone.

Squirrel shook his head and dismissed it as a dream.

“Stork,” he called out. “You ready to go?”

Stork took another look into the pond.

“Uh, sure,” said Stork hastily.

Stork was not so talkative on the way back, but neither was Squirrel.

The next day, Squirrel decided to pay a visit to Mouse.

Squirrel knocked on Mouse’s door, but no one answered. He was sure Mouse was home. Squirrel decided to go to the back yard.

When he rounded the corner, he saw something that surprised him, shocked him really. Mouse had filled up a large barrel with water and had stuck his head into it. His feet were kicking around.

Squirrel quickly ran to rescue Mouse, but when he grabbed Mouse’s arm, he noticed apples floating around in the barrel.

Mouse came out of the water with an apple in his mouth. He pulled it out.

“I almost didn’t get this one,” he said to Squirrel. “I just had my teeth on it when you pulled me up.”

Squirrel blew out a large breath. He had forgotten that the county fair was coming up and Mouse was the best apple bobber around.

“You’re practicing!” he said to Mouse.

“I’ve got to practice to be the best,” he said to Squirrel.

“That’s true,” said Squirrel. “Hey, can I ask you something?”

“Sure,” said Mouse. “What’s up?”

“Well,” said Squirrel. “This is gonna sound strange, but have you ever seen a fish poking it’s head out of the water?”

Mouse suddenly stiffened up.

“Why would you ask such a thing?” asked Mouse nervously.

“Well,” said Squirrel. “I thought it was a dream, but I thought I saw a fish talking to Stork the other day.”

“Oh,” said Mouse relieved. “That’s just silly.”

Squirrel was relieved.

“Maybe it was a dream after all,” said Squirrel. Hey, I’ve got to go, I’ll leave you to your apples. Looking good my friend. You’ll get first place this year again.”

They said goodbye. Mouse watched him leave. He shook his head. Something was wrong.

The next few days were filled with excitement. The county fair was in a couple of days and everyone in town was preparing for it.

Frog and toad had a Lilly pad toss for the kids, Hedgehog and Momma Chicken put together some fresh tortillas filled with all sorts of spicy goodies. Raccoon and Rabbit were in charge of the stage this year and they had a great show in store. Everyone in town had something, and everyone in town was going to be there.

The day of the county fair, the forest looked great. Flowers and dried leaves were strung from high branches, flags and balloons were flying high, and the smell of fresh baked pies was in the air.

Raccoon started the fair in his traditional way by singing a song. He wasn’t a great singer, but his heart was in the right place. Everyone loved it, and applauded him loudly.

He began to announce where everyone could get their slice of pie, when Rabbit interrupted him.

“It’s Stork,” yelled Rabbit. “He’s in the pond. I think he’s gonna do it.”

A gasp filled the air. Some gasped because they couldn’t believe the day had actually come. Most gasped because they knew it was dangerous.

Everyone left their booths at the fair and ran to the pond.

Squirrel was the first one there.

Stork was in the middle of the pond, with his beak very close to the water.

“Stork, no!” yelled Squirrel. “Don’t do it!”

Stork almost fell in backwards because of Squirrels interruption.

“Well, why shouldn’t I?” asked Stork as everyone started arriving. “I’ve been practicing for years. I think I’m ready.”

“What do you mean, “practicing”?” chuckled someone from the crowd.

“I’ve been holding my breath every day,” said Stork proudly. “I’ve gotten to four minutes.”

There were “Oohs” and “Aahs” from the crowd.

“What is it exactly that you want to do?” asked Raccoon.

“Well,” said Stork. “I am going to live underwater.”

“That’s impossible!” said squirrel.

“It’s crazy!” said Rabbit.

“It’s not crazy!” yelled Stork. “I can do this. I’ve been preparing myself for this moment for a long time, and no one’s going to stop me.”

“Stork,” pleaded Frog. “You can’t live underwater. You need air.”

“No I don’t!” said Stork.

Another gasp.

“Is that what the fish told you?” said Mouse.

Squirrel was surprised. No, shocked is more like it.

“You’ve been talking to the fish, haven’t you Stork,” said Mouse.

“I…I guess I have,” said Stork. “There’s nothing wrong with that, is there?”

“No, there isn’t anything wrong with talking to him,” said Mouse. “It’s the matter of what he’s telling you that’s the issue.”

“But he’s right,” pleaded Stork. “He’s so smart, and he makes me feel so good about being his friend.”

“Did he tell you that the air above water is dirty and full of germs?” asked Mouse.

“Well, yeah,” said Stork. “He did.”

“Did he tell you that you can breathe under water?” asked Mouse.

“How do you know that?” asked Stork.

“Yes,” said Squirrel. “How do you know that?”

“How do you think it is that I win the apple bobbing contest every year?” said Mouse. “It’s because I was fooled by the fish too.”

Yet another gasp.

“I’m sorry Squirrel,” said Mouse. “I meant to tell you the day you came over, but I just feel so silly. The fish spoke to me one day too, and I believed what he said. He said there was a wonderful world just under the surface. He said there were many others waiting underwater for me. He said that the friends I had up here weren’t real friends. I believed him.”

Squirrel put his hand on Mouse’s shoulder.

“The truth is,” Said Mouse. “I haven’t been a real friend to all of you. I have not been honest with you, but I’m going to change that right now.”

Then he turned to the pond.

“Stork!” he called out, meaning to tell him to come out of the water, but Stork was gone.

No one had noticed that he had dove in to the deep end of the pond. All there was left were some ripples. No one knew how long he had been gone.

“It’s too late!” cried Rabbit.

“No it isn’t! said Mouse, and he dove in after him.

The ripples from Mouse had smoothed out before anyone even breathed.

“How long did he say he could hold his breath?” said Raccoon. But no one answered. They just looked into the pond. Waiting.

Suddenly, out popped Mouse.

He spit out some water and pounded his head to get some water out of his ear.

“I thought I saw him,” said Mouse. “But I couldn’t catch up to him. It may be too late.”

Frog started crying. Squirrel sat down in the water.

Some of the animals started to go back to the fair. There would be no fair this year. Everyone was too sad.

Suddenly, out of the water popped Stork, and to everyone’s surprise, he had the fish in his mouth.

He threw the fish in the air with a snap of his neck, opened his mouth wide and swallowed the fish whole.

Everyone cheered. They all rushed into the pond to hug Stork.

“What happened?” said Mouse. “I lost you around the sunken tree.”

“Well,” said Stork. “Along with all that other stuff he told me, the fish also told me that there was all sorts of food down there too, but when I got there, there was nothing. So I ate him.”

“Good for you!” said Mouse.

“You know,” said Stork to Mouse. “I’m starting to think that I was imagining the whole thing. I mean, who ever heard of a talking Fish?”

Rabbit almost convinced himself he heard the fish say something just before he went into Stork’s stomach, but he dismissed the thought.

“Stork,” said Squirrel. “We are glad you’re back.”

“Yes,” said Mouse. “Welcome back home.”

Stork was so happy to be so loved by all his friends. More than friends, really. More like family.

They all started back to the fair. This was going to be the best fair ever.

It was the year that Mouse came in second at apple bobbing.

The End