Pupper's Big Troubles

Little Pupper sniffed the crisp fall air as the leaves crunched under his paws on his way home from school, but his tail hung low. Pupper had big troubles. Halloween was just a week away, and he still didn’t have a costume. Mama Pupper had told him not to wait until the last minute. Don’t come running to me with plans to make something last minute! she had warned. Now, Pupper wasn’t sure what to do. Big troubles, indeed.

As he walked home, he passed Grandmapup and Grandpup sitting on their porch. They called him over. Hey, Little Pup, what’s got your tail down? Grandpup asked. Halloween, Pupper sighed. But you love Halloween! Grandmapup said, her eyes twinkling. I do, but I can’t come up with a costume, Pupper replied, his tail drooping even lower.

That night at dinner, Big Daddy Pup noticed his son's ears were laid back, and his tail was dragging. - What’s wrong, son? he asked. - Well, everyone at school has their Halloween costume picked for the parade except me. I just don’t know what I want to be yet. - Well, what kind of costumes did your pals pick out? asked Mama Pupper. - Ghosts, pumpkins, astronauts... the usual. I want to be something different.

Pupper thought and thought and thought. He imagined himself as a stick, or maybe a tennis ball. He considered being a ghost, and his little sister suggested he dress up as a princess. I’m a boy, he reminded her. That doesn’t matter, she said confidently. But it most certainly does! Pupper thought, shuddering at the idea of wearing an itchy princess costume.

The next day, Pupper was lying on the porch, still deep in thought, when his neighbor and best friend, Boo, stopped by. - Hey Pupper, I’ve got some time this morning. Want to play ball? Pupper’s tail wagged just a little as he trotted down the steps to greet Boo. - Hey Pupper, you’re usually such a happy boy. What’s got your tail down? Boo asked. Halloween, Pupper muttered. I haven’t chosen a costume yet. Well,” said Boo, “let’s play ball! Maybe you’ll get inspired!” So they played, and Pupper loved every minute of it. The cool, autumn air was perfect for running back and forth after the ball. After a while, Boo had to go, but before he left, he reached down, scratched Pupper’s ears, and said, “You’re such a good boy!”

Pupper looked up at Boo, and all of a sudden, his ears perked up, his tail started wagging, and he caught a case of the Zoomies! Boo was baffled by the sudden change, but he walked away smiling. Pupper was panting from his Zoomies, but he couldn’t stop grinning. He knew exactly what he wanted to be for Halloween! Can you guess? Pupper was going to be the best thing he could think of a Very Good Pup! He couldn’t wait to put his costume together. He raced inside to share his most excellent news with his family.