Curb Runner

Trotting straight onto the sidewalk curb—balance test! The concrete ridge was pale, gritty, and raised way up above the street gutter. One paw carefully placed in front of the other, arms out for trim, tail flicking high! A giant dry oak leaf lay right across my narrow bridge like a brown sail. Step around it? No way! I picked up speed—paws tapping fast against the stone—and took a flying leap right over the crinkly stem. *Snap!* My back toes brushed the crunchy edge, sending it spinning into the gutter, and I landed square on the curb with a solid *thud*! Kept my footing, ears up, ready for the next stretch!