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More from Sketch_Dalmatian
First off, I really wanted to thank Wolfn85 for once again, giving me the chance to write a story for him. This story, as I wrote it, became more of a story than what a tickle story usually is. I really put my heart into this story. I hope you guys can tell and I hope you guys enjoy it. <:3
____________________________________________________________________
A Good Laugh
By Angel Blanco
Inspired by an idea and characters by Brandon Kosinski
Roxie Von Drake was really nervous about her newly appointed psychiatric appointment. She even thought about cancelling it at least twice already. It was embarrassing enough that she almost had a nervous breakdown in front of all her friends because one of them asked her to go with them to the beach. And now she’s expected to spill her guts out to a total stranger! But she heard nothing but good reports and testimonials from her psychiatrist’s former patients. And so…Roxie decided to give her a try.
*****************
Roxie signed in with Dr. Stone’s secretary and sat down in the waiting room. Around her was a big potted palm in the corner and some beautiful scenery paintings. There was also an aquarium near the secretary’s desk with a variety of exotic fish, with plastic seaweed, colorful gravel and even a bubble blowing treasure chest at the bottom. Roxie smiled and giggled a little as it reminded her of her old gold fish tank when she was a child.
I front her was a coffee table with a few old magazines of Teen Fur and Foxy Lady. As she moved some of the magazines to see which one she wanted to read while she waited, she found one that caught her eye. It was a month old edition of Psychologists Monthly with a picture her psychiatrist’s face in the front, smiling and holding a feather. The caption read “Why Laughter Heals.” Roxie was a little puzzled and turned to the page where her Doctor’s article was written. Inside was a big picture of her Doctor…in a clown suit! Floppy shoes, rainbow tie and even a big red nose to boot!
“Oh boy!” thought Roxie “You really picked a good one this time! This Doctor looks like a complete quack!”
Roxie read the title of the report. “Why Laughter Is The Best Medicine: By Dr. Christina Stone” But before she could read anymore, she heard something weird. Something like giggling and laughter. Roxie thought was going crazy!
“Great! Now I’m hearing voices. Well, laughter anyway. That’s all I needed!”
As it so happened, the laughter was coming from Dr. Stone’s office. It then stopped, then started again, a little more hardy this time.
“Yep…you reeeally picked a crackpot, Roxie Von Drake!” said Roxie, rolling up the magazine and bopping it on her head a few times. Although, Roxie pondered this, as the laughter sounded more like it was coming from a man than a woman.
Then suddenly, the laughter stopped. Roxie held her breath as she pressed the magazine to her chest, not knowing what was going to happen next. Suddenly, the door slammed open, causing Roxie to scream a little as out came a twenty-something year old kangaroo with a great big smile on his face!
“Hehaha..Oh dear! Ha! I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to frighten you. “ said the kangaroo.
Roxie was so embarrassed; she couldn’t help but get all shaky and slightly teary eyed. The kangaroo, just smiling, put his hands on Roxie’s cheeks, patting them lightly. Roxie was beyond weirded out!
“Aww! Cheer up!” said the kangaroo, just before he started to snicker then start laughing all over again! He started holding his sides as he left the office.
“Yep! That’s definitely a sign that I should cancel!” said Roxi to herself. But just as she was about to get up from her chair, the secretary’s buzzer rang, making Roxie jump once again!
“Eep!” yipped Roxie as she jumped on top of her chair
“Ms. Von Drake. Dr. Stone will see you now.” said the secretary, slightly perplexed seeing Roxie crouching on top of the waiting chair.
“Oh! Oh dear! Um…thank you.” Roxie said nervously. She was nearly a shade of beet red as she covered the face with the magazine and rushed into the Doctor’s office, slamming the door behind her. The secretary couldn’t help but giggle to herself.
******************
Roxie took shallow breaths as she stood at the Doctor’s doorway inside her office. Dr. Stone’s
Office room was very lovely. Almost Victorian Era in a sense, with gorgeous drapes, desk and couch. A few statues and busts here and there, and a cornucopia of books, just as you would expect to see in a Physiatrist’s office. There were also a few potted plants too. One of them was being watered by the Doctor herself.
“Ah! Ms. Von Drake! Come in come in! “said Dr. Stone as she put down her watering can and went to shake Roxie’s hand. “I’m so happy to meet you! Please, sit down.”
Roxie came and sat down on the Doctor’s couch. She couldn’t help but meddle around with her coat, still breathing quick nervous breaths. Roxie looked near the floor of Dr. Stone’s desk, and saw a box of clown costume accessories. This made her breathing a little more frantic.
“Oh, Ms. Von Drake” said Dr. Stone in a calming voice “There’s nothing to be afraid of here. Just relax.” Dr. Stone gently patted Roxie’s shoulders, calming Roxie down to a normal breathing range. Dr. Stone took out a pen and notepad, put on her glasses and sat on a chair that was next to Roxie’s couch.
“So…how does this room make you feel?” Dr. Stone said in a deep voice with a falsely stern look on her face. She then smiled and started laughing a little, giving a little snort at the end. Roxie was not amused. Her demeanor was very perplexed, and she was in no mood for any jokes.
“I’m sorry, Ms. Von Drake.” said the good Doctor as she cleared her throat. “I just like to start my sessions off with a little joke to ease any tension that my patients might have. And by the looks of it, you’re seem VERY tense. Tell me, how can I as your Doctor, and as your new friend, help you?”
Roxie didn’t know where in blue blazes to begin. Roxie didn’t want to be rude, so she decided to talk about her recent bout with her friends.
“Well…this whole thing started when a week ago. One of my friends wanted to invite me to the beach…” Suddenly, Roxie heard Dr. Stone cough and so she stopped talking.
