Short Story

Boxer Rebellion

Nancy's Notes 🖊️🎶

Written for The Unicorn Challenge where we are
asked to get creative in 250 words or less using
the photo below as inspiration. This is my story.

© Ayr/Gray

“How do, ladies and gents? I am Dougal MacTerrier, top dog at Barktower Manor for ten years now. One night his lordship, Sir Ruff Brannan saved my life; in my clan, when another saves your mangy hide, you’re beholden to them forever. I’ve had a good life here. 

Tonight’s the weekly poker game. It’s always a great night…..except for that one game that didn’t end well.

Sir Ruff, the Hounds of Baskerville and the two Boxer Brothers were having a grand time. M’lord’s sweetheart, Madam Pompadour, and her saucy poodle assistants were there to cater to everyone’s needs. They looked quite fetching; tails were sure a-wagging! 

The Boxers were in debt big time to loanshark “Pit Bull” Fergusson and planned to win back their losses that night. During the game the Boxers started passing cards to each other under the table without anyone noticing. Things were looking good for them; the hounds were growling their displeasure as the Boxers won game after game. 

Just then Madam Pompadour and her maids came in carrying silver trays of kibbles and bits. When Sir Ruff looked up from his cards, he saw reflected in the tray the Boxers passing winning cards to each other. M’lord began barking loudly and the hounds pounced on the cheating Boxers. Things did not end well for the conniving Boxer Brothers, but they did end permanently. 

Now if you’ll excuse me, our guests are arriving. Let’s hope the night goes well. It is, after all, a dog-eat-dog world!” 

“A Friend In Need”
Painting by Cassius Marcellus Coolidge

NAR©2025
250 Words

This is “Who Let The Dogs Out” by Baha Men

The Unicorn Challenge-03/01/25

All text, graphics and videos are copyright for Nancy ~ The Sicilian Storyteller, Nancy (The Sicilian Storyteller), The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk, and The Rhythm Section and are not to be used without permission. NAR©2017-present.

40 thoughts on “Boxer Rebellion”

  1. you had me at “Tonight’s the weekly poker game” despite still being above the scroll from your pitcha (“A Friend in Need’*) I started to smile.

    very fun

    *damn! still always something to learn from you people (this band of bloggers) I was not aware of the title of the famous painting. thanks!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Cool, Clark. Thanks so much!

      Exactamundo. Most peeps think it’s “The Poker Game”; too logical. The actual name is a real beaut.

      And speaking of names ….. when you have one like Cassius Marcellus Coolidge, ya just don’t ever mess with it. He was a remarkable dude, dude; look him up in your Funk & Wangalls!

      Like

      Reply

  8. Love it, Nancy.
    Sitting here grinning.
    Particular favourite is ‘M’Lord’s sweetheart, Madam Pompadour, and her saucy poodle assistants…’
    And the gangster tone of the tale too.
    Just wonderful.
    (When I hit the big 7.0., I asked my writing chums to solve some of life’s unanswered questions, one of which was: ‘Who let the Dogs Out?’)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. In my mind, Jenne, all the poodles were wearing little French maid outfits but there’s just so much ground you can cover in 250 words.
      I’m delighted you enjoyed my story; I found myself chuckling all the way through as I wrote it.

      So, did you get an answer to that great mystery?

      Wonderful comments, Jenne. Thank you!

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      Reply

      1. That’s actually how I saw the poodles too!🐩

        And yes, I got a series of hundred word stories, that divulged, among other gems, who let the dogs out, whether there was life on Mars, whether I should stay or go, and I finally found out how much that doggie in the window was.
        It was good fun.

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  11. That’s a good take on that picture. I don’t remember anyone ever writing a story about the poker dogs. My late late grandfather loved that picture and had it mounted in a nice frame that hung in his dining room for all of my young life. It showed that the old vet had a sense of humor. My grandmother hated the picture and gave it away after he passed, I wanted it, but wasn’t quick enough to grab the treasure. I like the way your imagination works.

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    Reply

    1. After my sister buried our family photos with our mother, I’ve learned not to wait for someone to die before asking for something. It’s almost worth the cost of having the body exhumed. I bet you’re kicking yourself over that painting so HERE you go. Exactly how late was your grandfather?

      Thanks, Phil. I’m also quite happy with how my imagination works.

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