Once Upon a Shining Star
A Tribute to Abandoned Dachshunds
Published by
New Mexico Dachshund Rescue
Copyright © 2016 New Mexico Dachshund Rescue
Table of Contents
Foreword
Chapter 1 – Snowed In
Chapter 2 – Upping the Calories
Chapter 3 – Gas Station Mascot
Chapter 4 – The Land of Plenty
Chapter 5 – Little Digger Dog
Chapter 6 – The Harvest and the Feast
Chapter 7 – Deep Freeze
Chapter 8 – The Circle of Life
Chapter 9 – Unexpected Provisions
Chapter 10 – A Glorious Christmas
Foreword
I love to tell stories; it is a part of my Native American heritage. If I had been born a hundred years earlier I would have been one of the native grandmothers, gathering all the children as I told stories. The children would sit in awe and wonder as I would tell story after story – I can picture it so clearly – quiet as can be unless I asked a question; then they would all shout the answer in unison.
This fictional story taps into my native roots. It is the story of an Indian couple finding an abandoned Dachshund at a rest stop. That part of the story is heartbreaking, but our heroine dog, Pepper, quickly becomes “family” with people who will love and nurture her for life. Pepper provides her own drama in the 22nd book of my Dachshund Rescue Series.
I would like to thank my team for their assistance in preparing the book for publishing: Al Rosario, illustrator; Jan Lawrence, editor; and Lucinda Campbell, formatting.
Proceeds from the sale of this book will benefit New Mexico Dachshund Rescue and Dachshund rescue in New Mexico. Thank you for supporting our mission.
I am dedicating this book to my sister, Peggy. You were a beloved sister and a friend, until cancer took you away from us much too soon. We did not get together near enough, but I am looking forward to that day when we shall meet again in our eternal home where there are no more good-byes. Please know how much you are loved and missed.
--Stella Dillenbeck on behalf of New Mexico Dachshund Rescue
(Featuring the Dachshund Rescue Series by Stella Dillenbeck)
Chapter 1 – Snowed In
The winter storm hit quite suddenly, causing whiteout conditions on the roads. Running Bear and Shining Star turned on their car radio to hear the weather service warning: “the worst storm on record in 40 years has hit Idaho…” They were en route from their home on the Nez Perce reservation in Lapwai to the Indian Health Clinic at Fort Hall, but decided to stay at the rest stop outside of Fort Hall until the storm passed.
Running Bear lifted his arm and swiped the fog-covered window clean. Outside, the snow was gathering quickly. “It’s now or never,” he said so he and Shining Star both decided to brave the storm to make a run for the restroom facilities. It was a good thing they did because just inside the entryway was the most pathetic sight – a cowering, freezing, and what looked to be, starving puppy. It was a female solid black miniature Dachshund puppy, not more than 9-10 months old. Her dark-colored fur stood out in stark contrast to the white, drifting snow. They had no way to know for sure of course, if she had been dumped at the rest stop, but all indicators seemed to say that she had been. Nor did they know how long she had been there, but no way were they going to leave her there to fend for herself in the storm. They both knew she would not survive.
The puppy scarfed down a half of roast beef sandwich when Running Bear and Shining Star returned to the car with her. She also drank some water and probably would have drunk more if they had not pulled it away. It would not be good for her to have too much right now. Shining Star wrapped the pup inside her wool coat and pulled her tight against her body for warmth. Soon the puppy was fast asleep.
Shining Star was already in love with the precious bundle snuggled up to her and informed Running Bear her name was Pepper. Running Bear grinned. He was thinking to himself the pup would be some kind of nuisance, but it was okay for he knew Shining Star would take care of her. With their two children grown and gone she had been lonely, and this little gal just might be the answer – no more empty nest for Shining Star.
