A Twisty Surprise - by Max Sweet

Max Sweet
Nov 22, 2025
3 min read

Updated: Nov 22, 2025

My Alaska Adventure Trip (Day 4): We woke up bright and early the next day. After Mom and I took one last stroll around my aunt's neighborhood, we hopped into Graycie-van and settled in. Dad got comfy in his spot behind the wheel, and soon Graycie-van was purring along in her usual way that makes everything outside whiz by us. We were set for a long ride, and I took plenty of naps while Graycie kept on purring. I spotted mesquite trees, big hills, and tons of some gigantic things spinning in the wind. Mom called them "solar windmills" and added that they create "electricity," which is what Dad says keeps our home nice and comfortable in every season.

I was absolutely thrilled because we were finally on our way to Alaska! (Little did I know just how far away it really was.) Despite all my long naps and a couple of potty breaks while walking Mom on her leash, when Graycie-van finally came to a stop, I realized we were still in Texas, not Alaska. I was confused at first, but then I saw we were at my human sister's house! I'd been here before when I was a younger pup.

I know I said I'm an only child, but that's just when I am at home. I actually have an older human sister and brother who moved out here before I came along. My human sister has a mate of her own and two pups who Mom and Dad call “the Grands”. I love visiting them because the Grands are awesome to play with. They take me on the best walks, run superfast with me, and even roll around on the floor, playing with my toys. I especially love when my girl Grand lets me give her all the hugs and kisses I want.

Even though I love visiting, my sister's dog, Oaklee, isn't a fan of me yet. But, my sister tells me he doesn’t really like any other dogs either so I don’t take it to heart. I met Oaklee when I was a younger pup and I have to admit that I got a bit excited. Other dogs didn't always appreciate my enthusiastic greetings and repeated leaps into their faces. Mom, Dad, and my trainer are helping me get better at meeting other dogs, but I still get a little too excited sometimes. Since I had scared Oaklee last time, both people packs decided to keep us apart. That was fine by me, as I still get to sleep with Mom and Dad in Graycie-van at night and play with the Grands during the day. Any day I am there is a fun day!

My brother was visiting and we had all been having a wonderful time until the big booms and loud noises started. I was napping on my bed when Dad came and rushed me out of Graycie-van to quickly carry me through some dark rain into my sister’s house den where we stayed in the human potty room for a long time listening to the booms and watching flashes of light.

Who is throwing rocks at us?

It sounded like rocks were hitting the roof and windows. Everyone was talking about a scary thing called a "tornado" passing over but not touching down. I still don't understand what a tornado is or why they are so scary, but because they all seemed really happy, that made me happy too.