One day, Katy decided she was gonna go to the new, boutique pet store for her three puppies: Josie, Sarah, and Sofia. Sarah and Sofia were identical twin puppies. They were both Chihuahuas and had their own strong opinions. They liked to bark over everyone else in the house and they did not enjoy new people in their house. Josie was a chocolate Lab who loved to have fun. Josie, on the other hand, loved making new friends and having friends over for playdates. Katy went up to each puppy and asked, "What special toy can I bring home for you?" Sarah and Sofia immediately ran to their toy box and pulled everything out, meaning they wanted all new toys! Katy went over to Josie, who was minding her own business, and asked her the same question. Josie responded by squeezing on her favorite ball three times, "squeak, squeak, squeak" and Katy took this as she wanted three new squeaky balls.

So off Katy went across town to the newest and fanciest pet store. She had been waiting for this store to open for months! She loved being able to spoil her puppies because she knew not all dogs got the same treatment. When Katy swung open the door, she was instantly overwhelmed by the size of the store and the massive quantity of toys they had. She had no idea how she was ever going to decide what to get. As she was walking around, Katy started getting that feeling that every pet owner knows. She wanted another dog!! She shook this feeling off and picked up all the toys for Sarah and Sofia.

She didn't realize until she was on her way home that she had forgotten Josie's toys. At that moment, Katy walked by the local dog park where she saw a big tub of squeaky balls, just like Josie wanted. Katy decided she would take three of these toys and then replace them when she had a chance. As she bent down to grab them, a large Golden Retriever came running up to her out of nowhere. Katy was caught off guard by the sudden appearance of such a large dog and Katy looked around to see who the mysterious dog belonged to. But, she didn't see anyone. Katy slowly crouched down so she could be eye level with the mystery pup. This would help her seem less threatening that way. She slowly reached for his collar and read his name, Bailey. When Katy said his name out loud, Bailey got a weird look on his face, nervously wagged his tail, and backed away. Katy thought Bailey looked like he was scared. Katy grabbed the three squeaky balls she needed and decided to head home.

On her walk home, Katy couldn't get Bailey out of her head. Why was he there alone? Did he belong to anyone? When was the last time that good boy played fetch? Did he need a family?

As soon as Katy walked into the door, Sarah and Sofia were at her feet barking and jumping to get their new toys. Katy quickly dumped all their new toys in their basket and the two had fit fighting over them. Josie held back, waiting her turn for her new squeaky toys. Katy noticed Josie waiting for her turn and had an idea. She walked over to Josie, gave her the new toys, and said, "Josie, I think there is someone who needs a friend and you're the perfect fit!" Katy put Josie on a leash and headed out the door towards the dog park.

Walking up to the park, Katy didn't see the mysterious Bailey. When they got to the gate and opened it, he came running towards them from a doghouse in the back. For a moment, the two dogs looked at each other and then slowly started to sniff one another. At first, Josie was a little nervous, but she soon realized that Bailey was lonely and hadn't been played with for a while. Katy picked up one of the balls and threw it across the park. The two energetic dogs immediately took off after it. When they came back, Josie had the ball but Bailey was still wagging his tail, like he was so happy to finally have a friend.

After a few more trips to the park that week, Katy realized that Josie and Bailey were best friends, and Bailey needed them. Katy made a trip to the new pet store again. She picked out a new bed and food bowls for Bailey. She also bought three more squeaky balls plus all sorts of toys just for him. On her way home she stopped at the park, called for Bailey, and put a leash on him. The two happily walked down the street to Katy's home.

Bailey and Josie are now best friends, who love to play in Katy's backyard. There's a big dog house she bought just for them and an endless amount of squeaky balls.

Author's Note:

I chose the fairy tale to retell. I wanted to tell this story again but a little more lighthearted and honest. Mary seemed like an honest person and even though she didn't get what she asked for, she rolled with it and ended up getting the happiest ending. The first two sisters who asked for everything reminded me of a needy dog that demanded attention. Mary reminded me of a patient, kind, and quiet person which is why I chose her to be a Lab. Katy, the mom, wanted to make all of her daughters happy. She knew the two were being unreasonable but again, she rolled with it. I turned the castle and rose garden into a dog park and a tub of toys. I wanted Bailey to appear to be lonely and sad, similar to what the basilisk was probably feeling in the castle all alone. The original story ended with Mary and the basilisk getting married and having a wedding. But I decided I wanted to spin the ending to the dogs being best friends living in a dog house together. The picture of "Bailey" is actually my sister's 8 month old puppy, Yadi (named after St. Louis Cardinals, if you're a MLB fan). The picture of Josie (that's her real name) is my roommate's 2 year old puppy.

Bibliography:

"The Three Roses" from The Key of Gold by Josef Baudis (1922). Web Source