Sasha, our poodle, was in heat again, the magical word puppies flew in shouts between my mother and father. I remember thinking I had just learned where puppies came from, by heating a dog up. and thinking I might have to try it, in the near future of course.

My dad decided to punish us, a four year old, a five year old and a six year old, three wide eyed whimpering children, fretting, as our precious toy was locked away with the mower.

About six hours later, a lifetime for children waiting for the birth of puppies, we illegally opened the shed’s door… Sasha didn’t jump and lick; she wouldn’t wake up!

Later, for some reason, we were offered an adult explanation; Gasoline fumes. Our grandmother tried to console us, but, probably feeling cornered, told us the story of heaven, where we learned it was like going to the circus.

The next day, under a cloak of secrecy, all three of us entered the shed, shut the door, and tried to go to the circus. To this day, all three of us love the smell of gasoline.