Barder the Flying Dog

Using the visual prompt above, we were to write a short story on what we believed was happening.

This photo was taken by Jan Von Holleben. To find more of his photography visit http://www.janvonholleben.com/?page_id=4

Once upon a time there was a little boy named Sam. Sam was very spoiled. He lived in a huge mansion on the coast with his dad, John, mom, Betty, and their three servants, Emily, Douglas, and Josephine. Sam grew up getting everything he ever asked for. From the time he could walk he only wore the most expensive shoes. His tricycle was made of pure gold and at his request, Sam would be bought any toy he pleased. There was no limit to his luxuries. His parents did not need to work so they spent every day relaxing and vacationing, but mostly attending to their only child. Sam's life was one that most people only dream of and he had barely reached the age of five.

On a cold day in September Sam was playing by himself on the beach. His parents had gone off in search of another car to buy and left him with Emily. She was preparing lunch and told Sam to play outside until it was ready. After about ten minutes Sam got bored. He ran into the house and ordered Emily to find him something to do. She frantically searched the house as Sam continued to scream. After a seemingly endless search through all the rooms of toys, Emily found nothing to please the young boy. Sam continued his horrid tantrum as he stormed out the back door to the nearby beach.

Sam was angry and kicked everything in sight in his way to the shore. He hated everything. Suddenly, a dog walked up and began talking to Sam. "Leave me alone!" yelled Sam. "I have something important to show you though" said the dog. After explaining to the boy that his name was Barder and he was a magical flying dog, the boy began to listen. He reluctantly gave the dog a chance after being shown the cool orange turban Barder had. "Jump on my back, I have something to show you" said Barder. Sam hopped on and the dog slowly began running until they were flying. Soon the boy and the dog reached a part of town Sam had never been to. "What us this place?" he asked. "It's called the ghetto" Barder answered. "Wow! It's so weird!" Sam thought. As the two flew over all the poor people and crumbling homes Barder explained how hard life could be and that not everyone was as privileged as the young boy. He told Sam how almost nobody had things handed them to them in life. Sam was slightly confused. As they landed Sam felt a sudden appreciation for all he had. Barder know his work was done so he flew off to help another spoiled brat.