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.
Grand Prix Doggie by John W. Howell © 2021
“Okay, so when you come to a curve, just lean into it.”
“I get it. Your feet stay firmly on the track.”
“I think you might do a little better also if you could change your lead just before hitting the curve.”
“What do you mean?”
“You are in a right over left lead configuration.”
“Is that bad?”
“No, not bad but notice how my body seems to follow the curve. I’m in left over right lead, and it just fits better.”
“You do look more streamlined. I can feel my ears bouncing around.”
“So do a lead change, and you will smooth out.”
“Wow. That is wonderful.”
“Okay, then coming out of the curve, you can change the lead again if it feels better.”
“No, this is pretty comfortable.”
“Well, I think you are ready.”
“You mean it?”
“Yup. I think I have taught you everything I know.”
“So you think I have a chance?”
“They are some pretty fast dogs.”
“Yeah, but I have the heart.”
“Okay, heart does go a long way. What made you want to race in the first place?”
“I always loved how those dogs looked going around the track. Sleek and beautiful. I want to look like that.”
“You know looks aren’t everything.”
“Yeah, but you have to admit they are beautiful.”
“They are greyhounds, and you are a Russel terrier. You know that, right?”
“So, what does that have to do with anything?”
“If you don’t see the difference, then don’t let me dissuade you.”
“You have to follow your dream no matter how hopeless it may be.”
“Okay, then. Good luck tomorrow.”
“I’m a fine-tuned running machine. But thank you for the good wishes.”
Fiction Favorites 
Great dialogue, John. In my mind, I see Trevor and Flash running together around out big field in France. Sadly, on the one occasion they met, Flash was quite near the end and Trevor was living with someone else.
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Your reflections are so much better than my stories. Thanks, Keith.
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😬
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Reblogged this on Die Erste Eslarner Zeitung – Aus und über Eslarn, sowie die bayerisch-tschechische Region!.
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Thank you for sharing, Michael.
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🙂
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Cute picture and story. 😀
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Thank you, Charles. 😊
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The Jack Russel looks just like our Dot, and she can run like the wind. She probably has a bit of greyhound in her. Not many dogs can beat her when they race around the beach. I love this dialogue! Well done.
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Thank you, Darlene. Say Hi to Dot.
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Well done, John! I think you were a dog in another life.😉
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I’m sure I was. Thanks, Jill.
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Poor little guy. It’s going to take a whole lot of heart to beat greyhounds. But I know a lot of little dogs who think they can run with big dogs, so what do I know? Nice work, John.
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Thank you for the lovely comment, Staci. 😁
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The Don Quixote of dogs!
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Exactly. Thanks, Liz.
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You’re welcome, John.
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A boy’s gotta dream. Well done, John, Like Twiggy checking up on Friday.
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Hahaha. Thanks, Dan.
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PS, you were in my inbox today 🙂
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Oh, Good. I hate to be left in the out box. 😁
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If he’s not careful, they’ll use him instead of the “rabbit” (bone) for the greyhounds to chase!
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hahaha. I was thinking the same thing. Thanks, GP
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Only you, John, would come up with a Grand Prix theme with this photo. Love it! Poor guy is in for a shock, methinks…
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I think so too. But hey he will be living a dream.
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Absolutely!!
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Hahaha
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😀
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“A fine-tuned running machine.” That made me smile. 🙂
This sounds like an underdog to hero story in the making!
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Can you imagine seeing a Russel running with greyhounds.
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LOL! Only YOU would come up with that 😀
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😁
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Nicely done…
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Thank you, Billy Ray.
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Aww, too cute. Never steal a doggie’s dream!
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Nope. That is the moral here. (Anybodys dream in fact)
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That Jack Russell reminds me of my son and DIL’s old dog (20!) whose speeds are run or sleep! Love the racing advice haha.
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I liked the thought of run or sleep. Thanks Luanne.
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Lol. This is great. I loved the lines: “I can feel my ears bouncing around.” and
“They are greyhounds, and you are a Russel terrier. You know that, right?”
Great story, John. What a hoot.
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Glad you enjoyed it Diana.
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Go Jack Russel!! I’ll bet on you.
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Might be a dark hor . . . uh . . . dog
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I think the Russell Terrier is right to have dreams about track and field. I just think he’s choosing the wrong sport. High Jump . . that’s his bag.
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Hahahaha. I think you are right.
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Having worked with them, I can tell you, when they get to jumping . . it’s David Lee Roth circa 1985.
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Hahahaha
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Hope experience conundrum… sigh.
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Need some tea for sure.
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😀 I’m sure almost all dogs think of themselves as the fastest runner evah when they’re running. Diva Dog was so fast it was astonishing I wondered if she could beat a greyhound in a race?
She is in doggie heaven. 😂🥰
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May she Rest In Peace too, Deborah.
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Ahh . . . why not go for it, eh? 🙂 Good one, John.
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Thankyou, Mark. 😁
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Great dialogue, John, with even adding a couple of profound messages! Smart doggies! 😁🐶
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Thank you, Lauren. 😊
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[…] Grand Prix Doggie by John W. Howell © 2021 […]
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