Thursday – A Little Personal – Bailey Has a Question

“Hey, Pops.”

“Hi, Bailey. Looks like you have a question.”

“I do. Lucy and I need some information.”

“Okay. I’ll try to help.”

“What is that thing over there?”

“That is a new waterer.”

“Why do we need that?”

“So mom and I don’t have to keep filling the bowl. Go try it.”

“I’m not too sure. Lucy, you go over there.”

“Um. Looks pretty scary to me.”

“Oh go on you big sissy.”

Lucy gets scared

“Uh-uh. Not going over there. The thing gurgles.”

“Stella. What do you think?”

“You big coward. Wait. That thing is making noise.”

“Lucy? I don’t know how many times I have to tell you to leave me out of your messes.”

Stella and Lucy

“Hey, Boss. I think Stella is afraid.”

“Not on your life you white moose. Just cautious is all.”

“Okay ladies time for an opinion.”

Bailey

“Well, Pops. I’m afraid that contraption is just too risky for we warrior types. Even though Stella is a Frady Cat and it is natural for her not to like it, I think we are going to be forced to pass.”

“Who’s a Frady Cat?”

“Okay ladies. Mom’s not going to be happy but I can lead you to water but can’t make you drink.”

“Isn’t that a saying about horses, pops?”

“Still fits.”

“For Lucy anyway.”

“That will be fine, Stella.”

79 comments

  1. This one hit too close to home, John. We have such a thing, for the cats, but Maddie will drink out of it because she wants to drink out of everything (it’s why the toilet seats are down). Our cats like the running water effect. But, cleaning it is a hassle, the pump gets clogged with hair and I think we (my wife) spend more time with it than the old water bowl.

    I love the personalities you share your house with.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Thank you, Dan. I think this one is a bust. đŸ˜€

      Liked by 1 person

  2. They don’t like changes, do they?

    Liked by 2 people

    1. In a word, no. Ha ha ha.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Mine are the same. Eos (rhymes with chaos) won’t even eat her dinner unless Clare and I are sitting in our TV chairs – except, that is, when I give her tuna with her dry food, in which case she doesn’t care who’s where.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Sounds pretty typical. Tuna does wonderful things.

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  3. Aw, sweet Stella. I know she’s really fearless. Bailey’s first expression is the epitome of skepticism, John! This was a delightful visit with the furry kids. Wishing you and yours a thriving Thursday!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Teagan. I enjoyed your Thursday message last night. Hugs.

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      1. You are so kind to mention that here, John. The Ape is in the UK, so that gives folks here a preview. If I had time, I’d do the posts weekly. I’m happy you enjoyed it. Hugs.

        Liked by 1 person

  4. I’m not a big fan of change either. So sweet…thanks, John!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Ha ha ha. Thanks, Jill.

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Gwen Plano · ·

    Another great visit with your 4-legged children! Their expressions are priceless and the dialogue is precious. Change disrupts even the worlds of our furry friends, doesn’t it? Have a fabulous day. đŸ™‚

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yes. These guys have their routines and to move them is a monumental task. I think we have another donation to the rescue group. The last one was a water fountain where they had to put a paw on a lever. The reaction was unanimous, “Nope not doing that for sure.”

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      1. Gwen Plano · ·

        đŸ˜€

        Liked by 1 person

  6. Great post. So, are they going to give it a try?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Bailey gave it a go last night but when it gurgled she jumped away. Lucy and Stella say “no way Jose.”

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      1. Well, it was worth a shot. Too bad they don’t come in a silent mode.

        Liked by 1 person

  7. Real cute, John. The shorter members of your family must make for a lot of story prompts!! Good looking bunch too.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks GP. Not a lot going on here so they become the entertainment for sure.

      Liked by 1 person

  8. So funny! Keep us posted as to who is the bravest & tries it out!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Bailey went for it last night but jumped a foot when it gurgled. I think it is a no -go. Thanks, Lynn.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Hahahahaha! Poor Bailey!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Yes. Poor dear.

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  9. I hope they adjust for you…looks like a great plan to me .

