It's Dundee Monday again! ​Have you ever wondered what it would be like to see the world in black and white with shades of gray? That’s a dog’s world…unless the dog becomes a boy who sees the world in marvelous colors. What would you do in this case? What do you think Dundee does? 

Chapter 5 The Art Lesson

“Wake up, my darlings,” said Mrs. Duncan, her voice like birds welcoming the sun. She had already started a tape of Mozart. “Today we are going to finger paint to music. Each of you will have three colors. You are to paint what you feel from the music.”

Dundee stretched and thought about what his teacher said. I saw Mom paint Tyler’s room once. Not sure I want to paint our classroom. Think I’ll just lie here a while and let the other students do it. When everyone else seemed excited, Dundee got up not wanting to miss anything.

During their nap, Mrs. Duncan rearranged the desks so that two desks faced each other. She helped the students put on their painting shirts and had each student grab some newspaper to cover their desks. Then she gave each student a big sheet of shiny white paper. With a small pot of water and three pots of finger paints in the center of the desks, the students were ready to paint. Dundee got to work opposite Kevin. “Wow, finger painting is so fun,” said Kevin. “If we play our cards right, we can run over into math time.” Kevin put a dark color on the paper, then blended in a lighter gray one. “Look,” Kevin said. “I made green like the leaves.”

He stared at the colors that Kevin was mixing, still as a statue. Mrs. Duncan came over to Dundee. “Tyler, you haven’t begun yet. Just go ahead and start painting. I bet there’s a masterpiece waiting to form on the paper.”

Dundee didn’t notice Mrs. Duncan move away from his desk. Kevin was laughing and flicking the paints to form splotches on the paper. Dundee turned his head to look at Jessica who was one desk over. She had two colors that she was mixing. First she added one color, then another, then some white. “Tyler, look,” Jessica said. “ I made a sunset.” “It’s bea–u-ti-ful,” said Dundee with his mouth slightly open in awe.

Dundee turned back to the paints. Slowly, he touched one. It was sticky and had a funny smell. He leaned closer to sneak a few sniffs when no one was looking. He almost took a lick, but figured everyone would notice his strange tongue or a blotch around his mouth and under his nose. He enjoyed the feeling of the paint as he made circles on the paper. Circles – a new movement for him. When he was a dog, he never moved his paws in a circle.

But the best part was the color. All he could say over and over again was, “Wow.” Since dogs only see the world in black and white with shades of gray, seeing color was shocking, then completely wonderful. Dundee dipped into the blue, then the yellow, and mixed the two to create the most wonderful aqua. “Tyler,” said Kevin, “Looks like the color in the swimming pool.”

Dundee nodded his head, unable to say anything more than, “Wow,” as he blended the colors. Unable to stop himself he reached over to Jessica’s desk and dipped his fingers into the red and added it to the yellow. “Nice, Tyler. It’s the sky while the sun is still snoozing,” she said.  

Dundee was lost in a kaleidoscope of colors. He didn’t notice that the other children had already cleaned up and had hung their painting shirts on hooks in the back of the classroom. Mrs. Duncan put her hand on his shoulder gently. “Tyler, it’s time to clean up. Didn’t you hear me? You must be enjoying this painting lesson.” Dundee nudged his head under her hand and Mrs. Duncan gave him a pat on the head. It felt so good. Humans are easy to train, he decided.

As he cleaned his desk, he noticed for the first time all the colors and patterns in the classroom, on the children’s clothes, on the books, on the American flag.  And, for once, his eyes took over from his sense of smell which dominated his life as a dog. I love this place. He made a decision. How can I break it to Tyler that I want to stay a human? he wondered.
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Mrs. Duncan clapped her hands. “Let’s all go to the restroom and wash our hands.”

​Dundee looked up. Restroom? What’s a restroom? I thought we already rested. He looked for his friend in the line. Guess I’ll have to watch Kevin again.

Can you name some of the things a dog would have to figure out going to school disguised as a boy? In this chapter Dundee encounters more new dilemmas to solve.  Hint:  Yum!

It's Dundee Monday time! I hope you enjoy, and again, please share! ~ R

Chapter 4 More Lies
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​After recess, Mrs. Duncan suggested the students line up at the water fountain. Alfred got to the head of the line and waved his hand for Dundee to get behind him. Alfred pressed the button and slurped water that tumbled like a small waterfall. When no one was looking, he cupped his hand under the water, then turned and threw it at Dundee. “Here,” Alfred said to Dundee whose hair was dripping, “don’t bother to drink it. You already got some.” He laughed and scampered off to the classroom.

