For more than 55 years, the SOS Caring for Community at Christmas program has ensured that local children, youth, adults, and seniors experience the joy of the holidays. The thrill of finding a gift under the tree, The happiness that comes from sharing food that has special meaning to donate to the SOS Caring for Community at Christmas program. Visit SOSD69.com or call 250-248-2093. 

The Ballad of Peter & Gracie: Peter and his dog Gracie ran through fields, so wide with dreams in their pockets and stars as their guide every day and adventure. Under the open sky in their world of stories, time just flies by.

Peter McCully: Peter and Gracie's Blackberry Adventure in Coombs. In a cozy little place called Coombs, where the air always smelled fresh. Of trees and wildflowers, there lived a bright eyed boy named Peter. Peter had a mop of curly brown hair that never seemed to stay in place and a smile that could light up even the cloudiest day.

But Peter's best friend in the whole wide world wasn't another child from his school or even one of his cousins who lived nearby. No, Peter's very best friend was his loyal dog, Gracie. Gracie was an American Eskimo dog with fur as white as freshly fallen snow and eyes that sparkled like polished black buttons.

She was fluffy and soft and when Peter hugged her, it felt like she was embracing a cloud. Gracie had been Peter's constant companion since he was just a tiny tot and the two were inseparable. Every day after school, Peter and Gracie would go on an adventure. Sometimes they'd explore the woods behind their house, listening to the chirping of birds, and trying to spot squirrels scampering up the trees.

Other times, they'd visit the babbling brook at the edge of town, dipping their toes and paws in the cool, clear water. But today was special, because it was the first day of summer vacation, and Peter had big plans. Gracie girl, Peter called out as he bounded down the stairs, taking them two at a time in his excitement.

Today's the day. We're going blackberry picking. Gracie, who had been dozing in a patch of sunlight by the front door, perked up her ears and wagged her tail. She knew that tone in Peter's voice. It meant adventure was afoot. Peter's mom, hearing the commotion, poked her head out of the kitchen. Her eyes crinkled with amusement as she watched her son frantically trying to tie his shoelaces while petting Gracie.

Hold on there speedy, she laughed. Don't forget your basket and your water bottle. And Peter, she added, her voice taking on a more serious tone. Remember to stay on our property, okay? Don't go wandering off into Mr. Johnson's field. I won't, Mom. Promise. Peter called back, already halfway out the door, with Gracie hot on his heels.

The summer sun was high in the sky, casting a golden glow over the lush green landscape of Coombs. As Peter and Gracie made their way down the winding dirt path that led to the blackberry bushes, they couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and wonder. The path was lined with tall grass and wild flowers in every color imaginable.

Peter spotted sunny yellow buttercups and delicate white daisies dancing in the gentle breeze. Gracie trotted along beside him, her nose twitching, as she caught the scents of rabbits and field mice. that had scurried by earlier. As they walked, Peter chattered away to Gracie, telling her all about his plans for the summer.

We're going to have so much fun, girl. We'll go swimming in the lake, and maybe Dad will take us camping. And, oh, maybe we can build a treehouse. Gracie listened at her tail wagging in agreement. To her, the sound of Peter's voice was the most wonderful thing in the world, even if she didn't understand all the words.

Finally, they reached the blackberry bushes. The bushes were so laden with ripe berries that they looked like they might topple over at any moment. The berries glistened in the sunlight, each one a perfect little jewel of deep purple black. Wow, Gracie, look at all those berries, Peter exclaimed, his eyes wide with amazement.

He had never seen so many blackberries in one place before. We're going to make the biggest, yummiest blackberry pie ever. Peter sat down at his basket and got to work, carefully plucking the ripest berries and dropping them into the basket. Gracie sat nearby, keeping a watchful eye on her boy, and occasionally sniffing at a low hanging berry.

As Peter worked his way along the bushes, he hummed a little tune his grandmother had taught him. Blackberry, blackberry, sweet and round, growing in bushes close to the ground. Pick them gently, one by one. Baking pies is so much fun! The sun climbed higher in the sky, and Peter's basket grew heavier with each passing moment.

