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.
Changes by John W. Howell © 2021
“So, mum. What do you call this?”
“I think it is more important to know what you call it.”
“Why is that?”
“This is going to be your new doghouse.”
“New doghouse? I don’t have an old doghouse. So what’s going on?”
“Dad and I feel you should have your own space. You are old enough to take that step.”
“Wait a minute. What’s wrong with me being in the house.”
“Oh, nothing, and you are welcome to come in anytime.”
“But?”
“But we feel its time for a young dog like yourself to have the freedom of your own place. You know, so you can invite your friends over, entertain guests, and that sort of thing.”
“You trying to get rid of me?”
“No, of course not. It’s just now that you are older it doesn’t seem right that you continue to sleep in our bed.”
“I get it. Threes a crowd.”
“Well, something like that. Now tell me, what kind of rugs would you like in there?”
“Rugs? What about heat and A/C? This thing looks like it might be blistering in the summer and freezing in the winter.”
“Come on, Trevor. Aren’t we a little dramatic? This will keep you nice and cool. Look at the huge screens. In the winter, the flaps come down to keep you cozy.”
“Your mind is made up?”
“Yes, it is.”
“I’m writing a letter to an American congressperson and voice my complaint.”
“But you’re not a citizen.”
“All the better. Non-citizens seem to be heard more over there.”
“Let me know if you need help.”
“Can I borrow your computer?”
“Sure.”
“Could you do the typing?”
“Absolutely.”
“Help me with the phrasing.”
“Of course.”
“Let me know when you are finished, and I’ll proof it.”
Fiction Favorites 
Hahaha! I think the better play is to petition for space heaters and fans, because that letter . . it has as much of a chance as a letter to Santa.
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Good point for sure.
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Just trying to help.
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lol…guests over..sounds like there will be some partying… as to a letter to congress or any other governmental body, better to put a message in a bottle…great story John..perhaps you can find one to share in Authors in the Sun…hugsxx
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Been thinking of that, Sally. 😊
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If a heat/cool heat pump is added, Trevor can be even more planet friendly 😂
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Good idea. We have one of those and they are great. Thanks, Chris.
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👍
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😁
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This was hilarious from first word to the last!! 😀 😀 😀
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Thank you so much, Liz. You’ve made my day. 😊
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You’re welcome, John! I’m so pleased.
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😊
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Lol! One of your best, John!😉
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Thak you, Jill.
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State Law 2021-143 a.k.a. Trevor’s Law – prohibits forcing domestic animals to live in a less conditioned space than their owners. This applies to ambient temperature, available food and water and sleeping conditions.
Good one, John.
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I agree on the Law, Dan. Thanks for the reminder. 😂
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Excellent, John. It could almost be true, were Trevor not such a mummy’s boy.
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I thought his naive belief in Congress help was endearing.
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He hasn’t realised that governments exist for their own advancement, not for that of the people who put them there.
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Let’s keep him in the dark. No use having him as miserable as the rest of us over government incompetence.
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Agreed – or, in politicians parlance, greed.
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Yes, greed is such a good word.
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Ingenious, John! Smart dog!
All I had was the woman saying, “What?! You want to come in and wreck this place too?!”
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That is a good one. I was going to start with “Wipe your feet.” “You never asked that before. Not sure I know how.” Along the same line. 😊 Thanks, GP.
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Puppy knows his rights.
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He does and knows where to go to have them protected. At least he thinks he knows.
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Poor Trevor. It’s not looking good for him. Funny stuff, John.
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Thank you, Staci.
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Poor Trevor. Maybe I’ll send my son to be his roommate.
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Hahaha. Have him pack plenty of water.
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That was cute, John. Thanks for the smile 🙂
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Always nice to know.Mae. Thank you. 😁
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Too funny, John, and very clever of course. 😂
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Thank you, Gwen.
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Hahaha! Trevor is smart, however, I’m with Marc. He better nevermind the letter and ask for other “comforts”!
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Good idea for sure. Thanks, Dale.
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🙂
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Good one, John 🙂 I’d protest for heat too.
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I’m sure the Congress will help him out once they know how he got in.
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Great story, John, and one of my favorites. That photo portrays plan B for my hubby and I if the fires prevent us from venturing into the backcountry. 🙂
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Might be better just to stay put.
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Tents have sure changed a lot since our days, haven’t they? I was recently looking at a photo of a tent that was connected to the back of someone’s SUV.
By the way, I don’t know if Congress has time to solve anyone’s problems. They’re all taking turns trying to get out of their own.
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Good point on Congress problems. Gotta wonder how anything gets done. Thanks, Pete..
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Dogs right, hmm. I hope you’ve not let Lucy read this. It won’t end well
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She can only read German so I’m safe.
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Somehow I think Lucy and Twiggy would join in protest.
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Yes they would. Thanks, Jennie.
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You’re welcome, John. 🙂
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😊
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Poor Trevor. No heat or A/C. Inhumane treatment. Hope he gets some help from his congressperson. 🙂 Good one, John.
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A helpful congressperson is a big ole oxymoron. Thanks, Jan
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“Non-citizens seem to be heard more over there.” This is one smart pooch! Thanks for an entertaining post, John.
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Rather cheeky pooch. Thank you, Debbie.
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[…] Changes by John W. Howell © 2021 […]
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LOL! Wrapped her around his/her little paw quite easily. 😂 That’s a wise pooch!
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Wise indeed.
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