Joy, dd9, wrote this piece for a writing assignment early this year.  I thought she had given some nifty descriptions of the situation, writing from a first person’s point of view. Well, enjoy!

”

The Terrible Plague of London

I wasn’t going to celebrate my birthday in 1665. My mind rang with the same thing : It has arrived! The great plague has arrived! It’s evening and as I went to bed, the rumble of wheels trundle into my mind’s ear. Another 20 people have made a pathway into the sky, leaving us alone. Till now, my family is still safe from the jaws of death.

“Kirsten! Listen carefully now. I want you to cover yourself and go to Gwyneth’s bakery and take home 2 loaves of bread. Hurry! ”

I scurried along to the bakery, wishing that someone would draw the curtains between life and death, wishing that Mother hadn’t sent me on this gruesome paved errand. My nose picked up a strong scent of sulfur which caused my feet to lose control and topple me flat against a child, still healthy (thank God).

A few minutes later, I was in the shop. I flung the coins into a bowl of …what was that liquid anyway? Vinegar! Uggh! I scuttled to eavesdrop on a conversation between two men. Mother says it’s evil to eavesdrop but I think I won’t hear badly of myself, since the lecture is about the plague.

“Yes Kerl, indeed! The doctors…”

“Their funny costume…yes, Frederich, go on.”

“Yes…no…yes…and the leather bird mask is filled with herbs.”

Kerl added to his friend’s speech. “And the medicine does a fat lot of good as well as burning herbs and bonfires.”

That was all the information I needed for inquisitive 10 year old Jesheka, one year older than I was.

When I reached the door of dread, my father was bending over to burn several herbs. I let out a cry , recognizing that some fellow in my house had the plague.

“Lewis!” I cried.

“Nay girl,” said father, “T’is Angus.”

Angus , my brother in all but blood. I heard a brush scraping on our door. Angus’ parents had been swept away by the dark curtain of death and since then, Angus stayed with us. Lewis was Angus’ twin brother, but unlike him, had no delight in animals.

Soon, the doctor came. He was wearing the odd costume the two men had described,

‘Are you a real man, or a hawk?” asked Jesheka.

T’was rude of Jesheka but that jolly old doctor smiled and said, “Hawk.”

That kind soul brought laughter back into our family.

The doctor, or Linkenel, stayed with us for a week and no black spots appeared on Angus.

“He lives!” croaked poor Linkenel, “He (hiccup) lives!”

Soon,  Angus , Jesheka and I were able to play in Angus’ room. Lewis called us babies but that really does not matter. The room of waiting burst open into a spring bud. “

We adopted a dog several weeks ago. She’s a mixed-breed with some retriever and German Shepherd genes plus, I suspect, a hint of terrier thrown in what with her incessant digging and poking into holes. We’ve spent quite a bit on deworming medicines, Frontline (anti-tick spray/application), dog food and dog food. So caught up were we with the euphoria of finally owning a mutt, that the first few weeks were spent on the porch doing all kinds of pooch-centred activities like playing football, fetch ( alternating between the owner and dog) and obedience training. My husband finally decided to restore some sanity to our home and recall us back to the human world: he laid out some rules about the a dog’s proper place in the family ( to serve and not to be served) and firmly stated that we were not to pamper our canine family member.

As a result of that extensive series of lectures, Joy came up with a manual for dog-lovers- written in HB pencil on a folded piece of white A4 paper. The manual goes like this:

“  How to discipline your dog

I have a dog that chewed up my slipper. Your dog might do the same, but always remember to smack your dog. Don’t just overlook it because if you do, your dog will keep on chewing. When you smack , it’s okay to slap on the muzzle gently but firmly. You must still make sure your dog still knows that you love it by patting it and feeding it.

Pampering dogs

Our dog is not allowed in the house. Whether your dog is allowed in or not, that doesn’t matter. Just this: you have to walk your dog once or twice a day or more. Your dog would have liked wet food sometimes, but ifit has a sensitive tummy, do not give it too much wet food. Your dog must also understand that if it is bad, it must be punished.

Strays

If you see a stray and if it is gentle, you may want to keep it. If it has mange, you may want to handle it with proper equipment. Ticks, fleas and lice are very normal for strays. If the dog doesn’t have mange, but ticks, you just bring it to the vet.

Ideas

I, however, like most people, do not like to punish dogs. I never wanted to smack my dog, My dad did it. You, must also smack it(your dog) to discipline your dog. I would also ask that if you would not gotoo far into pampering. I would think it wise not to buy diapers, clothes or beds. Your dog hates these. Your dog would also dislike permed fur, dyed hair and ribbons. I do not want dogs to be upset or confused. You alone may think that your dog likes these things. But, your dog is only trying to please you by keeping quiet.  ”

It looks like the dog will grow up to be a sensible companion and family pet under the tutelage of my able 8 yr old.