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. Dan Antion's avatar

    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. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Dan. I think this one is a bust. 😀

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Keith Edgar Channing's avatar

    They don’t like changes, do they?

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      In a word, no. Ha ha ha.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Keith Edgar Channing's avatar

        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

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Sounds pretty typical. Tuna does wonderful things.

          Like

  3. Teagan Riordain Geneviene's avatar

    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. John W. Howell's avatar

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

      Like

      1. Teagan Riordain Geneviene's avatar

        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. Jill Weatherholt's avatar

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

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Ha ha ha. Thanks, Jill.

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Gwen M. Plano's avatar
    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. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      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.”

      Like

      1. Gwen M. Plano's avatar
        Gwen Plano · ·

        😀

        Liked by 1 person

  6. Charles Yallowitz's avatar

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

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

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

      Like

      1. Charles Yallowitz's avatar

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

        Liked by 1 person

  7. GP's avatar

    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. John W. Howell's avatar

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

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Lynn's avatar

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

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      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. Lynn's avatar

        Hahahahaha! Poor Bailey!

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Yes. Poor dear.

          Like

  9. vanbytheriver's avatar

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

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I have found their adjustment is minor. Another gift for the animal rescue place. 😀

      Liked by 1 person

  10. coldhandboyack's avatar

    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. John W. Howell's avatar

      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. coldhandboyack's avatar

        Terriers are famous for lacking fear.

        Liked by 1 person

  11. D.L. Finn, Author's avatar
    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. John W. Howell's avatar

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

      Like

  12. Teri Polen's avatar

    Well – it was a good idea in theory.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Good in theory for sure. 🙂

      Like

  13. John Fioravanti's avatar
    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. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks a bunch for the reblog, John

      Liked by 1 person

      1. John Fioravanti's avatar
        John Fioravanti · ·

        You’re welcome, John.

        Liked by 1 person

  14. Natalie Ducey's avatar

    This is so funny! I have to admit I’d probably shy away too. Lol 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks, Natalie. I think I would too.

      Liked by 1 person

  15. Debbie's avatar

    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. John W. Howell's avatar

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

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Debbie's avatar

        For variation, try squats!

        Liked by 1 person

  16. Staci Troilo's avatar

    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. John W. Howell's avatar

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

      Like

  17. Jan Hawke's avatar

    Aww – maybe they need a little more time to get used to the funny noise? 😀

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      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. 😀

      Like

  18. Author Jan Sikes's avatar

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

    Liked by 1 person

  19. robbiesinspiration's avatar

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

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks, Robbie. 😀

      Like

  20. Mae Clair's avatar

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

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you Mae. We all try here at Author Acres. 😀

      Liked by 1 person

  21. evelyneholingue's avatar

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

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Evelyne. Enjoyed having you visit.

      Liked by 1 person

  22. The Coastal Crone's avatar

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

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yeah, I know. No short cuts.

      Like

  23. macjam47's avatar

    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. John W. Howell's avatar

      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. macjam47's avatar

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

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

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

          Liked by 1 person

  24. Jennie's avatar

    A new contraption, no way. Gotta love it.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

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

      Liked by 1 person

  25. kim blades, writer's avatar

    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. John W. Howell's avatar

      Of course she is. Thank you, Kim. 😀

      Like

      1. kim blades, writer's avatar

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

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          😀 I never noticed.

          Like

  26. Lauren Scott, Author's avatar

    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. John W. Howell's avatar

      Nope. It just sits there and they all give it wide berth. 😀

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Lauren Scott, Author's avatar

        Too funny, but maybe time will help. 🙂

        Like

  27. Lesley at Lola Rugula's avatar

    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. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Ha ha ha. Thanks for the laugh, Leslie.

      Liked by 1 person

  28. Frank @ Beach Walk Reflections's avatar

    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