Chicken Squad: The Case of the Missing Chicken Scratch

Interview subject- Aunt Jodi

Interviewer- Abel Rae

1. Did you have pets when you were a

kid? If so, what pets did you have?

We had a lot of pet dogs. My dog’s name was Zinna. She was a Golden Retriever.

We also had a dog named Zak, he was a mutt, part Cocker Spaniel. I also had two horses. One named Dilly and another named Reno. Reno was a tall, grey gelding and Dilly was a silly, bay colored Arabian.

My favorite pig ever was named Gill. She was a beautiful, deep red color and really sassy!

2. Tell me about an interesting place you have lived or traveled to.

A couple of years ago I went to Bolivia with some friends. While I was there, I stayed in Sucre, it was at 9,153 feet! The language in Bolivia is Spanish, which I studied in college. A friend of mine worked at a restaurant in the city, so we ate there often! There were so many potatoes, but not many fresh vegetables. The water wasn’t safe to drink out of the tap, so everything had to be cooked. Even while I showered, I had to be careful to not get water in my mouth!

3. Did you like school?

I loved college, not so much elementary school and high school.

4. What was your favorite subject in school, why was it your favorite?

My favorite subjects were writing and English class. I enjoyed being creative.

5. What activities did you enjoy as a kid and why?

I loved riding horses. We had a lot of freedom to go where we wanted. Our horses were also our friends, so we had a lot of fun riding them.

6. Tell me about your brothers and sisters.

I have two sisters, Jesika and Jenny. We’re all very close.

7. What is your favorite holiday and why?

I love Thanksgiving. It’s my favorite because I get to see friends and family and it’s a beautiful part of the year. I also enjoy cooking, which makes it even more fun!

8. What is your favorite food? Mexican food is my favorite!

9. Tell me about some of your hobbies.

I enjoy hiking, quilting (making blankets) and gardening.

10. What is one of your favorite books or podcasts.

I really enjoy a podcast called, “Dare to Lead” with Brene Brown. I recently read The Tattooist of

Auschwitz by Heather Morris; it was really good.

It was a normal day in Peckingwood. The Chicken Squad were pecking around. The sun was shining, the birds where chirping; in short it was an average, idyllic day in Peckingwood. Suddenly, an alarmed “Bakok” came out of the chicken coop. The entire flock rushed into the coop. Snowy was staring at the feeder, it was empty!!! Amid the chorus of clucks, bakoks and bocks Dragon crows, “To the Tactical Planning Room!”

The Chicken Squad clustered arounds a large, steel table in the main Tactical Planning Room. “The food went missing around 1400,” said Dragon, “This is the fourth occurrence in four days!” “All of the other heists occurred in the dead of night. Does anyone have any ideas about how to prevent this from happening again?” Vanilla raised a wing. “Yes,” said Dragon. “I’ve developed a device that can track, record and photograph enemy equipment, bases, and such. Additionally, my newest device can pick locks, hack computers and can completely fry any computer system within a quarter mile radius. Plus, it’s remote controlled and the size of a grain of rice.” The chickens clucked excitedly among themselves. “I concur” said Cheeks “additionally my unit could gather intel” “very well” said dragon “meeting concluded”

Vanilla and her team of highly trained chickens began gathering counterintelligence immediately. Their first stop was Pumpkin, the cat’s house. When they knocked on the door Pumpkin popped his head out. Pumpkin was a small, friendly, orange tabby cat. A delicious aroma wafted out of his home. “Hi ladies,” he said, “What can I

help you with?” “We are wondering if you have seen any suspicious activity,” asked Vanilla. “I saw a long tail disappear into the bushes just after midnight last night,” Pumpkin told the ladies. “It was in the bushes south of my house, moving very quickly. I also heard an unfamiliar alarm just after the long tail disappeared.” “Thanks,” said Vanilla, “That’s really helpful information.”

Many of the animals the ladies questioned had also seen evidence of some sort of rodent in recent days, including pawprints, damaged plants and several chewed up planks.

The Chicken Squad regrouped in the main tactical planning room. “Many of the animals we questioned saw evidence of suspicious rodent activity, “Vanilla told them. She laid out several indistinct, blurry photos and several evidence bags. “Any ideas,” asked Dragon? “I know,” Creamy exclaimed, “It’s a rat!” “Hmmm….,” said Vanilla, “I think you may be right.” “I think I’m right too,” said Creamy! “Very well,” Dragon replied. “Cheeks, prepare your team for battle, we need to be ready for an attack. Vanilla, you and your team prepare the surveillance equipment. And, as for me, I am going to get myself a strong shot of strong cluckspresso,” Dragon declared. Cheeks and Vanilla both saluted and headed out the door to follow Dragon’s orders. Several hours later, as Cheeks and her team were preparing for an almost certain battle a security chicken rushed in. “We have a situation. The rats have infiltrated the yard.” “Copy that,” said Cheeks. She strapped on her chest plate and grabbed a dart rifle, simulatenously instructing her until to do the same.

TO BE CONTINUED