Oh! I’m sorry to interrupt, Ms. Von Drake, but I almost forgot. Before we go any further, let’s get rid of those heels , shall we? “
Roxie was even more puzzled
“Er…what?”
“I’m sorry. It’s just that I had the couch reupholstered.“ said Dr. Stone, a little embarrassed “It would be a shame for it to get scratched or scuffed. Besides, you’ll feel a lot more relaxed and comfortable without them.”
Roxie couldn’t believe what she was hearing! She was about to suffer a nervous breakdown, and this doctor, if she could call her that, was worried about her furniture being scratched! Although, she did have a long day at work, and taking off her heels would he Heaven right now. But Roxie was still too nervous about taking off her shoes.
“Well, actually…that’s the reason why I’m here, Doctor.” Said Roxie
“Oh?” Dr. Stone exclaimed with her eyebrows furrowed “Are you shoes glued to your feet?” Dr. Stone started giggling once again. This time, Roxie couldn’t stand it anymore!
“OK! I’ve had it with your crazy antics, Doctor! If you’re not going to help me, I can just leave right now and never come back! Are you EVEN a Doctor, Ms. Stone?! Are you sure you didn’t work for Ringling Brothers before this?! I’m not paying all this money to have my brain analyzed by a clown! Good bye, Dr. Stone!”
Roxie got off the couch and was about to stomp out the door, but she couldn’t help but look at the Doctor once again. This time though…Dr. Stone’s face was quite serious. She had this gleam in her eye that Roxie couldn’t quite put her finger on. One thing was for sure, this wasn’t the same Doctor that she knew until now. And she could also tell that her words hurt the Doctor’s feelings. Roxie came and sat back down on the couch, laying back on the back cushion.
“Oh! I’m sorry, Dr. Stone. I’m very sorry for shouting and for all those awful things I said!”
“It’s OK, Ms. Von Drake. I’m sorry too. Sometimes I forget that all my patients, one way or another, are different. All of my patients laughed at my jokes…until now. You’re different. I can see that there are many layers to you, Ms. Drake. And my job is to help you anyway I can.”
For the first time, Roxie smiled a little. She can see that this lady was really trying to help her. Then she remembered about her feet on the couch and she quickly laid her feet off the side of the couch.
“Ms. Von Drake. Why do you insist on keeping your heels on?” asked Dr. Stone, concerned.
“Well..it’s just that…I’m just not used to showing off my foot paws.”
“Thus, why you’re here?”
“Exactly”
“Mm hm. Please, Ms. Roxie. Share” said Dr. Stone as she got her pen and pad ready.
And so, Roxie told her story
“Well, like I said before, a friend of mine invited to the beach. I gave every excuse in the book that I couldn’t go, but he and all my other friends insisted. I…I then began to shout and said some things that I shouldn’t have said. I then ran to my car and drove away. And then….” Roxie couldn’t help but stop and began to cry a little with a few tears coming down her face “I cried. I cried…almost the whole day. I couldn’t believe how far my embarrassment and fear has taken me! I couldn’t believe that I actually shouted and screamed at my best…friends!”
Roxie began cry even more, her voice barely being able to speak anymore.
“I’m t-t-tired! I’m s-sick and tired of b-b-being made fun of! Of everyone staring at me like I’m some kind of an accident that e-e-very-o-o-one needs to f-f-feel sorry-y for!”
Roxie just layed her face on the couch and started sobbing. Dr. Stone’s heart began to break as she heard Roxie pouring her heart out to hear. She turned away just long enough to wipe away a tear that was in her eye. As hard as it was, she couldn’t let Roxie see her in such a state.
“There there, Ms. Von Drake. Here.” said Dr. Stone as she picked up a tissue box and handed it to Roxie. Roxie, eyes all pink and watery, took a tissue or two and wiped her tears and blew her nose. Roxie then stood up a little.
“Oh…*sniff*…I’m sorry…about your couch. I got tears and snot all over it.”
“Oh…uh…that’s perfectly alright, Ms. Von Drake” said the Doctor “I think your boogers are a lovely shade to go with that couch!”
Roxie laughed. For the first time since she walked into Dr. Stone’s office, she laughed!
“Ew! Hahaha!”
“There! That’s better!” said Dr. Stone. She smiled a great big smile, knowing that she finally reached Roxie.
“Ms. Von Drake. You’re one of the many reasons why I got into this profession and believe what I believe in my profession. I was tired too. I was tired of seeing everyone around me down and depressed, like the world was just too much for them to bear! And after some time, I studied and discovered the effects of laughter. Laughter, Ms. Von Drake, is a very powerful thing. Humor can pick someone up even when they’re hit rock bottom. Laughter can heal, emotionally, and even physically, by what I’ve read on some studies. And so, I try and make my patients smile and laugh any way I can. And…I have to be completely honest with you…that’s the reason why I wanted you to take your heels off.”
Roxie, after getting her emotional pain off of her chest, took a deep breath, and took off her high heels, revealing her nylon clad foot paws. She knew things couldn’t possibly get any weirder or more awkward. Dr. Stone looked at Roxie’s feet. She was puzzled as she saw nothing wrong with them. Even through the brown tinted silk, all the good Doctor could see was that Roxie’s paws were mismatched in terms of color. One was black with black pads and one was white with pink pads. Roxie then did something that kind of shocked the Doctor. She took off her gloves, revealing her different colored hands as well. She also lowered the collar of her shirt a little to show the Doctor the white splotches on her neckline and upper chest. She then showed her hands to the Doctor.
