The Beaverbrook Christmas Tree Farm had been in DW Kasto’s family for generations. They were builders during the warm months and ran the farm up until it was time to settle in for the winter. They prided themselves on having the best selection of trees in all of Cheeseland. The day after Thanksgiving was always their busiest day with everyone hoping to get the perfect tree. DW and his sons Calvin and Elbert ran the tree operation. His wife, Doreen and the other ladies ran the shop and bakery. The smells of pine and cinnamon were everywhere.

This year was no different. Early in the morning, the lot was already full of families looking at this year’s trees. It was a cold, sunny day. Perfect for tree shopping.

Katia Kali: Ooh Mama! Look at all of the trees. How many do you think there are?

Mama Kali: I don’t know sweetie. (She was looking at the price tags. It was cheaper to buy one of the pre-cut trees. But that wasn’t as much fun as showing the beavers which tree they had selected.)

Katia Kali: Look at the pretty ones over here. Can we get one of these?

The Kastos had tipped some of the trees in silver or gold. They were in a separate display. It was all rather overwhelming for a small cat.

Mama Kali: Are you sure you don’t want to go out and look for one the beavers can cut for us?

Katia Kali: No, I want this one. I’m already cold.

Mama Kali: Okay. I’ll take the tag to the counter so we can pay.

The payment counter was inside the shop. The shop was filled with ornaments and other Christmas decorations. There was also steamed cream, flavored waters, and all types of baked goods.

Katia Kali: Mama, can I get an ornament? Or a catnip cookie? Or a wreath?

Before Mama Kali had a chance to answer, a very large, very angry Forest Cat ran in. It was chasing a frightened dog of uncertain lineage..

Forest Cat: Who’s in charge here?

Doreen Kasto: I’m the owner. What seems to be the problem?

Forest Cat: I brought my two little daughters to pick out a tree. We were looking at one tree, and this animal came up and “marked it,” if you know what I mean. It was disgusting. Do you really allow that type of behavior.

Dog: My name is Maurice, and I am a waiter at a fine dining establishment. I am not an “animal”.

Forest Cat: Fine, Maurice. You relieved yourself in front of my little girls, right on the tree we were looking at.

Maurice: That is why I felt the need to stake my claim I was also interested in that tree.

Doreen noticed that a crowd was growing, and she really didn’t know what to do. She called DW and asked him to come inside.At the same time, a very agitated rabbit spoke up.

Rabbit: I know you. You’re the same dog that marked my tree. I can’t take it home smelling of dog.

Maurice: You act like that’s a bad thing. I’ll have you know that I am a very clean dog.

DW Kasto: What’s going on here?

Doreen Kasto: It seems that this dog has been marking trees.

Maurice: How else will I remember which tree to have cut down?

DW Kasto: That sounds reasonable.

Stella Squirrel: How many trees were you planning to buy? I saw you marking at least four.

Maurice: I was having trouble making up my mind. i didn’t want to lose track of the ones I was considering.

Forest Cat: Ugh. No one else is going to want a tree that smells of you. And you think it’s reasonable, DW?

DW Kastro: I didn’t realize he’s done it more than once. That is unacceptable. I’m afraid you’ll need to leave Maurice.

Maurice: What about my tree? I should be able to get my tree. No one told me I couldn’t mark more than one tree. It’s not posted anywhere.

DW Kasto: You need to leave. Now.

Maurice: This is an outrage. I’m going to tell everyone how unfairly I was treated. I have over 1,500 followers on AnimalWire. You’ll regret this.

DW Kasto: My apologies to everyone. Please enjoy your trip to Beaverbrook.

Mama Kali: Let’s pay for the tree and get out of here Katia. We can make cookies when we get home.

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