“Hey, Boss.”
“Hi, Lucy. How are you today?”
“Not sure.”
“What’s the problem?”
“There’s a pile of stuff over there that I don’t recognize.”
“Mom is putting the things she will need for the puppy arrival.”
“I know you mentioned a puppy, but are you actually going to adopt one? Look at this stuff Bailey.”
I see it. Yeah, Pops. Come clean. What’s going on?
Okay, Girls. Here’s the deal. You know Mom, and I believe in the rescue of animals?”
“Yes, Boss and Baily and I love you for that.”
“Well, there is an organization named Dog Ranch Rescue who have as a mission to rescue enslaved dogs from puppy mills.”
“This story could take a while, so I’m going to go and lay down.”
“Okay, Bailey. You can listen from the couch. As I was saying, the rescue people go to auctions and buy as many puppy mothers as they can.”
“Puppy auctions? What are those, Pops.”
“These are places where breeders sell dogs they no longer want. Maybe the dogs are older or have had too many litters. Anyway, this group buys these dogs to give them freedom from being used in puppy mills.”
“Puppy mills sound like a bad place to be if you are a puppy.”
“That’s true, Lucy. They are even worse places for mothers of puppies. Sometimes the group is able to buy a mother who already has puppies inside her. Then this is an opportunity to free the mother and have the puppies born in freedom as well. Which brings us to Little Twiggy.”
“Twiggy? Is that the puppy’s name?”
“Yes, it is.”
“Can we see her?”.
Well, I happen to have a photo taken by her foster mom for Easter, and you can also go to the Dog Ranch Rescue website. The group gave her the name Maraschino which is her name on the site. We are naming her Twiggy.”
“OMG Pops. She is so cute. Is she a boxer?”
“No Bailey she is a French Bulldog, and she was born free.”
“When is mom going to get her?”
“Good question Lucy. Mom will get her in the Dallas area on Saturday, and she will be here on Monday.”
“Monday? Why so long?”
“You remember Dr. Hay in San Antonio don’t you?”
“Aw, he’s the best.”
“Yes, well, mom has to stop there so that Twiggy can have a complete physical and then she’ll be home. What do you think?”
“Yay, a baby sister.”
“I think you will like her Bailey. How about you Lucy?”
“I love babies. She is in my heart already.”
“You two are going to love her.”
Fiction Favorites 
Oh my! Twiggy is adorable, John! Lucy and Bailey will be wonderful big sisters. This post made me smile! ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
Excellent. Smiles are what I go for.
Like
Ahhh, she is irresistible. ♥ I know where she will be sleeping. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ha ha ha. In her play pen? Right. 😀
LikeLike
A great post, John…hate ‘puppy mills’ and love your noble act…wish more people would get involved with animal rescue. Thanks for sharing…hugs to Lucy and Bailey AND Twiggy when she arrives! ♥
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Billy Ray. We are looking forward to it.
LikeLike
🙂 ♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
Swear I thought she was a toy when I quickly scrolled by. So adorable and now I’m really looking forward to next ‘little personal’ post to see if she debuts. Thanks for explaining that puppy mill thing.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for the comments. Yes, next Thursday will be the debut.
LikeLike
With such depravity in the world, it is nice to hear a story of freedom. Kudos John!
LikeLiked by 2 people
That’s how we think of it, Pam. It breaks our hearts to see these dogs being used to manufacture designer puppies on which people spend inordinate sums of money. The mother dogs are mostly unloved and usually caged and in bad shape. When exhausted, they are sold at auction to other breeders.
LikeLike
What a wonderful thing you are doing. Thanks for the informative post too! =)
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Brenda. We are only supporting the great work of this organization. They are saints. I appreciate your visit. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Twiggy is so cute! Bailey and Lucy will take good care of her. My granddog was a rescue. Riley is the sweetest black lab mix and is a wonderful big sister to my granddaughters.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Rescues are so grateful for their homes. Thanks, Michelle.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful news. (though I was secretly hoping you’d get a cat in memory of Stella)
LikeLiked by 2 people
The priority for this puppy came quickly, Lynne. Stella’s memory is still a little too close for us. You have a great idea though. Maybe with a little more time. Thank you. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Jan Hawke INKorporated and commented:
Awww! Lucy and Bailey are getting a new sister! Twiggy looks adorable – can’t wait to meet her! ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for the share , Jan 😀
LikeLike
Good man! Rescued is my favourite breed of dogs. I hope Twiggy settles in well (and quickly).
LikeLiked by 2 people
We do too. We have not had a puppy before so I think we are in for a treat. (or treatment)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wish you well. At least you won’t have to deal with or undo someone else’s training (or treatment).
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is for sure. Our Lucy has some habits that are still not cured. We have given up.
