Regular readers know I love contests. What a super way to write to a prompt, stretch writing muscles, and meet other writers.
And among the contests, the Valentiny contest certainly is one of the most beloved. Who doesn’t love a Valentine, especially a tiny one?
As a reminder, in the words of our awesome contest organizer, Susanna Hill:
The Contest: since writing for children is all about “big emotion for little people” (I forget who said that, but someone did so I put it in quotes!) and Valentines Day is all about emotion, write a Valentines story appropriate for children (children here defined as ages 12 and under) maximum 214 words in which someone feels curious! Your someone can feel curious themselves or make someone else feel curious. The curiosity may be about a person, place, thing, quality, idea, event, or about whether something will happen or something is true or real, or anything else under the sun you can think up! Think beyond the obvious! Your story can be poetry or prose, sweet, funny, surprising or anything in between, but it will only count for the contest if it includes someone curious (can be the main character but doesn’t have to be) and is 214 words (get it? 2/14 for Valentines Day 🙂 You can go under the word count but not over! (Title is not included in the word count.) If you are so inclined, you are welcome to enter more than one entry – just remember you’ll be competing against yourself 🙂 No illustration notes please!
My entry, below, clocking in at 213 words (Get it? I’m posting this on 2.13), is inspired by our beloved rescue dog, Sadie, whose Gotcha Day we celebrate in June. Although most of the story is pure fiction, I did once make one of the items mentioned (for my husband, not one of our pups). Can you guess which one?
Once you’ve read my entry, please enjoy the other entries and support the other writers (we all need a little love) by heading over to Susanna’s blog and checking them out.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Sadie
Who Loves LOU?
Lou scratched and sniffed. “Something’s up. But what?”
Lou sprinted up Lotus Lane in time to help Cindy cross the street. Woof!!
“Thanks, Lou! I’ve got…um.. something to do after school. Bye!”
Lou wondered, “Is that what’s up?”
She raced to check on Mrs. T’s kittens. But they were asleep, glittery paws shimmering. “Something’s up! But what?” Woof!
She loped up Market Street and barked at Butcher’s door. “Maybe the burger-lers are back.” Woof!
“Nothing for you, Lou,” Butcher said.
Stomach growling, Lou knew, “Something’s definitely up. But what?”
Lou headed back to the Fire House. “My bed! Gone! That’s what’s up! But why?” Woof!
“You won’t be needing that old thing,” Chief said. “Now out! We’ve got important work to do.”
“Now I understand,” Lou howled. “It’s me they don’t want!”
Lou slunk towards the train station, passing shop windows filled with shimmery red hearts. “No hearts for me. And no fur-ever home.”
Tears trickled down Lou’s muzzle. She cowered by the tracks. But then…
she sniffed and scratched. “Something’s up. Now what?”
Lou sped back towards Town Hall. A fluffy dog bed, a heart-shaped meatloaf, and her friends awaited below a glittery banner:
Happy Valentine’s Day & Gotcha Day
We Love You, LOU
Woof! That’s what’s up! They LOVE me! Woof!
Wander, Ponder, Write 
Aww, what a lucky pup!
Thanks! Happy Valentines Day!
The way to a dog’s heart is a heart-shaped meatloaf! 🙂
So true! Thanks for stopping by & commenting on my story. Happy Valentine’s Day!
How sweet! Love the happy ending for Lou.
Thank you! Happy Valentines Day!
My pets always get suspicious and antsy when something is up. Fun story!
Ours do, too. Thanks for stopping by & commenting. Happy Valentines Day!
Awww, happy Valentine’s Day!
Thanks for stopping by & commenting! Happy Valentines Day to you, too!
Delightful. Lou is a great character and I love the well used repetition.
Thank you! Happy Valentines Day!
A tender story of doggy love. Sweet! Happy Valentine’s Day!
Thanks!
Oh, so sweet! I was worried about Lou! But that nose knew, LOL. Great story!
Thanks, Jilanne. Happy Valentines Day❣️
I love that they wanted Lou! Good luck!
Thank you! Happy Valentines Day!
So happy for Lou! Who wouldn’t love a heart-shaped meatloaf? Such a sweet story.
Thanks Jean
Oh my goodness. Of course they would not abandon you Lou!! What a Valentine celebration for him.
Thanks Colleen!
You are very welcome!
Aw! You can always get me with a dog story, Patricia! I’m so glad curious, wondering, wandering Lou got her Valentine dream come true! 🙂 Thanks for joining in the Valentiny fun!!!
Aw, so sweet! I was so sad for the poor puppy, but loved the ending!
Thanks Kelly!