Annie Oakley Learns to Listen

Annie Oakley, the Little Black Labrador, learns to listen to others so that everyone can have fun.

Annie Oakley The Little Black Labrador Learns to Listen

Kate Triebe

Annie Oakley, The Little Black Labrador, Learns to LISTEN

DEDICATION

For Annie Oakley, the spirited Labrador hailing from the verdant landscapes of Tasmania, born into a world eager for her boundless joy. With each step across the sunbathed earth of Australia, you weave a tapestry of adventures, a living testament to the beauty of embracing life's journey with an unbridled heart. May your paths be ever filled with discoveries, your moments brimming with lessons learned under the vast, azure skies. This book is dedicated to you, Annie, a soul unconfined, whose zest for life inspires us to explore, love, and grow with the fearless grace of a dog who knows no bounds. Here's to the roads travelled and the stories yet to unfold under the Southern stars.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

In the creation of this book, a heartfelt tale of Annie Oakley, the Little Black Labrador, and her myriad of adventures, I have been blessed with a constellation of support, inspiration, and camaraderie. It is with profound gratitude that I extend my thanks to all who have been a part of this journey. Firstly, to Annie herself, whose boundless energy, insatiable curiosity, and unconditional love have been the lifeblood of these stories. Your spirit and zest for life have not only filled these pages but have also enriched our lives immeasurably. To the myriad of friends, both human and animal, who have accompanied Annie on her adventures across the diverse landscapes of Australia—each of you has contributed a unique thread to the rich tapestry of her story. Your companionship, challenges, and shared moments of joy have been instrumental in shaping the narrative of a little black Labrador learning about the world. I am especially thankful to the pet owners, dog walkers, and animal lovers who have shared their tales and encounters with Annie. Your anecdotes and observations have been invaluable, providing depth and authenticity to the world through which Annie trots, sniffs, and bounds. To the veterinarians, and animal caregivers who have ensured Annie's wellbeing on her travels, your dedication to the health and happiness of animals shines brightly as a beacon of hope and love. Your expertise has not only kept Annie safe but has also taught us the importance of responsibility, care, and respect for all living beings. A special note of appreciation goes to the artists and illustrators whose talents have brought Annie's adventures to vivid life. Your ability to capture the essence of joy, curiosity, and friendship in your art has made this book a visual feast for readers of all ages. To my family and friends, who have supported this endeavour with patience, encouragement, and endless cups of tea—your belief in this project has been a source of strength and motivation. Your feedback, laughter, and shared excitement have been the wind beneath Annie's wings. And finally, to the readers, both young and old, who have opened their hearts to Annie Oakley, the Little Black Labrador. May her stories inspire you to explore, to cherish friendships, and to always approach life with a wagging tail and an eager heart.

Thank you, one and all, for being part of this remarkable journey.

Once upon a time, in a cozy little town nestled between green hills and clear blue skies, there lived a playful little black Labrador named Annie Oakley.

Annie Oakley, The Little Black Labrador, Learns to LISTEN

Annie was known for her boundless energy and her shiny black coat that glistened in the sun. But most of all, Annie was known for her adventurous spirit.

Annie Oakley, The Little Black Labrador, Learns to LISTEN

One sunny morning, Annie woke up with a wag in her tail, eager to explore and make new friends.

Annie Oakley, The Little Black Labrador, Learns to LISTEN

Her owner, a kind-hearted girl named Lucy, decided to take Annie to the park, a place filled with wonders and the promise of new adventures.

Annie Oakley, The Little Black Labrador, Learns to LISTEN

As they arrived, the park was buzzing with the sounds of laughter and the cheerful barks of other dogs.

Annie Oakley, The Little Black Labrador, Learns to LISTEN

Annie's eyes sparkled with excitement. She tugged at her leash, signalling to Lucy that she was ready to dive into this new world headfirst.

Annie Oakley, The Little Black Labrador, Learns to LISTEN

Lucy unclipped Annie's leash, and with a gentle pat, she said, "Go on, Annie. Have fun but remember to listen to what others are saying!"

Annie Oakley, The Little Black Labrador, Learns to LISTEN

Annie, however, was too excited to pay much heed to Lucy's words. She dashed off, her ears flapping in the wind, eager to play and explore.