Running Bear kept the car running for awhile so they could all stay warm. Fortunately they had several Pendleton wool blankets; they were an absolute necessity in Idaho winters. They both also had warm coats and boots, plus a good supply of food and water. As the snow accumulated up to the exhaust pipe, it was necessary to turn the engine off. They hankered down in the blankets with Pepper.
The next morning a knock on their window woke the three from a warm sleep. Pepper immediately started barking. It was a state trooper stopping to see if they were okay. They assured him that they were, but he offered them some donuts and hot coffee, which they gladly accepted. They shared a small bit of a donut with Pepper, along with a slice of cheese, and then gave her some more water. The storm and whiteout conditions had passed, and now it was snowing lightly. The storm had dumped 18” of snow on them overnight, but snowplow crews had plowed as fast as they could to make the roads passable again. Running Bear brushed the snow off of the car, put chains on the tires and they continued on their way to Fort Hall.
Chapter 2 – Upping the Calories
Running Bear was teasing Shining Star because she made her appointment at the health clinic during the storm. She knew he was teasing because her appointment had been scheduled several months previously. Not only that, but the appointment was in April. Whoever would have thought they would have the worst snowstorm in 40 years in April? Pepper certainly did not mind for she was warm, safe and full now.
Pepper did not have a leash or collar, but there was no way they were deserting her by leaving her in the car. Shining Star carried her into the clinic. The ladies at the clinic front desk were excited about having a puppy visit. They wanted to hold the pup, but she cowered and nuzzled against Shining Star. She was not ready to trust anyone else yet. When Shining Star explained how they had found Pepper the day before, they understood.
Pepper stayed with Running Bear while Shining Star was seeing the doctor. Pepper crawled inside his parka where it was warm and safe. Running Bear had some jerky in one of his pockets and pulled it out. Pepper stuck her nose out long enough to eat half of the jerky before nestling back into the cozy parka. When she started to get squirmy, he figured it was time to take her outside. He sure hated to do that because it was so cold but necessary, so out they went. Pepper peed quickly; somehow she sensed the sooner she was done, the sooner they could go back in where it was warm.
Before too long, Shining Star was done seeing the doctor. She was all smiles and told Running Bear she was good to go for another year. Pepper happily went back to her, wagging her tail as they headed back to the car. They stopped at the store to get dog food and more bottled water, went to the gas station to fill up the car and also went to the local burger joint for lunch. Pepper and Shining Star stayed in the car while Running Bear went inside to order their lunch. He came back with three juicy cheeseburgers, two orders of fries and three strawberry milkshakes. He figured Pepper could use the extra calories. Pepper was one happy and very stuffed dog when she finished her cheeseburger, a couple of fries and the milkshake. Shining Star was concerned about how they were going to get the pup to eat dog food after all the people food they had been giving her. Pepper was full of surprises, though, and also ate a handful of puppy food and drank some more water.
The return trip to the Nez Perce reservation was uneventful. Running Bear stopped several times to let Pepper out. When she got back in the car, Shining Star made sure she would get warm again by bu
rying her inside the coat. Almost immediately Pepper would drift off to sleep each time; the poor thing was exhausted.
Chapter 3 – Gas Station Mascot
Running Bear and Shining Star owned a gas station in Lapwai on the Nez Perce Reservation. Their modest two-bedroom apartment was built over the station. Their son, Flying Eagle, lived fairly close and also worked at the gas station, so he was able to run things when his parents were gone. Their daughter, Rippling Brook, legally changed her name to Brook when she was 18. She was married now and living in Boise.
Shining Star was so happy to get home. Their trip to Fort Hall took much longer than they had planned. This time their homecoming was different because they now had Pepper. She had the cutest, most irresistible face. She was going to be the official gas station mascot. Shining Star, Running Bear and Flying Eagle would share the responsibility of caring for the pup. Pepper’s future was secure; she would not be wanting for anything.