LikeLike
Twiggy is adorable – bet the girls are so excited! What a wonderful organization.
LikeLiked by 2 people
They are the absolute best, Teri. Thank you.
LikeLike
Oh, she’s so dang squeee I think my head will explode!
Lucy’s face is so expressive; Bailey too. Twiggy is a cute name. Looking forward to seeing more photos of the family, John. Hugs!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Teagan. I think next Thursday will be the debut. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great story, wonderful news and a seriously cute puppy. Tell Lucy not to be jealous, there’s room in our hearts for all three of your girls.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Ha ha ha. Of the two, Lucy is more like a mama.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It should be a good time for her and the pup.
LikeLiked by 1 person
😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awe, congrats on the new addition. Twiggy is so lucky to be adopted into such a loving family!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Lynn. We want her to be happy and healthy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have no doubt she will be John!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLike
Oh. My. Word. Will you two adopt me, as well?!
I am beyond envy…Twiggy is precious. Congratulations, Pops and Moms. ♡
LikeLiked by 2 people
I want to come back as a pet in my house. Thanks, Audrey. 😀
LikeLike
👍
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Words To Captivate ~ by John Fioravanti and commented:
The Howell’s are adopting a rescue puppy to add to their furry family! Twiggy will join Lucy and Bailey in this happy household!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, John
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome and congrats!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLike
What a great story. I like the happy ending aspect of it all. Enjoy your new addition and those first few sleepless nights. I wonder how similar Frenchies are to my kind of bulldogs. I have a hunch she’ll have the same kind of deceptive mass they do.
LikeLiked by 2 people
She is projected to bend more than eight pounds. She was the runt so she will not be big.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Frankie was a runt too. She was 30 pounds forever, and that’s well under the breed standard. Almost overnight she is 50 pounds and is not fat. She’s like a little rock. A very bad little rock today.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I read. That photo was priceless
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m melting inside. This is so wonderful! Twiggy is adorable and I am such a softie when it comes to animals, especially rescue animals. It warms my heart to know this precious pup will have such a loving home. I can’t wait to “meet” her in your Thursday posts. She is going to share the spotlight with Lucy and Bailey, right?
LikeLiked by 2 people
She will share the spotlight. There is plenty of room.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aww…John! I thought a new arrival would be a cat but a puppy rescued from a puppy mill is even better! It is so sad to hear of dogs being bred simply for money. You and your wife are wonderful to take one into your home. Twiggy is adorable! Rescue friends are the best!
LikeLiked by 1 person
They are, Jo. Thanks you for the nice words.
LikeLike
I love love this post, John! Cheers to you. So grateful for your huge heart. Stay awesome! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a nice thing to say, Natalie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awww! I love this!
You and your lovely bride are just wonderful people.
Welcome to the family Twiggy!
Much love to you all
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Marc. You are a Mensch.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We all love Twiggy SO much! And this isn’t to say Lucy and Bailey aren’t rock stars, because they most certainly are. Now it’s a trio!
Love to all
LikeLike
Aww, gee, what a wonderful story — and now we can enjoy Twiggy’s puppyhood vicariously (without the potty training and teething, ha!). Way to go, John and Producer! Know Lucy and Bailey will be good big sisters to the wee one, too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
OH NO!
We had a skinny calico cat show up at our house last spring. The woman up the road had died and whoever took over the house, chased the cats out. She was so skinny, we called her Twiggy. She was also pregnant.
This winter when our county spayed and neuter program went into effect, we went to get her litter fixed and were told to wait. “The cats won’t go into heat in January,” they said.
Riiiiiight….
Anyone want any cats?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh my, Greg.
LikeLike
Oh my… Twiggy is adorable! Glad to hear she was born free from those puppy mills. What an amazing group to rescue the mothers and pups and offer them to loving homes like yours. Congrats on the new addition and I’m looking forward to hearing all about her:)
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Jo. More to come for sure.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Twiggy is adorable and she is a very lucky little puppy to come into such a loving home with two big sisters to look after her. You and your wife are angels to be so involved with the animal rescue program.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Jan. 😀
LikeLike
You and your wife are sweethearts, John! Puppy mills are so horrible. I’m glad you were able to rescue Twiggy, she’s going to be one lucky girl!
Happy Easter!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy Easter to you, Jacquie. Thanks for the nice words too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I heard just today that one of the bulldogs — maybe the French bulldog — has become the fourth most popular breed in the country. Looking at Twiggy, I can see why. That little doggie is adorable. It’s going to be such fun to watch her grow and adapt to your household — and watch you adapt to her!
Now I’m off to read about the rescue ranch. The Utopia Rescue Ranch (Kinky Friedman’s project) has closed its doors as of February, so it’s good to know that others are doing the same kind of work.