Annie Oakley, The Little Black Labrador, Learns to LISTEN

Annie first met a friendly golden retriever named Max. Max was trying to tell Annie about a game he wanted to play, but Annie, in her excitement, misunderstood his barks.

Annie Oakley, The Little Black Labrador, Learns to LISTEN

Instead of playing together, Annie ended up chasing Max around the park, thinking that was the game. Max wasn't too pleased, and Annie couldn't understand why.

Annie Oakley, The Little Black Labrador, Learns to LISTEN

Feeling a bit puzzled, Annie then encountered a group of pigeons pecking at the ground. She ran towards them, barking joyfully, hoping to make friends.

Annie Oakley, The Little Black Labrador, Learns to LISTEN

But the pigeons, startled, flew away in a hurry. Annie tilted her head, confused. "Why doesn't anyone want to play?" she wondered.

Annie Oakley, The Little Black Labrador, Learns to LISTEN

As the sun began to dip lower in the sky, painting the clouds with shades of orange and pink, Annie sat down, feeling a bit lonely.

Annie Oakley, The Little Black Labrador, Learns to LISTEN

That's when Lucy found her, sitting by herself. "What's wrong, Annie?" Lucy asked, sitting beside her.

Annie Oakley, The Little Black Labrador, Learns to LISTEN

Annie looked up at Lucy with big, questioning eyes. It was then that Lucy realized Annie's day of misunderstandings.

Annie Oakley, The Little Black Labrador, Learns to LISTEN

Gently, Lucy explained to Annie that listening is not just about hearing sounds; it's about understanding what others are trying to communicate.

Annie Oakley, The Little Black Labrador, Learns to LISTEN

"Everyone has their own way of speaking and playing, Annie. If you listen carefully, you can understand what they're saying and how they're feeling," Lucy said, stroking Annie's soft head.

Annie Oakley, The Little Black Labrador, Learns to LISTEN

Annie, with her smart little mind, took Lucy's words to heart. She realised that if she had listened carefully to Max and the pigeons, she might have made new friends and had even more fun.

Annie Oakley, The Little Black Labrador, Learns to LISTEN

The next day, Annie returned to the park, this time with a new resolve to listen and understand.

Annie Oakley, The Little Black Labrador, Learns to LISTEN

When she met Max again, she paid close attention to his barks and tail wags. Together, they played a game of fetch that left them both panting and happy.

Annie Oakley, The Little Black Labrador, Learns to LISTEN

Annie also approached the pigeons more gently, sitting quietly and listening to the soft cooing sounds they made.

Annie Oakley, The Little Black Labrador, Learns to LISTEN

To her delight, they didn't fly away this time. Instead, they pecked around her, accepting her presence.

Annie Oakley, The Little Black Labrador, Learns to LISTEN

From that day on, Annie Oakley became known not just for her shiny black coat or her boundless energy, but for her ability to listen and understand.

Annie Oakley, The Little Black Labrador, Learns to LISTEN

The park became a place of endless adventures and friendships, all because Annie learned the importance of listening carefully to others.

Annie Oakley, The Little Black Labrador, Learns to LISTEN

And as for Lucy, she couldn't be prouder of her little black Labrador, Annie Oakley, who taught everyone in the park a valuable lesson in understanding and friendship.

Annie Oakley, The Little Black Labrador, Learns to LISTEN

Miss Annie Oakley

Annie Oakley, The Little Black Labrador, Learns to LISTEN

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kate Triebe, a Tasmania-based author, combines her love for storytelling with her passion for nurturing positive values in young minds. Residing in the serene landscapes of Tasmania with her partner, John, and their beloved dogs, Annie Oakley and Diamond, Kate draws inspiration from the tranquillity and the natural beauty surrounding her. Her commitment to fostering good manners, positive behaviours, and fun in the lives of young children has been the driving force behind her engaging and educational books. A seasoned traveller, Kate has ventured extensively through the Australian Outback, experiences that have enriched her narratives with adventures and settings that captivate the imagination of her young readers. These journeys across Australia's heartland have not only deepened her connection with the country's vast landscapes but have also infused her stories with the spirit of exploration and discovery. Kate's work reflects her profound belief in the power of storytelling to inspire kindness, empathy, and a sense of adventure in young hearts. Through her books, she aims to transport children to worlds where positive behaviours and good manners are celebrated, hoping to lay the foundation for a generation that values respect, understanding, and love for the great outdoors.

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