Shining Star was the official tribe storyteller. She loved to tell stories about Creator God, His beloved Peace Child and His creation; all the children would gather on the mission floor while she told stories about the moon and the stars, the lakes and the rivers, the bears and the raccoons. Now she had a new story to tell – the story of the badger dog deserted, afraid and alone, but now with them.
Running Bear was the lead hunter and fisherman. He had been blessed with exceptional hunting and fishing skills and always came back with the most fish and game. All of the tribal men envied him, and yet tried to mimic him in hope that someday they could bring home more. Running Bear was never greedy with his fish or game, though. He always shared with the mission to be disbursed to larger and special-needs families. The more he shared, the more he got; they were never at a lack in their home.
Word about Pepper slowly made its way through the tribe; she quickly became the tribal mascot. One-by-one or two-by-two people would make their way over to the gas station to see Pepper. It did not take Pepper long to get over her fear of strangers for they were all friendly to her. Native Americans, in general, have a way with animals. She sensed it, and she also gladly welcomed the attention.
When Shining Star was not working at the gas station, she was tending her mini-orchard and garden in the lot behind the gas station. She would have loved to go hunting and fishing with her husband like some of the white women did, but it was a tribal taboo; so Shining Star was content to keep the “herb-gatherer” tradition. She had four apple trees, four walnut trees and a large garden area; they were surrounded by a hedge of wild blackberries, which Flying Eagle kept carefully trimmed for his mother.
Pepper took to her collar and leash right away. It was necessary to keep her on a leash so she wouldn’t get out on the road and hit by a car. Oh how she loved sniffing the garden and the trees when they took her out back, and she did her small part, too, in keeping it fertilized. Shining Star would just shake her head and smile.
Chapter 4 – The Land of Plenty
A Spring hunting expedition was on the horizon; Running Bear and Flying Eagle would be joining other tribal men for the hunt. Shining Eagle did not mind because this year she had Pepper and things were at a much slower pace at the gas station with most of the men in the tribe gone. She could devote her time to writing haiku; when the men were gone and the only time it was quiet enough for her to create her poetic lines.
The hunters came back with one elk, four deer and one beaver. They were divided among the hunters, with Running Bear getting the larger portions for sharing with the mission. The families with special-needs adults or children, and larger families, would need their share to assure tasty and nutritious meals at home. Running Bear would freeze the rest for future meals for Shining Star and himself.
The following weekend the men planned a fishing trip to Lake Tolo. With most all of the men fishing up to their limit, they could return home with a substantial catch. It would also give them more meal variety by offsetting the meat from the previous hunt. Catfish, crappies, bluegills, largemouth bass and rainbow trout caught in the lake gave them good fish variety, as well.
Shining Star was well pleased with the variety the hunters and fisherman brought home. What scrumptious meals she would be making in the months ahead! Pepper was quite intrigued by everything Running Bear brought home. She could not jump up on the kitchen counter to get any of it, but that did not stop her from trying. She was eating dog food now, but Running Bear and Shining Star were also giving her food scraps – within reason so she did not get overweight. Right now Shining Star and Running Bear were using their stock from their freezer and pantry leftover from last year. Shining Star dried, canned and froze food from her garden and orchard that she had stored.
Tribal members were also adept at bartering; they would trade excess food items with others in the tribe for items they needed. They shared, they traded, they stored and they made sure there was no waste. Hides were used for clothing or rugs, animal fat was used in cooking, meat scraps and bones went to the dogs. They only spent money at the store when it was absolutely necessary. It had been the way of their people for generations.
Pepper fit right into the tribal way of life. She was benefiting by being on the receiving end of the tribe’s commitment to the circle of life. She loved the meat scraps and the filleted fish scraps; she loved the bones, too. Like a bear, Pepper was an omnivore and would eat nuts, fruits and vegetables, too. Running Bear and Shining Star had good reason to be proud of their pup. What a blessing she had been during the short time they had her! How happy they were that they had found her at the rest stop. Instead of starving and freezing to death, she was living a full and happy life in the land of plenty.
