from Chapter 18, Agility Rocks:

Now, it was my turn.

As my dad and I approached the starting point, I had already decided what persona would rule this course. I was going to be Kessen, the record breaking NASCAR driver. As such, I was determined to break my own world record. Tension rose, and my hackles bristled with excitement as my dad removed my leash. The signal was given, and off we went.

Click here to read this excerpt in its original magazine format .

I followed my dad’s directions through the tunnels, over the hurdles, through the weave poles and back around to the dreaded closed tunnel. I was fearless; I was Kessen the legendary race car driver. Without giving it a second thought, I blasted through the closed tunnel reaching the opening in record speed.

I had just one more obstacle to complete on the course before I raced to the platform.  That last obstacle was the see-saw. I could almost taste success. As I approached it, I made sure my paws landed on the correct spot to avoid any loss of points, went up and then down the other side. I declared myself a winner. If I had arms, I would have waved to the imaginary cheering crowds.

In hindsight, that winning declaration was my first serious mistake. Instead of continuing to the platform which signaled the end of the exercise, I chose to deviate from the plan. I turned toward the see-saw, much to my dad’s dismay, and headed for the towel at the base. In my vivid imagination, I was a NASCAR driver and, against all odds, a winner. What does a winner do? He takes that well-earned victory lap or two… which was my second critical mistake of the event. I grabbed the towel from under the see-saw and began my victory laps around the course completely ignoring my dad’s calling of my name. This was my third and final mistake.

I was lost in my own imagination. As that towel flew higher, my dad’s spirits plummeted. I wasn’t hearing him calling my name; I only heard the cheers and applause of the crowds as I took my laps with my victory flag signaling my success. Of course, this was all going on in my head.  While I knew I’d have to return to reality soon, I also recognized that I was in big trouble. One’s imagination, while quite the wonderful thing, can be somewhat troublesome at times. This was definitely one of those times. I had hit the Jackpot… the Trifecta of Mistakes! Now, it was time to pay the price for those mistakes.

I was quickly brought back to reality by catching the glare from my mom’s eyes as she stood at the far end of the course… with her hands on her hips. It was not a good sign at all. Realistically speaking, I hadn’t expected one at this stage of the bedlam.

It wasn’t that she was angry; it was something far worse. She was disappointed…not in me, but in what I had done in front of all of those people. Skidding to a stop in front of her and trying to look pathetic with a towel hanging from my mouth wasn’t working. I attempted to look contrite by sitting perfectly still with my head down, but that towel in my mouth only made me look comical. As she held out her hand, I quickly dropped it into her extended palm. My victory flag existed no more. Without a word, my mom attached my leash and handed me over to my dad who was totally embarrassed by my actions. She took hold of Brightie’s leash, and we left the facility without a word. We never returned.

Jennifer Rae is a local author. Her book, Kessen’s Kronikles , is told from the point of view of Kessen, a potential assistance dog whose journey is interrupted by an automobile accident. He relives his life in flashbacks and considers how his experiences may shape his future. Kessen’s Kronikles is available for purchase at Anderson’s Book Shop, Pet Supplies Plus Naperville South, Town House Books in St. Charles, The Book Store in Glen Ellyn and online at Amazon.com and Barnes&Noble.com . Purchase directly from the author by emailing kessenskronikles@westsuburbandog.com .