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I have found their adjustment is minor. Another gift for the animal rescue place. đŸ˜€

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Otto is the biggest fraidy cat I’ve ever seen. His little sister is afraid of nothing, even to the point of having to keep an extra eye on her.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. We had a terrier who was the same way. She used to nip Lucy’s feet when she wanted Lucy to move. Lucy of course, moved.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Terriers are famous for lacking fear.

        Liked by 1 person

  11. D.L Finn, Author · ·

    I can understand how Baily feels, change is never easy. My furries use their but will always prefer water out of a cup:)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Bailey loves water out of a glass as does Stella. Thanks, DL.

      Like

  12. Well – it was a good idea in theory.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Good in theory for sure. đŸ™‚

      Like

  13. John Fioravanti · ·

    Reblogged this on Words To Captivate ~ by John Fioravanti and commented:
    John W. Howell provides us with another entertaining exchange between himself and his furry kids over revolutionary new technology. Please enjoy!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks a bunch for the reblog, John

      Liked by 1 person

      1. John Fioravanti · ·

        You’re welcome, John.

        Liked by 1 person

  14. This is so funny! I have to admit I’d probably shy away too. Lol đŸ™‚

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks, Natalie. I think I would too.

      Liked by 1 person

  15. Well, some things are best old-school, and watering pets seems to be on that list. Hey, just think about all the good exercise you’re getting, bending over time and again to pick up that bowl and replace it!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yes I can see that. “Bend at the waist. One, two.”

      Liked by 1 person

      1. For variation, try squats!

        Liked by 1 person

  16. I have a fearless dog and a frightened-of-everything dog. But what they have in common is their love of eating and drinking. We have a similar watering system to yours, and the gurgling isn’t an issue for either of them. In fact, I think it’s almost Pavlovian at this point… they hear the gurgle when the water flows down and both go running for the bowl.

    Here’s hoping your little ones change their minds.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. That would be nice. I think Pavlov would have been driven nuts by these two.

      Like

  17. Aww – maybe they need a little more time to get used to the funny noise? đŸ˜€

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It is still there so we’ll see. Bailey broke the standing jump record last night when the gurgle went off while she was drinking. đŸ˜€

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  18. Awwww, poor babies. Change is hard. Great post, John.

    Liked by 1 person

  19. Awww! So sweet, John. I can just picture this.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks, Robbie. đŸ˜€

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  20. Your dialogue is always such a perfect match with the photos you capture. This was a sheer delight!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you Mae. We all try here at Author Acres. đŸ˜€

      Liked by 1 person

  21. This conversation is too funny. Love your sense of humor and your pets are just so photogenic.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Evelyne. Enjoyed having you visit.

      Liked by 1 person

  22. It seems they prefer fresh water every day provided by you and Mom. Good try!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yeah, I know. No short cuts.

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  23. Well John, it seems to me you are going about this all wrong. When I was a child we had an obstinate dog that couldn’t be coaxed into anything. The vet told my parents the best way to get him to accept something new was to demonstrate. So, I guess you’d better get down on your hands and knees and have a sip.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I think that will be the next move. I will fill the thing with gin and give it a go.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. There you go! I think your fury family might enjoy the gin.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Ha ha ha. They are tea totalers. Thanks, Michelle.

        Liked by 1 person

  24. A new contraption, no way. Gotta love it.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Ha ha ha. You’re right. Thanks, Jennie.

      Liked by 1 person

  25. Great personalities. I love the expression on Bailey’s face. It really looks like he is having a conversation with John.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Of course she is. Thank you, Kim. đŸ˜€

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      1. Sorry, ‘she’. Great post John. One of my favourites.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. đŸ˜€ I never noticed.

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  26. Very cute, John, and it’s funny how some things are just too intimidating for our furry friends. Any success, yet?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Nope. It just sits there and they all give it wide berth. đŸ˜€

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Too funny, but maybe time will help. đŸ™‚

        Like

  27. I had the cutest little water fountain water dish for my cats and then…we adopted a dog. Said dog proceeded to gulp all the water out of the fountain while the cats glared from a distance. I had to make the (not really) difficult decision to get rid of the fountain and keep the dog. The cats still aren’t very happy. đŸ™‚

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Ha ha ha. Thanks for the laugh, Leslie.

      Liked by 1 person

  28. Had to return for the tales from the hood .. but I am surprised that Stella did just walk up (although slowly) then drink.

    Liked by 1 person