best of contest winner Hind Legs

Priscilla Lawler

“It isn’t hard to get a dog to dance,” he said, ruddy face gleaming. “Just a matter of finding the right music. A dachshund loves dancehall; a poodle, polka; a terrier, tango. Spaniels salsa; rottweilers rock!” We looked down at the chihuahua asleep at our feet and played classical, country, calypso – but she slept. We dug deep: Chinese opera, Celtic chant, Canadian folk. Her tiny snores were soft but audible.

It was the metal band rehearsing next door that woke her and saved us. “Ah, someone’s a mutt!” And the gorgeous distorted guitars swallowed the click of her prancing claws.