His fingers were stained purple, and he had more than a few scratches from the thorny bushes, but he didn't mind one bit. This was what summer was all about. Being outside, having adventures with Gracie, and bringing home treasures from nature. Just as Peter was about to call it a day and head home with his bounty, Gracie's ears suddenly pricked up.

She let out a soft woof and turned her head towards a dense patch of bushes a little way off the path. What is it girl? Peter asked, curious about what had caught Gracie's attention. Gracie woofed again, a bit louder this time, and took a few steps towards the bushes. Peter, always ready for a new adventure, decided to investigate.

He sat down his basket of blackberries and followed Gracie, pushing aside some branches to peer into the shadows beneath the bushes. What he saw made his heart skip a beat. There, nestled in the shadows of the blackberry bush, was a tiny ball of fluff. As Peter's eyes adjusted to the dim light, he realized it was a kitten, the smallest, most adorable kitten he had ever seen.

Its fur was a patchwork of orange, black, and white, and its eyes, wide with fear, We're a brilliant shade of green. Oh my goodness, Peter whispered. His voice soft as not to scare the little creature. Gracie, look. It's a kitten. Gracie, ever curious, tried to stick her nose into the bush for a closer look, but Peter gently held her back.

Easy, girl. We don't want to frighten it. The kitten let out a tiny, pitiful mew that tugged at Peter's heartstrings. It was clear this little one was lost and scared. It's okay, little kitty, Peter cooed, slowly reaching his hand towards the kitten. We won't hurt you. Are you lost? The kitten shrank back at first, but as Peter continued to speak in a soft, soothing tone, it seemed to realize that he meant no harm.

After a few moments, the tiny little kitty took a hesitant step towards Peter's outstretched hand. That's it, Peter encouraged. You're safe now. Finally, the kitten was close enough to Peter to gently scoop it up. He cradled the small, trembling kitten against his chest, feeling its rapid heartbeat. Wow, Gracie, Peter said, his voice filled with wonder.

Look at how tiny it is. I wonder where it came from. Gracie sniffed at the kitten, her tail wagging slowly. To Peter's relief and amazement, she didn't bark or act aggressively towards the little newcomer. Good girl, Gracie. Peter said, patting her head with his free hand, You're such a good dog. Peter knew he couldn't leave the kitten here all alone.

It was too small to fend for itself, and who knew how long it had been since it had eaten, or had something to drink. With his mind made up, he carefully tucked the kitten into the front pocket of his overalls, where it curled up, seeming to appreciate the warmth and safety. Come on, Gracie, Peter said, picking up his basket of blackberries.

We need to get this little one home and figure out what to do. As they made their way back down the path, Peter's mind raced with questions. Where had the kitten come from? Did it belong to someone? And most importantly, what would his parents say when he brought home not just a basket of blackberries, but a tiny kitten as well?

The walk home seemed to take forever. To be continued Even though Peter knew it was the same distance they had traveled earlier. Every few steps he would peek into his pocket to make sure the kitten was okay. Each time he was met with those big green eyes staring back at him, and he couldn't help but smile.

Don't worry little one, he whispered, we'll take care of you. As they approached their house, Peter saw his mom working in the garden. She looked up as they got closer, a smile spreading across her face. Well, well, she called out. Looks like my berry pickers are back. Did you have a successful trip? Peter nodded enthusiastically.

We sure did, Mom, but, um, we also found something else. His mom's eyebrows raised in curiosity. Oh? And what might that be? Taking a deep breath, Peter reached into his pocket and gently pulled out the kit, holding it up for his mom to see. His mom's eyes widened in surprise. Oh my goodness, Peter, where did you find this little one?

Peter quickly explained about their discovery in the blackberry bushes. As he talked, his mom's expression softened, and she reached out to gently stroke the kitten's head. The poor little thing, she said, it's much too young to be on its own. Can we keep it, mom? Peter asked. Please? His mom gave him a gentle smile.

Well, sweetie, we just can't keep it without trying to find its owner first. Someone might be missing this little kitty very much. Peter's face fell a little, but he knew his mom was right. If Gracie ever got lost, he would want someone to try and find him, too. Tell you what, his mom continued, seeing his disappointment.

