In Keith’s words. “Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; even just a caption for the photograph. Either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before 6pm next Sunday (if you aren’t sure what the time is where I live, this link will tell you). If you post it on your own blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated, but please do also mention it in a comment here.
Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries next Monday.”
The photo.
The Plan by John W. Howell ©2019
“Ho Ho. Mama and I love each other.”
“Yeah right. Go ahead and enjoy yourself. You’ll be back down here when she gets tired of you.”
“Says you. Look at that smile. She thinks I’m the cutest.”
“Everyone likes a little puppy kiss now and then. It will become old hat pretty soon.”
“I think you are jealous.”
“Me jealous? You have got to be kidding me. I just want you down here so I can explain my plan.”
“Plan? What plan?”
“Let me ask you. Do you enjoy living in this teapot on wheels?”
“It’s okay. Nice and cozy.”
“Well, I can remember running across the meadows free as a bird. Now you try to run, and you get about as far as the end of the leash.”
“Yes but Mom and Dad said this was only temporary while they are on vacation.”
“Temporary? How long has it been? You tell me.”
“I don’t know. Dad said we would be gone a month.”
“Do you know how long that is in dog years?”
“I’m a puppy. How would I know?”
“Seven months we have been held captive in this tin can.”
“Wow. That does seem like a long time.”
“So here’s what we are going to do. As soon as you stop licking Mama’s face, you are going to whine to go out. I will do the same. Once we get outside, we will slip out collars and take off for the open road.”
“Slip our collars? I’ve never done that.”
“It’s easy. First, you bolt forward. Then when Mama pulls you back you turn around and duck your head. Like magic, the collar comes right off.”
“How did you know how to do this?”
“Humans always pull back when you lunge forward. The collar and leash are designed to hold you from getting away with tension in the forward position. The collar is not designed for the reverse. I have practiced a few times. So you got that?”
“I think so. Where are we going to get dinner on the road?”
“Oh, I don’t know. Maybe a stray rabbit or something.”
“Ew. You mean a raw rabbit?”
“Yes, I mean a raw rabbit. Our ancestors lived that way for centuries.”
“You going to catch it?”
“I suppose.”
“Skin it.”
“OMG, why don’t I just order out.”
“Maybe we could make our get-away after dinner.”
“What and miss our after-dinner walk and treat?.”
“This is sounding like a not good idea.”
“Okay. How about tomorrow?”
“Good. After breakfast then.”
“You’re on.”
“Wait.”
“What?”
“We always have ‘fetch the ball’ session after breakfast.”
“Let’s just serve our time shall we?”
“I’m good with that.”
Fiction Favorites 
John, you know them so well!
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Thank you, Keith.
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That mutiny ended pretty quickly.
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Seems dinner can end all mutinys. 😁
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“Just serve our time” what a great phrase, John. I suspect many dogs share that thought, at least in dog-language. Brilliant!
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I’m sure they do, Gwen. Thanks for the terrific complement.
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“A teapot on wheels.” Gotta laugh at that statement, as well as the humour these dogs got you writing, John. Great fun.
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Thank you so much, Hugh.
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Aw, poor pups. When “vacation” is viewed through their eyes, it doesn’t sound so exciting, does it? And traveling in that “teapot on wheels” makes it sound even more dismal.
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Ha haha. Yes it does, Debbie.
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So cute! I positively loved this one! And I’m glad those two pups came to their senses and are going to continue to enjoy comfy life in the “tin can.” 🙂
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Yeah. A nice doggie dinner solves many problems. Thanks. Mae.
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Raw rabbit never wins.
Not ever.
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No way no how.🐇
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Hahaha!
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I doubt there’s any likelihood that either of the Howell girls are going to run off. Maddie just had her after-breakfast cookie. Are there cookie dispensers on the road?
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One would hope there are. Thanks, Dan
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I’m glad the great escape could wait a day and raw rabbit doesn’t sound all.that appealing.
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Oh my God! This is too adorable! Yes, I think it’s best to wait until tomorrow for the great escape. 🙂
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Catch our own meals? Oh hell no!! 🐇🐰 are stuffed toys to play with NOT to eat!
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So true. 😀
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What a delightful story, John! Your imagination and wit never fail to delight.
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Thank you, Barb. 😊
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Sometimes “prison” is actually more liberating than so-called-freedom.
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For some I would say.
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Loved this! Raw rabbit will make anyone think twice. 🙂
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I think it would make me not want to head out for sure.
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No kidding!
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[…] The Plan by John W. Howell © 2019 […]
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