“I could just bite that kid,” Dundee muttered under his breath. “Actually a cool drink sounds like a really good idea.” Dundee stepped on the box in front of the fountain but couldn’t figure how to turn the water on. “Hurry up, Tyler,” echoed several students who were in line. Dundee looked at the silver faucet and the drain in the wet bowl. Since water was always provided for him in a bowl, he had no idea what to do. He stared and tried to figure it out. He wiggled the faucet and shook the water fountain, looking longingly at the remaining droplets left by Alfred. “Come on, Tyler,” said Kevin. “What’s the problem?”

In frustration, Dundee pounded his right hand. It landed on the silver button and out came a long, high spray of water. Of course, he had no idea how to drink from a fountain since he had only seen Tyler drinking from a cup at home. He pounded the button again but the water appeared for only a few seconds. After several tries, he bent his head over and slurped the water as it swirled into the drain and disappeared. When he straightened up, his face and hair were all wet. He shook his head from side to side, slinging water droplets all over the wall and the floor. Some of the girls were giggling. The boys looked confused. Everyone headed back to class. Hmmmph, and after I licked the bowl clean too. No one suspects I’m a dog. I can even work the water fountain. He smiled. I really am a smart dog.

When he got back to class, the other students had their reading books out, and Mrs. Duncan was grading papers. Dundee took out a picture book and looked at the drawings. He had never seen the creatures pictured, only other dogs and one cat who roamed the neighborhood. In the backyard there were a few birds and some squirrels. One animal in the book had spots with skinny legs and a really long neck. Another was big and fat with a little tail; it had a nose that curled under his body. He wondered where these animals sleep and the kind of houses they live in and what they liked to eat.

He was distracted by the most wonderful aroma. Food! He sniffed once, twice, then knew. Hamburgers and French fries. Yippee! He didn’t hear one word that Mrs. Duncan said all through the Social Studies lesson. He just sat with his tongue hanging out of his mouth with a big grin on his face. Jessica noticed. She thought he looked charming.

As Mrs. Duncan announced, “Lunchtime,” Dundee ran to the front of the line, but then he felt a panic as his eyes darted from side to side. Gosh, I’ve never been at lunch in school. I don’t know what to do. Tyler always breaks off a bite for me. Dundee slinked back through the line just behind Kevin. I’ll just do what he does. Boy that food sure smells great. Yum - food, food, food!

Dundee slid his hands under the tray, just like Kevin. The nice lunch ladies gave each student a hamburger, some French fries, butterscotch pudding, an apple, and a carton of milk. He was so excited his hands were shaking. The tray landed on the table with a bang, and Dundee sat down and leaned over his food. He stopped. The other students picked up the food using a little finger set away from the other fingers. He never noticed this finger before. He moved it and then bent it. Wow, nice paws, these humans have. But before he could figure how to hold the hamburger or pick up a French fry, he couldn’t help himself. He dived into his tray head first. He ate the hamburger in three bites and wolfed down the fries. When he came up for air, the other kids at the lunch table were staring at him. He wasn’t using his hands. “You must be really starving today, Tyler,” said Kevin laughing. “Are you learning manners from Dundee?” The other kids laughed in agreement and continued eating. Dundee didn’t care, and he was the only one to lick the tray clean. Lucky that Mrs. Duncan sat at the teachers’ table and didn’t notice.

After lunch the class was ready for a short rest. Dundee was so glad. Being a human was really tiring, even for a smart dog. The students went to their favorite reading spots. Some stayed in their seats while others opted for a pillow on the floor. Dundee sniffed out his nap blanket and turned around three times before finally settling in a cozy spot near the window. The sunlight was warm and it wasn’t long before he lay on his side and started to snore. In his sleep he made gestures with all fours like a dog running, but no one noticed.

Jessica pretended to sleep but daydreamed about how she would steal a kiss from Tyler today. “He is so cute,” she whispered as she watched him nap. Kevin lay on his back with his hands behind his head and counted the tiles on the ceiling. He thought about the cheers when he hits a grand slam homer. Dundee dreamed about catching that silly squirrel and bringing it to surprise Mrs. Duncan.

Even Mrs. Duncan dozed for a minute at silent reading time.

In this chapter Dundee goes to school in Tyler’s place. Do you think he’ll be found out?  Read and see.

Friends, please pass this website on to your friends who have small children or grandchildren. Starting this week, there will be a new chapter posted every Monday – Dundee Monday.  Adults and their children (and grandchildren) can look forward to continuing the adventures of Tyler and Dundee as they work out the dilemma in which they find themselves.  I hope you enjoy their adventures. ~ R

​CHAPTER 3 THE BIG LIE
 
Dundee sat by himself on the bus. I’m scared. I don’t know what to do. I’m just a dog. What if they find out? What will happen to me?