Let's get this little one inside, give it some food and water, and then we can make some flyers to post around. If no one claims the kitten after a while, then we can discuss keeping it. How does that sound? Peter's face lit up. That sounds great, mom. Thank you. As they headed inside, Peter couldn't help but feel excited.

Even if they couldn't keep the kitten forever, He would get to take care of it for a little while. And who knew? Maybe this was the start of a whole new adventure. Once inside, Peter's mom quickly set up a cozy box with a soft towel for the kitten. She warmed up some milk and showed Peter how to feed the tiny creature using a dropper.

The kitten, who was clearly hungry, lapped up the milk eagerly. What should we call it, Peter asked as he watched the kitten eat. His mom laughed. Well, we shouldn't probably name it if we're trying to find its owner, but I suppose we could give it a temporary name. Peter thought hard for a moment and then grinned.

How about D. C. for Discovered Cat? His mom laughed. D. C. it is then. Let's get started on those flyers. For the rest of the afternoon, Peter, his mom, and even Gracie, who refused to leave the kitten's side, worked on making flyers. They took a picture of DC, wrote a description, and added their contact information.

Peter even drew a little paw print around the edge of the flyer to make them extra noticeable. As the sun began to set, Peter's dad came home from work. He was surprised to find his family gathered around a box with a tiny kitten. But after hearing the story He quickly joined in the excitement. Well buddy, he said, ruffling Peter's hair, looks like you and Gracie had quite the adventure today.

Tomorrow, we'll go around and put up these flyers. Who knows, maybe we'll solve the mystery of where DC came from. That night, as Peter lay in bed with Gracie curled up at his feet, he couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. He was happy they had found D. C. and could help the little kitten. But a part of him also hoped that maybe, just maybe, they wouldn't find the owner and could keep D.

C. forever. As he drifted off to sleep, Peter dreamed of adventures with Gracie and their new feline friend, wondering what tomorrow would bring. The next morning, Peter woke up earlier than usual, excitement bubbling in his chest. Today was the day they would put up the flyers and try to find D. C. 's owners.

As much of a part of him hoped that they wouldn't succeed, he knew it was the right thing to do. After a quick breakfast, Peter, his dad, and Gracie set out with a stack of flyers and a roll of tape. In the small community of Coombs, everyone knew each other, and as they walked down the streets, they were greeted by friendly faces and curious looks.

What have you got there, Peter? called Mrs. Thompson. Peter proudly held up one of the flyers. We found a kitten yesterday, Mrs. Thompson. We're trying to find its owner. Mrs. Thompson's eyes softened. Oh, bless your heart. That's very responsible of you, young man. I'll keep an eye out and let you know if I hear of anything.

As they continued their walk, Peter and his dad taped flyers to lampposts, shop windows, and community bulletin boards. Gracie trotted along beside them, occasionally pausing to accept pets from passerbys who couldn't resist her fluffy charm. They had just finished putting up a flyer outside the gas station when they heard a small voice behind them.

Excuse me, is that my Mittens? Peter turned around to see a girl about his age, her brown hair and two braids, pointing at the flyer with wide eyes. Her lower lip trembled slightly as she stared at the picture of D. C. Peter's dad knelt down to the girl's level. Hi there, is Mittens your kitten? Boop! The girl nodded.

Yes sir, she got out two days ago and I've been looking everywhere for her. Is she okay? Peter felt a mix of emotions. He was happy they had found DC's, or rather, Mitten's owner. But he felt a twinge of sadness at the thought of saying goodbye to the little kitten. She's fine, Peter assured the girl, managing a smile.

We've been taking care of her. The girl's face lit up with relief and joy. She's okay. Oh, thank you. Thank you so much. Can I come see her? Peter's dad smiled warmly. Of course you can. Why don't you run home and ask your parents if it's okay? We live over there in the blue house. You can come over anytime today.

The girl nodded eagerly. I will, thank you. She turned to leave but then paused and looked back. Oh, by the way, I'm Barbara, but everybody calls me Barb. Nice to meet you, Barb, Peter's dad said. I'm Mr. Andrews and this is my son, Peter, and our dog, Gracie. Barb smiled at them all, with eyes lingering on Gracie for a moment.

