Life Without Poodle

Once upon a time, there was a girl named Pomme. When Pomme was very small, she got a pretty pink poodle as a gift from a very special person. Pomme treasured her poodle. He helped her get to sleep, comforted her when she was sick or hurt, and played the perfect companion on long trips. Everyone knew that wherever Pomme went, Poodle would not be far behind.

Over the years, Poodle grew worn with love. His soft fluffy pink fur became grey and matted. His eyes were scratched up and dull. His nose came undone and bits of his stuffing started to fall out a little. But the biggest damage was done to his tail, which was worn down to a small nub and a few strings.

Whenever Pomme would take Poodle out, people would remark, "That certainly is a mangy animal, isn't it?" Others mistook Poodle for trash, thinking he was so well-worn he was practically worn out. In fact, Pomme's mother had to fish poor Poodle out of the rubbish bin one time when he accidentally got left behind at the store. But in spite of his appearance, to Pomme, Poodle was the most beautiful thing in the world. Every day, she would squeeze him tight and plant little girl kisses on his damaged nose. And every night, she still cradled him lovingly as she fell asleep, rubbing his nubby tail over her nose.

Pomme and Poodle had many great adventures. They went up and down California, on a long drive to Utah, and all the way to Florida twice. They swam together (much to Poodle's chagrin), ate together (Pomme shared best with Poodle), and played games together.

One day, it was time for Pomme's family to make a big move. Pomme was a little sad and scared, because she didn't understand what was going on. But as long as she had her Poodle, she felt safe and secure.

They got on the plane, made it through the 12-hour trip, and slept together in the airport during the layover. When they finally got to their new home, Pomme was tired and cranky, and she clung to her best friend.

For the first few weeks in her new city, Pomme had fun exploring everything with Poodle. They hung out at parks, splashed in fountains, and went for really long walks with Pomme's family. Pomme loved showing Poodle all the pretty lights and sights of her new home.

Then one day, Pomme fell asleep while her family was getting on the underground. She woke up as they were switching trains, and got so excited, she jumped out of her stroller, taking Poodle with her.

She pressed her Poodle up to the window to show him the sights, and then, so enthralled with them herself, she let Poodle fall to the ground.

When it was their turn to get off, Pomme jumped up from her seat and followed her parents out. She sat down in her stroller as her mother asked, "Do you have Poodle?" Oh, no! Pomme had left Poodle on the train! Pomme's brother leaped toward the closed train doors and tried to push the "open" button frantically, but it was no use. The train took off toward the next station, and Pomme began her life without Poodle.

As soon as Pomme realized her Poodle was gone, she began to cry. It was the deep sobbing cry of a heart being truly broken for the first time. Pomme cried off and on all night, asking over and over again for her Poodle. Not only had she never been away from him, but she had also never had to fall asleep without him by her side.

The sky grew dark, and Pomme's mother knew it was time for her baby to face her first night without her best friend. She picked Pomme up in her arms, and rocked her as she cried for her Poodle. "Where is he?" Pomme asked over and over. "I want my Poodle."

Pomme's mother knew Poodle wouldn't be coming back. She held Pomme close and said, "Poodle is on the train for Poodleville. His mommy misses him so, and now Poodle must go back to her."

Pomme's heart was heavy all night long. She finally fell asleep in her mother's arms, but she woke up throughout the night. She didn't ask for Poodle, and her small whimpers told her mother that Pomme remembered he was gone.

In the morning, Pomme's mother had a present for her. It was a new Poodle, exactly like the old one, but with pink fluffy fur and a cotton candy puff of a tail. His eyes were bright and shiny, and his nose was like brand new.

Pomme threw the new Poodle across the room. "That's not MY Poodle!" she yelled. Both Pomme and the new Poodle sat in heaps on opposite sides of the room, one silent and smiling and the other sobbing and heartbroken.

Pomme's mother picked her and the new Poodle up and sat down on the bed with them. "Pomme, I know this isn't your Poodle. But even though he didn't want to, your Poodle had to go. But he loves you so that he has sent this lovely new Poodle to help comfort you when you need it. And this Poodle would like to be your friend."


It didn't happen right away, but over time, Pomme began to share her world with her new Poodle. She started by bringing him out on walks and shaping his tail at night while she fell asleep. She tried pulling out some of his fluff to make his tail just the right kind of stringy.


Her mother knew Pomme would never forget about or stop loving her first Poodle, but she hoped that Pomme's new friend would help give her some comfort as she settled into her new life.