“I’m a mixed breed, Dr. Stone. I’m half Dachshund, half Dalmatian. I’m VERY embarrassed about my markings. That’s why I don’t take off my shoes in public, and why I always wear gloves and sometimes turtle necks or scarfs. I’m VERY self-conscience about myself. ”
“Ms. Von Drake, I’m VERY proud of you! This is a BIG step forward since we first started talking. Congratulations!”
“Congratulations?” asked Roxie, confused “For what?”
“For having the courage to not only show me your feet, but also your hands and your body. You overcame your embarrassment and fear to open up to me and so that I can help you. I’m so proud of you!”
Roxie blushed a little, smiling as well.
“Now, um, if you don’t mind, would you put your legs straight on the couch. Let’s begin the second phase of your recovery process”
Roxie shrugged a little and put her legs straight. She was then puzzled to see Dr. Stone moving her chair close to the foot of the couch.
“Is everything alright, Doctor?”
“Oh yes. It’s all part of your treatment. Just hold still while I analyze, please.”
Roxie, still a little confused, just took Doctor’s advice. Dr. Stone then took one of her fingers and drug it up one of Roxie’s feet. Roxie’s eyes widened and she jumped!
“Eep! Hehaha..hey! What was that for?”
“Well…I’m sorry that I didn’t explain this to you in the beginning of our session. I practice the psychological treatment of Tickle Therapy” explained Dr. Stone
“Tickle..therapy? Are you for real?!” asked Roxie, perplexed and kind of concerned.
“Oh yes! I’m quite serious when it comes to the matters of humor and laugher, my dear. Heehee. You see, Tickle Therapy helps my patients laugh more than they usually do. That helps them release chemicals in your body that helps in the healing process. In some of the studies I’ve read, ticklish laughter has helped people overcome stress, emotional pain and even helped some lose weight! So…would you like to continue?”
Roxie was still a little concerned about her doctor’s methods, but decided to give Dr. Stone another chance.
“OK. Ready when you are.” said Roxie, squinting her face and scrunching her toes.
“Oh, Ms. Von Drake, the therapy won’t work unless you’re completely relaxed and at peace. This might be hard for you, but you simply can’t fight the tickling or hold anything back. Just let all your laughter come out!”
“Well…er…OK.” said Roxie, relaxing herself as much as she can “You can commence the tickles.”
“Heha..alright, Ms. Von Drake” said Dr. Stone, smiling. She took her hands and began to gently tickle both of Roxie’s feet. Roxie couldn’t help but yelp once again and just laughed.
“Oh! Hehahahaha…heeehehahahaha!”
“That’s it, Ms. Von Drake. Just relax and let the tickling do it0s work on you.”
Dr. Stone then began tickling every inch of Roxie’s feet, from her heels to her paw pads to her toes. When Dr. Stone tickled the base of Roxie’s toes, Roxie let out a little scream and burst out laughing even more!
“OH! HEEHEE..HAHA..HEHEHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!”
“Oh! It looks like I found a sensitive spot.”
“Yes! HEHEHAHA!! Please stop! HEHEHAHAHAHA!!”
“I’m sorry, Roxie. But you’re treatment’s not over yet.”
Dr. Stone then began concentrating her tickling to Roxie’s toes, tickling their base, in between them her toes themselves. Roxie threw back her head, squealing and laughing, and kicked her legs, almost hitting the doctor in the face!
“WAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!”
“Oh my goodness!” exclaimed Dr. Stone as Roxie regained her composure and her breath.
“Oh shoot! I’m so sorry, Doctor! I hope I didn’t hurt you!”
“No, you didn’t, Roxie. I’m OK. Well, at least I know how ticklish you are and where you’re most ticklish. Now, let’s see how you react to different tools”
Dr. Stone then took her pen and held down one of Roxie’s legs with her hand. She then began dragging the pen up and down Roxie’s sensitive soles. Needless to say, this sent Roxie into bits of giggles!
“Oh! Hohohhehahaha! Ooh! Hehahaha..HEHAHA!”
“Now you’re just being silly, Ms Von Drake.” said Dr. Stone “How about here?” Dr. Stone then took then pen and scribbled on her arch!
“HEHEHAHAAHHAHAHAHA!!!!”
Roxie squealed as she kicked her feet once again. Dr. Stone stepped back a little to let Roxie breath.
“You’re a kicker. This can be a problem. I’m sorry to have to do this, but you’ve left me no choice in the matter. I’m going to have to sit on your legs.”
“Oh! That’s horrible! Please don’t do that! I promise I’ll stay still from now on.” pleaded Roxie
“I’m sorry, but it’s for your own good”
Dr. Stone climbed on the foot of the couch and sat on Roxie’s feet. She then began to tickle Roxie’s feet once more. One foot with her hand and the other with the pen. Roxie was just about to jump out of her skin! She never was tickled this bad before. She just threw her head back again, pounding her fists on the couch!
“HEHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! OH PLEASE!! STOP!! HEHEHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!”
“Not yet, Ms. Von Drake” said Dr. Stone. She then concentrated her tickling to Roxie’s toes once again. Roxie just could fight it anymore and just laid back on the couch, just laughing to her heart’s content.
“HEHEHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! *gasp* HEEHEEHEEHEEEHEHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!”
“You’re doing great! Just let it all out, Roxie!”
“HEHAHAHAHAHA…OK! HEHEHEHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!”
Just then, Dr. Stone stopped. Roxie was relieved, laying back and catching her breath.
“Just a little break. How are you doing, Ms. Von Drake?”
“Just…peachy…whew!”
“See?! You’re got you’re sense of humor back!”
“Yeah…and I’m funnier than you too! Hehahaha…”
“Ooooh…a smarty pants now, are we?”