Chapter 5 – Little Digger Dog
As far as Running Bear and Shining Star could tell, Pepper was about a year old now. Looking for ways to make their lives a little less complicated and keeping Pepper safe, Running Bear had a chain link fence installed around the back lot; it connected to both back corners of the station and had a gate on each side for easy access. The hedge of blackberries around the mini-orchard and garden was further protection on the inside of the fence. Now they could let Pepper out without having to take her on a leash.
Shining Star was excited about the fence at first, but her excitement dwindled when Pepper started digging in her garden. Pepper had dug up some of the carrots, beets and potatoes. The only root vegetables she did not dig up were garlic and onions. They had to stack cottage stones up four high around the garden area to keep her out. At least Pepper could not get into the trees and the apples or nuts with her short little legs.
A few weeks later Running Bear heard tires squealing and people shouting. He went running out in front of the station to see what was going on in the street. Here came the chief’s son, Red Fox, with Pepper in his arms – apparently she had escaped from the yard and had run into the street. After checking to see that she was unharmed, Running Bear thanked Red Fox for the rescue. Shining Star was at the mission when the near miss happened and he was glad his wife wasn’t there at the time of the incident. He took Pepper out back and saw where she had dug under the west gate to get out. Several layers of rocks were placed underneath both gates underground to stop her from digging underneath to get out. For added protection, Running Bear put cottage stones two deep on both sides of each gate; so much for “easy access” to the back. He was beginning to wonder if installing a fence had been such a great idea. Their little digger dog was certainly taking advantage.
Shining Star was very upset about Pepper getting out of the yard and that was no surprise to Running Bear. She was grateful that her precious baby was all right and that the digging issue had been quickly remedied, thanks to her husband. They were in agreement that they really didn’t need the gates anyway. Going through the back door to the yard, garden and orchard was a workable solution to the problem and much safer for Pepper.
Harvest time was with the tribe again. Some of the ladies were going in the woods to gather blueber
ries, wild strawberries, edible roots and edible wild mushrooms. Shining Star normally did not go; she traded some of her produce with the ladies for the wild items they brought into town. Running Bear encouraged her to go, though; Flying Eagle was there to help with the station and with Pepper, too. Shining Star welcomed the opportunity to get out in the woods. She was so glad she went because, in addition to the other items, they also came back with juniper berries, gooseberries, wild sage and camas bulbs. These items would nicely supplement the fruits, vegetables and herbs from her garden and the other women’s gardens, too. What a treat!
Chapter 6 – The Harvest and the Feast
In keeping with native tradition Running Bear and Shining Star did not celebrate Thanksgiving, but rather the blessing of the harvest. The men in the tribe would go on a fall hunt for birds, coming back with wild turkeys, grouse, quail, doves, ducks and geese. When pooled together with canned smoked salmon, the harvest from the woods and the various gardens, they put together quite a feast. What was not consumed was canned, dried or frozen for the winter.
Pepper had not minded the family being gone as she was napping anyway, but was she ever happy to see them when they got back. She got her fair share of scraps, too. Somehow in her little dog mind it was okay if they were gone for a bit if they returned with treats for her. Shining Star laughed when the scraps were gone and Pepper was begging for more. Enough was never enough for Pepper. “All gone” was followed by a sad countenance and a short, sulking routine.
Christmas was coming and Shining Star was excited. Soon the snow would be falling and a white blanket would cover the reservation. Their celebration would be simple. A nativity scene gracing their table was their only decoration. Shining Star would go to the mission and gather the children on the floor in front of her to listen as she told them the story of the infant Peace Child. All of the children loved babies; the stories about the baby Peace Child and baby Moses in the basket were their favorites. Pepper lay at Shining Star’s feet as she told the story. Pepper was a new addition and the children loved having her there. They all took turns petting her; she soaked it all up like a sponge.