She knew it was winter when the sun grew softer.

The summer, with its heat and brightness, made the grass crisp and sharp on her paws.  When the cold came, it brought with it the buttery pale rays that grew brightest right before the dinner time bowl was set down.  Even the cactus’ round blades, normally prickly and sharp, softened in the winter and eventually allowed themselves to be brushed away by the icy winds and harsh rains.

But even though the grass was yellow and the ground often muddy, it was the perfect time.

The perfect time to go west.

For in the summer and spring, the Western fence was high and dry.  Too much heat, too much barking from the dog next door.  There were scratchy weeds that itched under her fur and pricked the bottom of her tail, which was not a comfortable feeling no matter how loud she yelped.  There were bumble bees that buzzed too close to her ears and a faucet that dripped.

But in the winter, after days stuck on the couch with nothing more to explore than the  couch and under the bed, the puppy needed to go west.

“Don’t do it,” the goldfish advised.

“It’s dangerous out there,” her roommate, the cocker spaniel, squeaked.  Puddling under the covers, he shuddered.  ”And cold.”

“But it’s just so….open.”  Pressing her nose to the window, she stared out.  ”Maybe I’ll just go for a moment.”

“What if you never come back?” Only the cocker spaniels’ ears poked out.  ”It’s cold.”

“You mentioned that.”  The little dog raised on her back legs.  ”I’m going to do it.”

“What?”

“I am, I am!” the dog barked, spinning around.  Waiting until her human opened the door, she leaped over the door sill.  With only the fur on her back, she was off.

Even if West was as far as the fence.

Stay tuned, Invisible Friends!  A new fun tale tomorrow!  And be sure to stop by Words N Whimsy for a special announcement about a free workshop I’m hosting! 

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