But before Dundee could worry any longer, the bus creaked to a stop at the door of the school. The other children stood in line to get off, then ran into the building.

Where should I go?, thought Tyler as he stepped closer to the front door of the school. Out of nowhere Tyler’s best friend, Kevin said, “Race you to Mrs. Duncan’s room,” as he disappeared among the other children in the hallway.
Dundee followed him with difficulty. He still wasn’t used to running on two legs instead of four and the book bag kept falling off his shoulder. After a warning from the principal to slow down, Kevin and Tyler stopped at Room 221.
Dundee gazed at the petite brown haired lady in the blue sweater who was standing at the door.  She must be Mrs. Duncan. She smells like Tyler’s school papers.

“Good morning, boys,” said a cheery voice. “Good morning, Mrs. Duncan,” replied a sing-song Tyler and Kevin.

As the boys made their way into the classroom, Kevin asked, “Hey, Tyler, did you study for the spelling test?”
“No, I forgot,” stuttered Dundee. Oh, this is swell. I can’t spell a thing. I can’t even hold a pencil. What’ll I do now? Tyler sat in the seat next to Kevin.

“Tyler, what are you doing?” asked Kevin. That’s Jessica’s seat. She’s gonna come in any minute and kiss you right here in front of everybody. Quick, get to your own seat.”

Dundee bolted up and looked around. But where is my seat? There were lots of seats in neat rows. Of all these seats, which one is Tyler’s? He stopped to think for a minute. Ha, he laughed. Of course. How silly of me not to think of this earlier.
The other students stopped and stared as Tyler started sniffing all the desks in the classroom. He sure looked funny with his nose pressed to the tops of the desks, the seats, and the papers. Finally, he settled on one desk, turned in a circle and sat down.

Dundee didn’t notice but all the other students and Mrs. Duncan just stared at him for a minute. Some of the kids shrugged their shoulders, some laughed. Mrs. Duncan just shook her head and smiled. Wow, this is great. I really can do this. No one will ever know I’m a dog. Dundee stifled a chuckle as he folded his hands on the desk and smiled at Mrs. Duncan.

After the Pledge of Allegiance, which Dundee managed by mouthing the words, Mrs. Duncan said, “Boys and girls, it’s time for your spelling test. Get out a sheet of paper and number from one to ten.” Dundee got out the paper and the pencil using two hands but that was as far as he got. I don’t know how to write or how to spell. Shucks, I don’t even know how to hold a pencil. He rested his chin in his hand, elbow propped up on the desk.

Mrs. Duncan noticed. “What’s the matter, Tyler?” Dundee lifted his eyes to his teacher and didn’t move. Kevin piped in. “He probably didn’t study his spelling, Mrs. Duncan.” “Well,” the teacher replied. “See how many you can spell, anyway. You might surprise yourself.”

But, Dundee didn’t even try to pick up his pencil as Mrs. Duncan called out the words. Mrs. Duncan noticed. As she picked up the students’ papers, she paused by Tyler and said, “What’s wrong today, Tyler? You seem out of sorts.” Out of sorts! You call this out of sorts? Dundee felt like howling but just shrugged his shoulders. “I had a rough night, Mrs. Duncan, with the storm and all.”

“Maybe you’ll feel better after recess,” she said with a smile and a pat on his shoulder.

Recess, what is recess? We never have recess at home. Dundee looked around to see the other students putting their things in their desks and getting up to stand in a line. He shuffled to the line and followed the other kids out to the playground. The blacktop still had some wet places from last night’s storm, but the sun was shining. Some puddles looked like they were drying up.

“Come on, Tyler. Let’s toss the ball around,” yelled Kevin. Oh, no, how do you catch a baseball? Dundee watched the players plenty of times but he never actually caught one, unless you count the foul ball he caught when it rolled from first base.
Kevin threw the ball and Dundee just watched it fly by. He thought Kevin might get suspicious if he ran after it and picked it up with his mouth.

“Wake up, Tyler,” Kevin said as he ran to get it. “How do you expect to make shortstop for the team, if you’re dreaming instead of reaching for the ball?” He picked it up and said, “Dundee would be a better player than you. Maybe you need glasses.”