Dr. Stone then proceeded to remove Roxie’s stockings, exposing her bare paws. She then reached for a bottle and poured some of its contents on Roxie’s feet.
“Ooh! That’s cold!” yipped Roxie as she felt the liquid touch her foot paws
“Heh, sorry. Haven’t had time to warm up this stuff” said Dr. Stone as she began to massage the oil into Roxie’s feet. Roxie absolutely loved to have her feet massaged. She had a great big smile as she laid down on the couch, almost cooing at the relaxing experience.
“Is our session over now, Doc?”
“Nope. Not yet.”
Roxie got a bit nervous
“Then why are you massaging my feet now? With massaging oil, even?”
“Well, it’s not massaging oil. It’s baby oil. You’ll be surprised just how much more sensitive your feet get after a little bit is rubbed on your paws.”
Roxie’s expression turned from confused to panicky in half a second!
“Oh no! No no no! Please don’t do this!”
“Aww! Don’t be scared, Roxie. Just lay back down and relax”
Dr. Stone then picked up a hair brush from her tool bag. Roxie made a last second plea for mercy.
“Oh my gosh! PLEASE DON’T! I barely lived through your first half! Don’t torture me anymore!”
“I know this is really hard for you. But in the end, you’ll feel a lot better. Just trust me and hang on for a few more minutes”
“Oh! Alright! “ said Roxie as she nervously sat back down on the couch, awaiting her imminent torture!
Dr. Stone scratched Roxie’s paw pads to see if the oil had taken its effect. Roxie screamed and started laughing even more than before!
“OH! HEHEHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! OH MYBHEHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! “
Dr. Stone stopped, then began to brush Roxie’s soles with the brush!
“OH MY GO…OSH! BWUHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! I CAN’T THEHEHAHAA I CAN’T TAKE IT!! HEEHEEHEEHEHEHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!”
“Just let the tickling continue to work with you, Roxie”
Dr. Stone then dropped the brush, much to Roxie’s relief. But then…Roxie heard a noise that sent her nerves on edge once again. It was the sound of an electric toothbrush. She then felt the bristles go in between her toes ! Roxie lost her mind!
“WAAA…” Poor Roxie went into silent laughter. Dr. Stone smiled with content. This was the point that she wanted to reach with Roxie. Her body was finally healing itself from the inside out, releasing all the chemicals the body needed. Poor Roxie just lay back on the couch, completely weakened by the tickling to fight anymore. Her laugh came back.
“*gasp* WAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAA!!!”
Dr. Stone then heard Roxie’s breathing becoming shallow. She knew she had to stop. And so, finaly, she turned off the toothbrush. The Tickle Therapy session treatment was over. Roxie just lay back, drenched in her own sweat and tears, catching every bit of air she could possibly breath.
“I’m real sorry that you had to go through all that! I didn’t know you were so ticklish! Hehaha. How do you feel?”
“I…I feel…I feel great!”
“I’m so happy to hear that, Roxie.”
“Yes! I feel fantastic! I know this may sound funny to you, but I’m not sad anymore. I’m not depressed anymore!”
“That’s awesome, Roxie!”
Dr. Stone got up from the chair and went to her wattle tank to give Roxie a glass of water. Roxie took it and drank it all up in a heartbeat! The tickling really took a lot out of her.
“Would you mind if I told ya’ something, Doc?” asked Roxie “Just promise you won’t tell!”
“As a professional psychiatrist, we’ve sworn an oath of secrecy”
“Well…to tell you the absolute truth…I liked it!” said Roxie as she blushed from embarrassment. Dr. Stone couldn’t help but laugh.
“Hehaha! You’re definitely one of a kind, Ms. Von Drake!”
“Thank you, Dr. Stone, For finally making me realize that!”
Roxie went and gave Dr. Stone a great big hug. Dr. Stone, a little flabbergasted as this was far from professional, hugged her back. A tear came from Roxie’s eye, just as the clock chimed.
“Well, your session is over for the day.”
“Aww! Already?!”
“Yeah, I know. We can schedule another session soon. I’ll give you a call.”
“OK! Sounds great!
Just then, Roxie’s tummy started to growl
“Whoah! All that tickling made me hungry! Hehahaha! “
“HAHAHAHA!! OK then! See you soon, Ms. Von Drake!”
“OK! See you later!”
And with that, Roxie left Dr. Stone’s office. Dr. Stone sighed a little and went to her desk and took out a framed picture. It was a photo of herself in high school. She had braces, freckles and two pony tales that stuck out from both sides of her head. She then heard the haunting whispers of the names they called her back in the day. They disappeared as she remembered Roxie’s words, thanking her and hugging her.
“Miss Von Drake…Roxie” said Dr. Stone to herself, smiling as she clutched the picture in her bosom
“…YOU helped ME realize that I was one of a kind too”
A single tear drop fell on the picture.
*****************************
Roxie walked down the street. She stopped a moment, bent down and took off her shoes.
“It’s a wonderful day to walk around with your toes in the breeze! Hehaha..”
Just then, she noticed a Labrador sitting on the Bus Stop bench. She looked a little closer and saw that he really had a hard day. His clothes looked a little shabby, and he was holding a little photo of a female Labrador in his hand.
“Hey! Hey you!” said Roxie to the Lab
“Yeah?! Whadya’ want?” said the Lab in a tough scruffy voice
“Cheer up!” Roxie said with a very warm smile and a giggle. She then patted his cheek and walked away, whistling to tune of “Wonderful Words Of Life”
The Lab looked at her walk away, and couldn’t help…but smile…and even chuckle. He got up from the bench, reached into his coat pocket, and took out a bottle of prescription pain killers. He then took the bottle and threw it in the trash can, and walked the other way.
