Chaos Critter Tails: The Case of the Exploding Presents

Spoiler: Sadly, there are no actual explosions. However, Dante discovers the joys of giving at Christmas. And all three four-legged boys help investigate the explosion of presents at their house.

Dante was just in the middle of deciding what new mischief he could do, when he heard the female monkey calling. He considered for a moment. The monkeys were home all this week, according to Aki they were acting as butlers, as was intended and their natural place for all that they slacked off most days.

Dante ran off in answer to the call nevertheless.

After reassuring the female monkey that all was right with the world, Dante turned to go back about his business. His mouth dropped. Beleth sat before him, in the middle of an explosion of bright blue and red boxes.

He yipped, “Beleth, what is all this?”

His big brother twitched furry ears. “I’m not sure. I just got here myself.”

They both sniffed at the colorful boxes. Some smelled like wood. Others obviously contained metal. A few carried the distinct scent of clothing.

Much to their mutual sadness, neither smelled dog treats.

Dante thought about this for a moment. He was older now, but thinking was still pretty new and rare for him. So, he savored the moment while Beleth checked one last box.

Barking Dante ran off carrying one of the boxes. “I’ve got it! We’ll ask Aki! She knows everything. She told me so.”

Aki was not impressed with the interruption. “I was asleep you drooling monsters. Take this big blue present away and do not disturb my slumber or you shall pay dearly.”

The little stub of Dante’s tail wagged furiously. For such a small tail, it affected his butt too. Soon, the whole rear of the Mini American Puppy was wagging.

Beleth looked at him curiously. “Why are you so happy? We still don’t know what’s going on.”

Dante nodded. Which was difficult, given the speed at which his butt was wobbling. “We know what the boxes are now. They’re presents.”

Dante stopped his quivering. He was shocked and didn’t move. In a quiet tentative voice he asked, “Beleth?”

His brother twitched a tail at him, looking slyly over his shoulder. “Yes, young menace?”

“What’s a ‘present’?”

The big Maine Coon cat paused and licked a paw. “Crokell is laid back. Maybe he’ll explain.”

The two wandered back to find Crokell in the pile of presents doing his own investigation.

Dante sniffed at his biggest brother. “What’s going on Crokell?”

A long string of slobber made its way from Crokell’s lips to the floor while he thought. His big tail started wagging. “Oh! It must be Christmas! That’s why it’s been cooler outside. My birthday is coming up and it’s the best time of the year.”

Dante spun in a circle, shaking with excitement. “The best time of the year? Better than dinner time?”

He opened and closed his mouth in excitement. His stub of a tail vibrated fiercely.

Beleth interrupted before the puppy could ask anything else. “Crokell, he’s going to ask what’s ‘Christmas’ and what does it have to do with ‘presents’.”

With a “plop”, Crokell laid down right where he was. “I can explain. Christmas is when the monkeys celebrate peace and giving. Presents are cool stuff you give to the ones you care about.”

Aki popped her head into the room. “I heard that you three brain-dead canines. Christmas is celebrating the son of God, who saved the monkeys from their sins. The monkeys that don’t celebrate that, celebrate other miracles and wonders of their own.”

She paused. “Cats have no sins.”

Crokell gave Aki a sloppy Newfie kiss. “Yes, after all one has to celebrate colder weather.”

The calico yowled and ran back to the safety of her covers.

Dante didn’t really register Aki’s words or her yowl. Once he heard you were supposed to give something to people you care about, he turned and ran off. He literally ran through his two brothers.

He was thinking as he ran. “What can I give?”

Fortunately, it being the Gulf Coast of Texas, the temperatures would be 80F one day and 45F the next. Today was a warm day. His frog friend would be awake.

He found Mister Hoppers outside, enjoying the warm and humid air. “Merry Christmas, Mister Hoppers! I’m here to give you a present. I’m going to play with you!”

The frog and Dante spent a few minutes playing. Finally Mister Hoppers escaped. “I’m sorry Dante. I must be off to meet the other frogs for our Christmas party.”

Yipping a goodbye, Dante ran back to find Beleth. He made a stop at his own sleep spot first.

He bumped Beleth on the cheek with his nose, where the Maine Coon was sleeping. “Merry Christmas Beleth! This is for you!”

Dante thought for a second. This thinking was happening more often. “I’ll leave Aki alone. She’ll appreciate that present. Same with Fluffy. She likes to sleep too.”

“But what can I get my biggest brother?”

He thought even harder. Finally, he ran to his sleep spot again. “I know what he likes best!”

Aki walked by the two playing dogs. “I solved the mystery of the presents. The butlers did it, of course.”

All the brothers barked with their sister’s meow. “Merry Christmas everyone!”

Chaos Tip of the Week

Always carry dog treats. You never know when you’ll need them for a friendly dog or cat. And if you’re snowed in your car, you might need them yourself!

Critter’s Weekly Question

Do you pets like colder weather in the winter? How do they react differently in the winter compared to the summer?

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

~Anna, Tod, and the rest of the Chaos Critters