In Keith’s words.
“On to this week’s challenge: 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 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 Line by John W. Howell © 2020
“I’m just wondering, is all.”
“Don’t even think about crossing that line.”
“I’m not. I just asked the question.”
“Well, don’t ask.”
“Can I ask a totally unrelated question?”
“Sure. But let me warn you I’m not the answer dog in this place.”
“Why is this line important.”
“There you go again. You have this obsession with the line.”
“No, I don’t.”
“What is it then.”
“I just want to know why I can’t cross it.”
“Because.”
“Because, why?”
“I say so.”
“Who are you?”
“The toughest dog around.”
“It can’t be because there is anything special in that room.”
“How do you know?”
“I’ve been in it.”
“When was that?”
“When you were on a walk. I waltzed over your precious line and sniffed that room clean.”
“You didn’t. I told you to never cross the line.”
“Too bad, I did. What are you going to do about it?”
“Yeah, good question.”
“Well?”
“Don’t rush me.”
“How about finding another line?”
“Good one. That’s what I’ll do.”
“The door to the garage has a dandy line.”
“I’m going to check it out. Why are you so helpful?”
“When you have an idiot as a brother, you gotta do all you can.”
“I appreciate that. Hey, wait—”
Fiction Favorites 
You’re getting to know these dogs too well, John. 😀
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Hahahaha. Trevor is a classic. 😁
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Not for nothing do I call him a Jack Russel Terrorist. 🤓🐶
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😁
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Awesome dialogue 👏 and hey, lucky you… so cool picture 🙂 for the story 🤣😂
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Yes it was perfect. Thanks VR. 😁
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Well, I also made an order for 50$, so I guess I’d be able to post review this week already on .com 🙂 I’ll post it today on Goodreads & as the blog later this week. Have a nice day!
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Thank you so much. 😁 It doesn’t show up yet but takes time. 🕺
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Good one. Full of cunning and drama.
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OMG… When I read this, I immediately thought of the hilarious stories my three mischievous sons would tell. I suspect your mom is laughing from her celestial home. Good one, John. 😂
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This reminded me of when my sister and I shared a room. 🙂
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I hope it brought back some good memories as well as some of the troublesome ones. 😁
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The shaggy dog had such a sad expression, my idea was, “What are you doing here? The party isn’t till 10am when the whole family is out of the house!”
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Good one too. Thanks, GP 😁
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My own dogs do the stare down like this. Great interpretation.
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Thanks, Craig.
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hahah. At least he is acknowledged as a sibling!
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That is true, Pam
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Ha ha! Hey, wait–
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I know right?
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😀
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I like, “I waltzed over your precious line and sniffed that room clean.” That is so dog.
Good job John.
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Thank you, Dan 😊
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Very cute, John. Like Dan, I love the line “I waltzed over your precious line and sniffed that room clean.” You always do such a great job with these picture prompts.
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Thank you, Mae. Sometimes they are easier than others. One look at that sweet dog and that was it.
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The minute I saw this photo, I knew we were in for a treat from you, John. You speak “dog” very well. Great response!
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Thank you, Jan. I took a Berlitz course in dog. 😂
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Buahahaah! That was more than a hoot and a half, John!
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I’m glad you liked it, Dale. Thanks for letting me know.
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It was very fun. I love your dialogue. You are a pro at it.
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Thank you, Dale.
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😊
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I love that shaggy dog! Somehow, I thought he was the one trying to get into the room “guarded” by the white dog. You’ve given me a whole new perspective, John!
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The shaggy dog was trying to get in the room guarded by the white and brown dog.
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You lead a wonderful ‘dogs’ life!’ 🙂
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I do, Billy Ray. Thanks.
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I like a dog who can identify lines that mustn’t be crossed. I quite like this characteristic in humans too, it goes well with my “all ways are my way” Queen of Hearts motto [smile].
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Yes I can almost see that smile. You are perfect for your chosen work
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The master of wonderful dialogue exchanges has struck again. Bravo, John. You’ve more than earned your Master’s degree in ‘dog-psychology’. 😁
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Thank you, Soooz. My pleasure indeed.
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They do have their lines:) Good one, John.
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Thanks, Denise.
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We used to have a cat, Pickles, who was as mean as ever a cat was … to one other cat, Tofu (don’t ask). If he dared so much as cross the line dividing the kitchen from the living room, she attacked viciously. I could go pick him up and bring him to sit on my lap, and she wouldn’t do anything, but if he dared to get down from my lap and tread on “her” turf in the living room, she would make him pay. We had several other cats at the time that she did not bother, but she did not tolerate Tofu. The sad thing was that Tofu was the gentlest cat … yet another rescue, as was Pickles … and had lost a leg due to meeting up with a car. We never figured out why Pickles hated him so much.
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Might have been the leg situation. Survival of the fittest you know. Poor Tofu.
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I often wondered. We gave Tofu extra love to make up for his many troubles, and he was the only cat I have ever allowed to sleep with me! He would gently paw my face when he needed to get down.
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Aw. Such a sweet story. 😊
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Drawing that line in the carpet only seems to work if the person you’re trying to prevent from crossing isn’t interested in what’s on the other side, huh?
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That is true you old philosopher you. 😁
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Haha! Yeah, I’m a regular Socratease!
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😁
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This was funny, John! Reminds me of the days of car trips when the kids were little, and taping a line across the middle of the back seat. Don’t cross that line!
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Hahaha. I remember that. All worked well until sister says, “Brother is looking at me.”
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Yes! Or until, “He’s touching the line!” We survived those long car rides. 🙂
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Hahaha.
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😀
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Hahaha, dog logic. Flawless.
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Thank you, Jessica.
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[…] The Line by John W. Howell © 2020 […]
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