DEC 17TH 2005..........Christmas Shopping....
Waking up to the early morning rain, the sounds of raindrops falling from the Magnolias and the 'pitter patter' on the glass, the day ahead was a sobering thought.....
Lying in the silence, consciously aware of the gentle throbs of breathing next to him, he felt an ache of aprehension , Christmas shopping, if only he could avoid it but there were some things he just couldn't.
Slipping out quietly from the sheets he padded to the kitchen, he needed his morning coffee. He was first up, and taking comfort in his solitude he wandered through to the television room, sprawled on the leather and fingered the remote. The early news was on......the usual images flashed before him, war, famine, disaster and a water-skiing squirrel, nothing new there then.
Walking to the windows he pressed his head to the cold glass, the sky was denying him the brilliant pinks and reds and golds he loved, instead the morning was a dull melancholic grey. The excitement of the last few weeks had taken it's toll, he was tired and looking forward to escaping for a few days with his family.
Poochy awoke abruptly, where was he? The little dog had missed him....She was usually so aware, so jumping off the bed she scurried around looking for her master. She knew instinctively where to find him, despite his power and fame she knew he was a creature of habit, so she bounded into the television room and taking a running jump onto the leather sofa, landed on his belly.
'OMG Poochers!!'.........
he was taken by surprise, then laughing, he grabbed the little dog and held her in his arms as he rubbed her little tummy, as usual she rewarded him with her kisses, they were both happy to see each other.
Once coffee time was over he wandered through to the kitchen, filled a bowl with 'honey nut cheerios' and milk then laid it on the floor, Poochy tucked in and he got himself showered and ready for the day.
Then grabbing the car keys he whistled on Poochy to follow, she might as well keep him company.
The big SUV was all steamed up inside, it had been a frosty night, so putting on the fans and seat heaters, he strapped poochy into the passenger seat. Soon they were weaving slowly through the morning traffic, Poochies little eyes took in the sights, she loved being in the car with him, every trip was a new adventure.
Looking at the little dog he smiled, and spoke soothing words to her, he was a softie at heart. But why was Poochy shuffling her bottom?
Poochy wriggled in her seat then 'air bit' near her bottom, why was it getting so hot? Had she piddled herself?. Nope, she was still in full control of her functions but her bum was getting very toasty indeed.
Realising his own bum was getting overheated Jim laughed to himself, then patted Poochies little rump, it was certainly hot stuff today and turning the heat down he gave her ears a tickle.
Arrival at the department store was relatively low key. The store had opened half an hour early for him, and the staff consisted of star-struck departmental managers. He knew exactly what to get, most of his presents had been sorted weeks earlier. These were gifts to hand to people over lunch as extras.
The shop turned a blind eye to the little mutt at his ankles, Jim was a man on a mission, he aimed to be out of the shop in 25 minutes flat.
Presents were purchased. The perfumery blitzed, then onto electricals and the IPODS, through to the food and drink sections. Hampers were bought, fine wines boxed up, Poochy was in heaven.
Through to jewellery he pondered over trinkets unaware Poochy was currently investigating the hams and cakes in the food department.
The mission was complete, he signed for the goods then headed for the back door, as the front door was opened behind him.
Reaching the car he looked at his feet and realised to his horror that Poochy was missing. He'd have no option but to go back inside.
Praying that the store was still empty he walked back in, grabbed an assistant and explained the gravity of the situation. The search was on.
Meanwhile Poochy was settled happily underneath the skirt of an Xmas tree chewing happily on a Dundee cake and a shoe.
Striding as fast as he could through the store he shouted her name, avoiding eye contact or making a fuss. Past Beauty, though electical, onto food but still no sign. Turning left he became aware of a group of people, but it was too late, he had been spotted, right outside Santa's grotto.
Kids screamed in excitment, their mothers trembled. He couldn't be grumpy here, of all places, so smiling he shook hands and signed autographs, whilst the staff roped off the area and continued the search.
Photos were taken and kids tormented him with their Ace impressions, but if ever he felt like the Grinch this was the time, he thought to himself.
At that moment the radio call came through, Poochy had been found with half a shoe and the remains of the Dundee cake.
As he turned to leave, Santa appeared to shake his hand.
'Get Jims pic with Santa' came a voice...........'sure why not' he replied..
However sitting on Santa's knee wasn't quite what he had in mind, but if it kept the kids happy......
At that moment, the furry ball of trouble came bounding through, spotted her master and took a running rump onto his lap. Santa and Jim laughed, Poochy was covered in crumbs and was on sugar high.
She excitedly licked his face, then spotting the ruddy cheeks and red nose of Santa started licking him too. Both men laughed, but then Poochy clocked the beard........it wasn't real, it looked like a cat, 'Hmm...' she eyed it suspiciously. Suddenly leaping out of Jims arms she lunged at the beard and with a 'ping' the elastic broke...Santa was left beardless.
What's more Santa was a she!!!
Jim looked aghast, then a little voice cried out "Santa's not real, he's a girl' and Santa began turning the air blue with expletives.
In unison 20 kids began to cry, the parents began to get angry and Jim felt the ground open up beneath him..........What in God's name could he do to rescue this situation??........
Thinking on his feet, he dashed into the toy Department and grabbed a Grinch rubber mask...........then doing what he does best gave the kids a show whilst Santa fixed herself...........Tears changed to laugher and cheers.
But was it good enough to compensate the kids for ruining the magic of Xmas? He didn't need to worry, they loved him.
And after promising the parents free toys and Santa visits Jim grabbed Poochy and escaped out the back.........
Sitting in the cosy car and looking at the happy wee mutt, he thought to himself, next year i'm giving book tokens, then chuckled, all the way back home.

Fluffy