Kevin’s scolding faded into the background as Dundee inhaled all the smells in the playground. From the corner of his eye, he noticed something running on the ground. Squirrel! He couldn’t resist chasing the little creature that scurried right in front of him. Although he ran as fast as he could, the squirrel ran up the big oak tree at the edge of the playground. Out of breath, he thought, So, maybe this is why humans never catch squirrels. Being a dog is lots more fun. Dundee looked up at the squirrel flicking his tail, sitting on a branch. “Oh, so you think this is funny. Lucky for you I’m on two legs today or I’d bring you as a surprise to Mrs. Duncan,” he said.

Kevin ran over to Tyler who was ignoring the bell ending recess and heard him talking. He grabbed his arm and said, “Come on, Tyler. The bell rang minutes ago. What are you doing over here at the far edge of the playground? Hurry, we’ll be late to class.”

Dundee looked over his shoulder and gave that squirrel a look that said, Wait till tomorrow. Kevin said, “What do you mean, ‘Lucky for you I’m on two legs today.’” “Oh, yeah,” Dundee replied. “I mean that squirrel sure is lucky I’m not a dog, or he’d be a goner by now.” “Dundee would have caught that squirrel for sure,” said Kevin chuckling.
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“Right,” said Dundee nodding his head. “I’m … uh, Dundee is a really smart dog.”

“Tyler, wake up,” shouted a cheerful mom from downstairs. “It’s 7:15. Hurry, or you’ll miss the bus.”
Tyler stretched and wondered how he got on top of the covers lying at the edge of the bed. And there was that darn scratch in that funny place. He rolled over to pet Dundee but saw himself still asleep under the covers. Weird. I must be dreaming. Tyler started to call Dundee, but all that came out of his mouth was, “Woof.”
The sleepy boy, still snuggled under the cover, rubbed his hand along his cheek.  He yawned and then crawled over to his best friend. He sat on his heels and cocked his head from side to side. He leaned forward to sniff and said, “Who are you?” Then with a flash of recognition, the boy licked his face.

Tyler hopped off the bed and found his nose at the same level as the bed sheets. When he got to his feet, he could barely stand up straight. In a few seconds, he fell forward and found himself staring again at the edge of the bed, looking up at himself.  What is happening? This is for sure a strange dream. How can I be in the bed and off the bed at the same time?
He ran to the bathroom and stopped short in front of the full length mirror at the end of the hallway. Turning his head one way and then the other, he stared at his reflection. He leaned closer and touched the mirror with a paw. What happened? Oh my gosh… this can’t be. His heart was beating so hard it might have burst out of his chest. He was panting and his tongue was hanging out of his mouth, like a dog. But… he was … a dog!  Overnight Tyler turned into a dog that looked just like Dundee!
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His eyes grew round as marbles he started to cry out, “Mommy, Mommy.” But the sounds came out in a big howl, “Owwww, Owwww.” Tyler looked at himself again and thought, OK, don’t panic. I’m just a boy but I look like a dog. I act like a dog. I talk like a dog. Oh, no….

“What‘s going on up there?” Mom questioned. “Hurry, son, your breakfast is getting cold.”
“Coming, Mom,” replied Dundee as he flexed his human arms and smoothed his hair back. He sniffed for the backpack in the corner and slung it over his shoulder. Softer now, he said to his master, “Tyler, wow, I get to go to school for you today. Yippee!”

Dundee, you can’t take my place at school. You won’t know what to do, woofed Tyler.
“Sure I will,” replied Dundee, who understood dogbark perfectly. “You always said I’m a smart dog. I’ll just do what the other kids do. It will be fun.”

“Tyler, I hear the bus,” said Mom. “OK, Mom. I can’t wait to go to school today,” said Dundee laughing. He covered his mouth with one hand to keep his tongue inside. “What’s up, little man?  All I heard yesterday is that you wish you could be a dog and stay home from school for a change,” Mom said.

“Today’s special,” Dundee said turning to his friend who started to whine. “Gotta go, Buddy. Be a good dog, today.” He kissed his mom, then looked long into her eyes. Dundee hurried out the door to the bus stop, running on two legs instead of his usual four. It took longer this way, especially carrying a heavy backpack.
Tyler didn’t go with him, as usual. Instead, he sat on the top of the couch near the big window and stared at the boy running toward the other students. He rested his head on a cushion and covered his snout with his paws.
Mom sat on the couch watching for the bus, just to be sure all the students got on. She patted the family dog on the head and said into his blue eyes, “What’s the matter, Dundee? You look like a sad doggie today. Tyler will be home before you know it.” She kissed his snout and said, “Come on. I’ve got a dried pig’s ear for you, your favorite. Then you need to go out.”

Oh, great, just what I want, a pig’s ear. Bleah.