THE END
____________________________________________________________________
A Good Laugh
By Angel Blanco
Inspired by an idea and characters by Brandon Kosinski
Roxie Von Drake was really nervous about her newly appointed psychiatric appointment. She even thought about cancelling it at least twice already. It was embarrassing enough that she almost had a nervous breakdown in front of all her friends because one of them asked her to go with them to the beach. And now she’s expected to spill her guts out to a total stranger! But she heard nothing but good reports and testimonials from her psychiatrist’s former patients. And so…Roxie decided to give her a try.
*****************
Roxie signed in with Dr. Stone’s secretary and sat down in the waiting room. Around her was a big potted palm in the corner and some beautiful scenery paintings. There was also an aquarium near the secretary’s desk with a variety of exotic fish, with plastic seaweed, colorful gravel and even a bubble blowing treasure chest at the bottom. Roxie smiled and giggled a little as it reminded her of her old gold fish tank when she was a child.
I front her was a coffee table with a few old magazines of Teen Fur and Foxy Lady. As she moved some of the magazines to see which one she wanted to read while she waited, she found one that caught her eye. It was a month old edition of Psychologists Monthly with a picture her psychiatrist’s face in the front, smiling and holding a feather. The caption read “Why Laughter Heals.” Roxie was a little puzzled and turned to the page where her Doctor’s article was written. Inside was a big picture of her Doctor…in a clown suit! Floppy shoes, rainbow tie and even a big red nose to boot!
“Oh boy!” thought Roxie “You really picked a good one this time! This Doctor looks like a complete quack!”
Roxie read the title of the report. “Why Laughter Is The Best Medicine: By Dr. Christina Stone” But before she could read anymore, she heard something weird. Something like giggling and laughter. Roxie thought was going crazy!
“Great! Now I’m hearing voices. Well, laughter anyway. That’s all I needed!”
As it so happened, the laughter was coming from Dr. Stone’s office. It then stopped, then started again, a little more hardy this time.
“Yep…you reeeally picked a crackpot, Roxie Von Drake!” said Roxie, rolling up the magazine and bopping it on her head a few times. Although, Roxie pondered this, as the laughter sounded more like it was coming from a man than a woman.
Then suddenly, the laughter stopped. Roxie held her breath as she pressed the magazine to her chest, not knowing what was going to happen next. Suddenly, the door slammed open, causing Roxie to scream a little as out came a twenty-something year old kangaroo with a great big smile on his face!
“Hehaha..Oh dear! Ha! I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to frighten you. “ said the kangaroo.
Roxie was so embarrassed; she couldn’t help but get all shaky and slightly teary eyed. The kangaroo, just smiling, put his hands on Roxie’s cheeks, patting them lightly. Roxie was beyond weirded out!
“Aww! Cheer up!” said the kangaroo, just before he started to snicker then start laughing all over again! He started holding his sides as he left the office.
“Yep! That’s definitely a sign that I should cancel!” said Roxi to herself. But just as she was about to get up from her chair, the secretary’s buzzer rang, making Roxie jump once again!
“Eep!” yipped Roxie as she jumped on top of her chair
“Ms. Von Drake. Dr. Stone will see you now.” said the secretary, slightly perplexed seeing Roxie crouching on top of the waiting chair.
“Oh! Oh dear! Um…thank you.” Roxie said nervously. She was nearly a shade of beet red as she covered the face with the magazine and rushed into the Doctor’s office, slamming the door behind her. The secretary couldn’t help but giggle to herself.
******************
Roxie took shallow breaths as she stood at the Doctor’s doorway inside her office. Dr. Stone’s
Office room was very lovely. Almost Victorian Era in a sense, with gorgeous drapes, desk and couch. A few statues and busts here and there, and a cornucopia of books, just as you would expect to see in a Physiatrist’s office. There were also a few potted plants too. One of them was being watered by the Doctor herself.
“Ah! Ms. Von Drake! Come in come in! “said Dr. Stone as she put down her watering can and went to shake Roxie’s hand. “I’m so happy to meet you! Please, sit down.”
Roxie came and sat down on the Doctor’s couch. She couldn’t help but meddle around with her coat, still breathing quick nervous breaths. Roxie looked near the floor of Dr. Stone’s desk, and saw a box of clown costume accessories. This made her breathing a little more frantic.
“Oh, Ms. Von Drake” said Dr. Stone in a calming voice “There’s nothing to be afraid of here. Just relax.” Dr. Stone gently patted Roxie’s shoulders, calming Roxie down to a normal breathing range. Dr. Stone took out a pen and notepad, put on her glasses and sat on a chair that was next to Roxie’s couch.
“So…how does this room make you feel?” Dr. Stone said in a deep voice with a falsely stern look on her face. She then smiled and started laughing a little, giving a little snort at the end. Roxie was not amused. Her demeanor was very perplexed, and she was in no mood for any jokes.
“I’m sorry, Ms. Von Drake.” said the good Doctor as she cleared her throat. “I just like to start my sessions off with a little joke to ease any tension that my patients might have. And by the looks of it, you’re seem VERY tense. Tell me, how can I as your Doctor, and as your new friend, help you?”
Roxie didn’t know where in blue blazes to begin. Roxie didn’t want to be rude, so she decided to talk about her recent bout with her friends.
“Well…this whole thing started when a week ago. One of my friends wanted to invite me to the beach…” Suddenly, Roxie heard Dr. Stone cough and so she stopped talking.
Oh! I’m sorry to interrupt, Ms. Von Drake, but I almost forgot. Before we go any further, let’s get rid of those heels , shall we? “
Roxie was even more puzzled
“Er…what?”