Hi, Peter. Hi, Gracie. I'll see you soon. With that, she turned and ran off, presumably to tell her parents the good news. As they walked home, Peter was unusually quiet. His dad noticed and gave him a gentle pat on the shoulder. You okay, buddy? Peter nodded slowly. Yeah, I'm glad we found Mitten's owner. Barb looked so happy.

I guess I'll miss the kitten. His dad smiled understandingly. I know, son. It's hard to say goodbye sometimes, even when we know it's the right thing to do. But think about how happy you've made Barb by finding her pet. That's a pretty amazing thing you did. Peter thought about this and felt a warm glow of pride.

Yep, you're right, Dad. I'm glad we could help. When they got home, Peter went straight to check on DC, or Mittens, as he now knew she was called. The kitten was curled up in her box, but perked up when she saw Peter letting out a tiny mew. Hey there, Mittens, Peter said softly, gently scratching her behind the ears.

Guess what? We found your family. You're going to be going home soon. As if she understood, mittens purred and rubbed against Peter's hand. A couple of hours later, the doorbell rang. Peter's mom answered it to find Barb and her parents standing on the porch. Hi there, Barb's mom said with a warm smile.

We're here about the kitten. I'm Susan, this is my husband Tom, and you've already met our daughter Barb. Peter's mom welcomed them in, calling out, Peter, honey. Barb and her parents are here. Peter came to the living room, carrying mittens carefully in his arms. The moment Barb saw her kitten, her face lit up like a Christmas tree.

Mittens, she cried. Peter gently handed the kitten over to Barb, who hugged her close. Tears of joys in her eye. Oh, I missed you so much. Don't ever run away again, okay? As the adults talked, exchanging the story of Peter and Gracie and how they had found mittens, Peter watched Barb with her kitten. He felt a mixture of happiness at seeing their reunion and a little sadness at saying goodbye.

But mostly he felt proud that he had been able to help. Barb looked up at Peter, her eyes shining. Thank you so much for finding mittens and taking care of her. You're like family to me. Like a hero. Peter blushed a little. I'm just glad we could help. Gracie actually found her first, he added, giving his faithful dog a pat.

Barb's eyes widened as she noses Gracie for the first time. What a beautiful dog. Can I pet her? Peter nodded, and Gracie, always friendly, wagged her tail as Barb stroked her soft fur. You know, Barb said, I don't have many friends here yet. We just moved to Coombs. Would you maybe want to be friends? Peter grinned, feeling a surge of excitement.

I'd like that. Maybe you could come over sometime so we could play with Gracie, and I could visit you in Mittens. Barb nodded. That sounds great. As Barb and her parents prepared to leave with Mittens, Peter felt a sense of contentment come over him. What had started as a simple blackberry picking adventure had turned into something much more.

He had helped reunite a lost pet with its owner and made a new friend in the process. That night, as Peter got ready for bed, he gave Gracie an extra big hug. You're the best dog ever, Gracie, he said. Thanks for helping me find mittens and make a new friend. Gracie responded with a gentle lick to his cheek, her tail wagging happily.

As Peter drifted off to sleep, he couldn't help but wonder what other adventures awaited him and Gracie in the days to come. With a new friend in Barb and the whole summer stretched out before them, he was sure it was going to be the best summer ever. And so, as the moon rose over Coombs, casting a soft glow through Peter's window, another day of childhood adventure came to an end.

But in the world of a young boy and his faithful dog, every new day brought the promise of excitement, friendship, and joy. And the simple joys of growing up in a small town, where even the smallest act of kindness could lead to the biggest adventures. 

Ballad of Peter & Gracie: Peter and Gracie, the finest of friends, with tales of wonder that never ends. In the pages of books, or stars up above, they find their magic in laughter and love.

SOS: For more than 55 years, the SOS Caring for Community at Christmas program has ensured that local children, youth, adults, and seniors experience the joy of the holidays. The thrill of finding a gift under the tree. The happiness that comes from sharing food that has special meaning. To donate to the SOS Caring for Community at Christmas program, visit SOSD69.com or call 250-248-2093.