Doris and the Grumpy Judge

Doris is a tale that seeks to teach children the value of kindness to animals and truth and justice.

Maggie Smith and Dave Jones arrive home to find their 9-year-old daughter, Katy, distressed.

Katy is crying and her leg is covered in blood. She claims, through sniffles and tears, that the family pet, Doris, bit her. Doris is a ‘rescued’ dog, a cross Jack Russell terrier, from a local animal sanctuary. She was abused by her former owner, Kyran Kelly, but is now Katy’s pet. Dave, a moody and obstinate man, is so angry with Doris he decides to inform the police. The legal process begins and in due course Doris is taken to the Crown Court. Doris and the family come before a curmudgeonly Grumpy Judge, Mr Justice Once, who hates people, but particularly despises all dogs. During the Trial Katy gives evidence on oath against Doris about being bitten by her. The Judge decides that Doris is a ‘dangerous’ dog and sentences her to death. Doris is locked in a prison cell and due to die the following day at Noon. Doris looks through the bars at the stars, thinking about her dead parents and prayers, while she awaits her fate. Doris has no friends and no family. All she can do is trust in justice and truth to save her. Meanwhile Katy is unable to sleep and refuses to eat. Maggie notices her restless behaviour. When she is challenged by her Mum, Katy finally admits that she lied about Doris. She admits she abused and bullied Doris when she had a temper tantrum.  Doris hopes and prays that someone somewhere will somehow find a way to rescue her again. Yet the only one who could save her is the man who hates dogs: the Grumpy Judge.

Reviews:

Children at a local school were set a competition and exercise to consider the theme of Doris. They were favourable on many levels and empathised with her plight. Many of the children, aged 10 to 13-years-old, related to their own experience of pets and zoos. The winner wrote a poem which included the stunning line that, ‘everyday we can lose a part of our soul’. It jumped off the page. It still does even now given that the writer was an 11-year-old girl.

Although the story is based on true events it almost felt like a psychological thriller…even though the courtroom drama was clearly intended for children to understand…I did enjoy the Doris character very much…

Heather R. an adult.