“I’m sorry. It’s just that I had the couch reupholstered.“ said Dr. Stone, a little embarrassed “It would be a shame for it to get scratched or scuffed. Besides, you’ll feel a lot more relaxed and comfortable without them.”
Roxie couldn’t believe what she was hearing! She was about to suffer a nervous breakdown, and this doctor, if she could call her that, was worried about her furniture being scratched! Although, she did have a long day at work, and taking off her heels would he Heaven right now. But Roxie was still too nervous about taking off her shoes.
“Well, actually…that’s the reason why I’m here, Doctor.” Said Roxie
“Oh?” Dr. Stone exclaimed with her eyebrows furrowed “Are you shoes glued to your feet?” Dr. Stone started giggling once again. This time, Roxie couldn’t stand it anymore!
“OK! I’ve had it with your crazy antics, Doctor! If you’re not going to help me, I can just leave right now and never come back! Are you EVEN a Doctor, Ms. Stone?! Are you sure you didn’t work for Ringling Brothers before this?! I’m not paying all this money to have my brain analyzed by a clown! Good bye, Dr. Stone!”
Roxie got off the couch and was about to stomp out the door, but she couldn’t help but look at the Doctor once again. This time though…Dr. Stone’s face was quite serious. She had this gleam in her eye that Roxie couldn’t quite put her finger on. One thing was for sure, this wasn’t the same Doctor that she knew until now. And she could also tell that her words hurt the Doctor’s feelings. Roxie came and sat back down on the couch, laying back on the back cushion.
“Oh! I’m sorry, Dr. Stone. I’m very sorry for shouting and for all those awful things I said!”
“It’s OK, Ms. Von Drake. I’m sorry too. Sometimes I forget that all my patients, one way or another, are different. All of my patients laughed at my jokes…until now. You’re different. I can see that there are many layers to you, Ms. Drake. And my job is to help you anyway I can.”
For the first time, Roxie smiled a little. She can see that this lady was really trying to help her. Then she remembered about her feet on the couch and she quickly laid her feet off the side of the couch.
“Ms. Von Drake. Why do you insist on keeping your heels on?” asked Dr. Stone, concerned.
“Well..it’s just that…I’m just not used to showing off my foot paws.”
“Thus, why you’re here?”
“Exactly”
“Mm hm. Please, Ms. Roxie. Share” said Dr. Stone as she got her pen and pad ready.
And so, Roxie told her story
“Well, like I said before, a friend of mine invited to the beach. I gave every excuse in the book that I couldn’t go, but he and all my other friends insisted. I…I then began to shout and said some things that I shouldn’t have said. I then ran to my car and drove away. And then….” Roxie couldn’t help but stop and began to cry a little with a few tears coming down her face “I cried. I cried…almost the whole day. I couldn’t believe how far my embarrassment and fear has taken me! I couldn’t believe that I actually shouted and screamed at my best…friends!”
Roxie began cry even more, her voice barely being able to speak anymore.
“I’m t-t-tired! I’m s-sick and tired of b-b-being made fun of! Of everyone staring at me like I’m some kind of an accident that e-e-very-o-o-one needs to f-f-feel sorry-y for!”
Roxie just layed her face on the couch and started sobbing. Dr. Stone’s heart began to break as she heard Roxie pouring her heart out to hear. She turned away just long enough to wipe away a tear that was in her eye. As hard as it was, she couldn’t let Roxie see her in such a state.
“There there, Ms. Von Drake. Here.” said Dr. Stone as she picked up a tissue box and handed it to Roxie. Roxie, eyes all pink and watery, took a tissue or two and wiped her tears and blew her nose. Roxie then stood up a little.
“Oh…*sniff*…I’m sorry…about your couch. I got tears and snot all over it.”
“Oh…uh…that’s perfectly alright, Ms. Von Drake” said the Doctor “I think your boogers are a lovely shade to go with that couch!”
Roxie laughed. For the first time since she walked into Dr. Stone’s office, she laughed!
“Ew! Hahaha!”
“There! That’s better!” said Dr. Stone. She smiled a great big smile, knowing that she finally reached Roxie.
“Ms. Von Drake. You’re one of the many reasons why I got into this profession and believe what I believe in my profession. I was tired too. I was tired of seeing everyone around me down and depressed, like the world was just too much for them to bear! And after some time, I studied and discovered the effects of laughter. Laughter, Ms. Von Drake, is a very powerful thing. Humor can pick someone up even when they’re hit rock bottom. Laughter can heal, emotionally, and even physically, by what I’ve read on some studies. And so, I try and make my patients smile and laugh any way I can. And…I have to be completely honest with you…that’s the reason why I wanted you to take your heels off.”
Roxie, after getting her emotional pain off of her chest, took a deep breath, and took off her high heels, revealing her nylon clad foot paws. She knew things couldn’t possibly get any weirder or more awkward. Dr. Stone looked at Roxie’s feet. She was puzzled as she saw nothing wrong with them. Even through the brown tinted silk, all the good Doctor could see was that Roxie’s paws were mismatched in terms of color. One was black with black pads and one was white with pink pads. Roxie then did something that kind of shocked the Doctor. She took off her gloves, revealing her different colored hands as well. She also lowered the collar of her shirt a little to show the Doctor the white splotches on her neckline and upper chest. She then showed her hands to the Doctor.
“I’m a mixed breed, Dr. Stone. I’m half Dachshund, half Dalmatian. I’m VERY embarrassed about my markings. That’s why I don’t take off my shoes in public, and why I always wear gloves and sometimes turtle necks or scarfs. I’m VERY self-conscience about myself. ”
“Ms. Von Drake, I’m VERY proud of you! This is a BIG step forward since we first started talking. Congratulations!”