LikeLiked by 1 person
She is adorable and is going to be so loved. x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Adele. We are looking forward to her arrival. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope there will be loads of pics when she’s settled. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes we have a bunch.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cuuuuuute!!! Pupperzzzz!!! Congratulations on your little bundle of adorableness and thank you for rescuing her. 💗
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for the nice words, Mary. 😀
LikeLike
You’re welcome!
LikeLike
John, what a heart warming post. Twiggy will love her new family, as you will all love her. Love just pours out from this. ❤ Xx
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Jane. We are very excited.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh my … they will be in shock!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Totally. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
John, You made my heart sing in a couple of ways. Our Chloe was a puppy mill mother that we rescued and I have a friend who started calling me Twiggy in 1980. Will be happy to volunteer as Little Twiggy’s Godmother 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Aw. Such a wonderful comment. Thanks, Cindy.
LikeLike
OOOOH, she’s adorable! How wonderful for you all to have an new puppy, and for Twiggy to have you all!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Deborah.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is so exciting! Twiggy (best name ever for this little darlin’) is adorable. Lucy and Bailey will be the best family. Good thing all the repairs and flooring are done. Twiggy
LikeLiked by 2 people
Twiggy will be well loved. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think so.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLike
Yes we are happy about that. Thanks, Jennie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, John.
LikeLiked by 1 person
[…] “Speaking of worthy causes, bourbon and adoption, did you see that John Howell adopted a puppy?” […]
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for the mention, Dan
LikeLike
Hey John–Dan sent me over here and I am so happy to meet your family. Twiggy is adorable. That is awesome of you and your wife to rescue those that need to be rescued. Bailey and Lucy look like they are going to be wonderful big sisters. Enjoy the fun!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for the visit, Lois. I hope all is well with you. I read your about section and wish you the best. I love animals and don’t know any prisoners
LikeLike
Congratulations, John! Lucy and Bailey are so gorgeous and darling Twiggy will be a much loved sister. ❤ ❤ ❤ She's very lucky to have your home called hers. Xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
We are lucky to have her as well. Thank you,Dina. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aw. Thank you so much for rescuing and supporting this organization! So exciting!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you JoAnna. We are excited. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
To end this Saturday night a story that will melt your heart.. Lucy and Bailey are getting a baby sister… John Howell and his wife are adopting another rescue dog.. this time from an organisation that rescues mums and pups from puppy farms.. I am sure we will be introduced to the new arrival next week… what a feel good story.#recommended Happy Easter
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Sally. Yes, a story next week.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great looking forward to meeting Twiggy in person… x
LikeLiked by 2 people
Happy Easter. XX
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah, what a sweet little darling! Enjoy the new baby and the interactions with the big “kids”!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Luanne. We will try.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m smiling through a big lump in my throat. I’m sure Twiggy will be very happy and look forward to hearing more about her as she settles in.
LikeLiked by 2 people
She is full of energy. She is in Austin now dragging a huge pizza toy around.
LikeLike
Congratulations on your latest addition to the family. Little Twiggy is a darling! Bailey and Lucy will make such wonderful big sisters… HUGS all around! ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Bette.
LikeLike
Fantastic John. What a gorgeous little dog. Twiggy is very lucky to be adopted into such a loving family. I can’t wait to read more of your posts and find out how Lucy and Bailey are enjoying having a new baby sister. Congratulations to all of you and Happy Easter.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Die Erste Eslarner Zeitung – Aus und über Eslarn, sowie die bayerisch-tschechische Region!.
LikeLike
Thank you for the share, Michael.
LikeLike
Lovely kind people. 💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Willow. 🙂
LikeLike
💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLike
Twiggy is just to cute, John. Happy Easter.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Robbie. Happy Easter to you.
LikeLike
Twiggy melted my heart, I did an involuntary ‘awwwwwwwwwww’, and a tear rolled down my cheek. You and I have this in common, which is how we ended up with the Significant Seven … 7 cats! They are all rescue animals, one has either Down’s Syndrome or Autism, depending on which vet you choose to believe, and all but 2 are either physically or mentally challenged. I live in a zoo, and most days I wouldn’t have it any other way. My hat is off to you and your wife!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Jill. We are still too close to the loss of Frankie and Stella (our cats) to get another right now. I think Twiggy is a consolation step. Loved your comment. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
So adorable! Twiggy is the perfect name for her ~ until she outgrows it 🙂 ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha hah a. Since she is the runt I don’t think she will. Thanks, Tina.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wish the world had more people like you and your wife 🙂 Twiggy is adorable.
LikeLiked by 1 person
She has taken over for sure. She is so darn cute. Thanks, Marie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is fantastic, John! Congratulations on adopting Twiggy! What a precious gift.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Beem. She is that for sure. (Also a hand full) 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person