“Congratulations?” asked Roxie, confused “For what?”
“For having the courage to not only show me your feet, but also your hands and your body. You overcame your embarrassment and fear to open up to me and so that I can help you. I’m so proud of you!”
Roxie blushed a little, smiling as well.
“Now, um, if you don’t mind, would you put your legs straight on the couch. Let’s begin the second phase of your recovery process”
Roxie shrugged a little and put her legs straight. She was then puzzled to see Dr. Stone moving her chair close to the foot of the couch.
“Is everything alright, Doctor?”
“Oh yes. It’s all part of your treatment. Just hold still while I analyze, please.”
Roxie, still a little confused, just took Doctor’s advice. Dr. Stone then took one of her fingers and drug it up one of Roxie’s feet. Roxie’s eyes widened and she jumped!
“Eep! Hehaha..hey! What was that for?”
“Well…I’m sorry that I didn’t explain this to you in the beginning of our session. I practice the psychological treatment of Tickle Therapy” explained Dr. Stone
“Tickle..therapy? Are you for real?!” asked Roxie, perplexed and kind of concerned.
“Oh yes! I’m quite serious when it comes to the matters of humor and laugher, my dear. Heehee. You see, Tickle Therapy helps my patients laugh more than they usually do. That helps them release chemicals in your body that helps in the healing process. In some of the studies I’ve read, ticklish laughter has helped people overcome stress, emotional pain and even helped some lose weight! So…would you like to continue?”
Roxie was still a little concerned about her doctor’s methods, but decided to give Dr. Stone another chance.
“OK. Ready when you are.” said Roxie, squinting her face and scrunching her toes.
“Oh, Ms. Von Drake, the therapy won’t work unless you’re completely relaxed and at peace. This might be hard for you, but you simply can’t fight the tickling or hold anything back. Just let all your laughter come out!”
“Well…er…OK.” said Roxie, relaxing herself as much as she can “You can commence the tickles.”
“Heha..alright, Ms. Von Drake” said Dr. Stone, smiling. She took her hands and began to gently tickle both of Roxie’s feet. Roxie couldn’t help but yelp once again and just laughed.
“Oh! Hehahahaha…heeehehahahaha!”
“That’s it, Ms. Von Drake. Just relax and let the tickling do it0s work on you.”
Dr. Stone then began tickling every inch of Roxie’s feet, from her heels to her paw pads to her toes. When Dr. Stone tickled the base of Roxie’s toes, Roxie let out a little scream and burst out laughing even more!
“OH! HEEHEE..HAHA..HEHEHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!”
“Oh! It looks like I found a sensitive spot.”
“Yes! HEHEHAHA!! Please stop! HEHEHAHAHAHA!!”
“I’m sorry, Roxie. But you’re treatment’s not over yet.”
Dr. Stone then began concentrating her tickling to Roxie’s toes, tickling their base, in between them her toes themselves. Roxie threw back her head, squealing and laughing, and kicked her legs, almost hitting the doctor in the face!
“WAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!”
“Oh my goodness!” exclaimed Dr. Stone as Roxie regained her composure and her breath.
“Oh shoot! I’m so sorry, Doctor! I hope I didn’t hurt you!”
“No, you didn’t, Roxie. I’m OK. Well, at least I know how ticklish you are and where you’re most ticklish. Now, let’s see how you react to different tools”
Dr. Stone then took her pen and held down one of Roxie’s legs with her hand. She then began dragging the pen up and down Roxie’s sensitive soles. Needless to say, this sent Roxie into bits of giggles!
“Oh! Hohohhehahaha! Ooh! Hehahaha..HEHAHA!”
“Now you’re just being silly, Ms Von Drake.” said Dr. Stone “How about here?” Dr. Stone then took then pen and scribbled on her arch!
“HEHEHAHAAHHAHAHAHA!!!!”
Roxie squealed as she kicked her feet once again. Dr. Stone stepped back a little to let Roxie breath.
“You’re a kicker. This can be a problem. I’m sorry to have to do this, but you’ve left me no choice in the matter. I’m going to have to sit on your legs.”
“Oh! That’s horrible! Please don’t do that! I promise I’ll stay still from now on.” pleaded Roxie
“I’m sorry, but it’s for your own good”
Dr. Stone climbed on the foot of the couch and sat on Roxie’s feet. She then began to tickle Roxie’s feet once more. One foot with her hand and the other with the pen. Roxie was just about to jump out of her skin! She never was tickled this bad before. She just threw her head back again, pounding her fists on the couch!
“HEHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! OH PLEASE!! STOP!! HEHEHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!”
“Not yet, Ms. Von Drake” said Dr. Stone. She then concentrated her tickling to Roxie’s toes once again. Roxie just could fight it anymore and just laid back on the couch, just laughing to her heart’s content.
“HEHEHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! *gasp* HEEHEEHEEHEEEHEHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!”
“You’re doing great! Just let it all out, Roxie!”
“HEHAHAHAHAHA…OK! HEHEHEHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!”
Just then, Dr. Stone stopped. Roxie was relieved, laying back and catching her breath.
“Just a little break. How are you doing, Ms. Von Drake?”
“Just…peachy…whew!”
“See?! You’re got you’re sense of humor back!”
“Yeah…and I’m funnier than you too! Hehahaha…”
“Ooooh…a smarty pants now, are we?”
Dr. Stone then proceeded to remove Roxie’s stockings, exposing her bare paws. She then reached for a bottle and poured some of its contents on Roxie’s feet.
“Ooh! That’s cold!” yipped Roxie as she felt the liquid touch her foot paws
“Heh, sorry. Haven’t had time to warm up this stuff” said Dr. Stone as she began to massage the oil into Roxie’s feet. Roxie absolutely loved to have her feet massaged. She had a great big smile as she laid down on the couch, almost cooing at the relaxing experience.
“Is our session over now, Doc?”
“Nope. Not yet.”
Roxie got a bit nervous
“Then why are you massaging my feet now? With massaging oil, even?”
“Well, it’s not massaging oil. It’s baby oil. You’ll be surprised just how much more sensitive your feet get after a little bit is rubbed on your paws.”
Roxie’s expression turned from confused to panicky in half a second!
“Oh no! No no no! Please don’t do this!”
“Aww! Don’t be scared, Roxie. Just lay back down and relax”
Dr. Stone then picked up a hair brush from her tool bag. Roxie made a last second plea for mercy.
“Oh my gosh! PLEASE DON’T! I barely lived through your first half! Don’t torture me anymore!”
“I know this is really hard for you. But in the end, you’ll feel a lot better. Just trust me and hang on for a few more minutes”
“Oh! Alright! “ said Roxie as she nervously sat back down on the couch, awaiting her imminent torture!
Dr. Stone scratched Roxie’s paw pads to see if the oil had taken its effect. Roxie screamed and started laughing even more than before!
“OH! HEHEHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! OH MYBHEHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! “
Dr. Stone stopped, then began to brush Roxie’s soles with the brush!
“OH MY GO…OSH! BWUHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! I CAN’T THEHEHAHAA I CAN’T TAKE IT!! HEEHEEHEEHEHEHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!”
“Just let the tickling continue to work with you, Roxie”
Dr. Stone then dropped the brush, much to Roxie’s relief. But then…Roxie heard a noise that sent her nerves on edge once again. It was the sound of an electric toothbrush. She then felt the bristles go in between her toes ! Roxie lost her mind!
“WAAA…” Poor Roxie went into silent laughter. Dr. Stone smiled with content. This was the point that she wanted to reach with Roxie. Her body was finally healing itself from the inside out, releasing all the chemicals the body needed. Poor Roxie just lay back on the couch, completely weakened by the tickling to fight anymore. Her laugh came back.
“*gasp* WAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAA!!!”
Dr. Stone then heard Roxie’s breathing becoming shallow. She knew she had to stop. And so, finaly, she turned off the toothbrush. The Tickle Therapy session treatment was over. Roxie just lay back, drenched in her own sweat and tears, catching every bit of air she could possibly breath.
“I’m real sorry that you had to go through all that! I didn’t know you were so ticklish! Hehaha. How do you feel?”
“I…I feel…I feel great!”
“I’m so happy to hear that, Roxie.”
“Yes! I feel fantastic! I know this may sound funny to you, but I’m not sad anymore. I’m not depressed anymore!”
“That’s awesome, Roxie!”
Dr. Stone got up from the chair and went to her wattle tank to give Roxie a glass of water. Roxie took it and drank it all up in a heartbeat! The tickling really took a lot out of her.
“Would you mind if I told ya’ something, Doc?” asked Roxie “Just promise you won’t tell!”
“As a professional psychiatrist, we’ve sworn an oath of secrecy”
“Well…to tell you the absolute truth…I liked it!” said Roxie as she blushed from embarrassment. Dr. Stone couldn’t help but laugh.
“Hehaha! You’re definitely one of a kind, Ms. Von Drake!”
“Thank you, Dr. Stone, For finally making me realize that!”
Roxie went and gave Dr. Stone a great big hug. Dr. Stone, a little flabbergasted as this was far from professional, hugged her back. A tear came from Roxie’s eye, just as the clock chimed.
“Well, your session is over for the day.”
“Aww! Already?!”
“Yeah, I know. We can schedule another session soon. I’ll give you a call.”
“OK! Sounds great!
Just then, Roxie’s tummy started to growl
“Whoah! All that tickling made me hungry! Hehahaha! “
“HAHAHAHA!! OK then! See you soon, Ms. Von Drake!”
“OK! See you later!”
And with that, Roxie left Dr. Stone’s office. Dr. Stone sighed a little and went to her desk and took out a framed picture. It was a photo of herself in high school. She had braces, freckles and two pony tales that stuck out from both sides of her head. She then heard the haunting whispers of the names they called her back in the day. They disappeared as she remembered Roxie’s words, thanking her and hugging her.
“Miss Von Drake…Roxie” said Dr. Stone to herself, smiling as she clutched the picture in her bosom
“…YOU helped ME realize that I was one of a kind too”
A single tear drop fell on the picture.
*****************************
Roxie walked down the street. She stopped a moment, bent down and took off her shoes.
“It’s a wonderful day to walk around with your toes in the breeze! Hehaha..”
Just then, she noticed a Labrador sitting on the Bus Stop bench. She looked a little closer and saw that he really had a hard day. His clothes looked a little shabby, and he was holding a little photo of a female Labrador in his hand.
“Hey! Hey you!” said Roxie to the Lab
“Yeah?! Whadya’ want?” said the Lab in a tough scruffy voice
“Cheer up!” Roxie said with a very warm smile and a giggle. She then patted his cheek and walked away, whistling to tune of “Wonderful Words Of Life”
The Lab looked at her walk away, and couldn’t help…but smile…and even chuckle. He got up from the bench, reached into his coat pocket, and took out a bottle of prescription pain killers. He then took the bottle and threw it in the trash can, and walked the other way.
THE END
Category Story / Paw
Species Dog (Other)
Size 1280 x 969px
File Size 196.3 kB
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