Tuesday – A Little Personal – Kreative Kue #331 by Keith Channing

September 28, 2021 · by John W. Howell · in Prompt · 72 Comments

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 Watch by John W. Howell © 2021

“How do you know?”

“I’m telling you I smelled the shampoo.”

“How can you smell shampoo when it’s not been used?”

“Come on. You know as well as I do that stuff can leave an olfactory trace that can be picked up for miles.”

“Yes, but mom isn’t even home.”

“Which makes our situation all the more precarious.”

“So you think this back-to-back watch scenario is going to help?”

“Look. If we spot the old man coming out of the kitchen door with some sad excuse of a treat, you know he’s got a bath on the brain. I just think early warned is early armed.”

“So, what are we going to do?”

“When we spot him, we run like hell.”

“That’s not very dignified.”

“Who cares? It keeps the suds out of our eyes.”

“Look, here he comes.”

“Treat?”

“Yup. A piece of turkey.”

“Turkey, you sure. Let me look. Damn, you are right. It’s turkey.”

“What does it mean.”

“Worse than I thought.”

“Tell me.”

“A trip to the vet. Let’s take off.”

“Maybe it’s not.”

“Don’t be a fool. If he was holding that pathetic bacon treat bag, it’s a bath. Turkey is a full-on vet trip.”

“Where should we go?”

“I saw something on the path. It’s drawing flies, so a good place to roll. He won’t come near us then.”

“But that will beg a bath.”

“Which would you rather have? Vet or bath.”

“Let’s go.”

Tags: author, books, Circumstances of Childhood, Eternal Road - The final stop, fiction favorites, His Revenge, John W. Howell Author, Keith Channing, Kreative Kue, My GRL, Our Justice, The Contract with Gwen Plano, Writing Prompt

72 comments

Keith Edgar Channing · September 28, 2021 - 4:10 am ·

That’s a tough choice. Soap in the eyes and lose all that nice smell or a thermometer up the bum, injections – and maybe come back deficient a few more in the dental division.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · September 28, 2021 - 8:12 am ·
  
  Yes the dental detail takes it’s toll. Thanks, Keith.
  
  LikeLiked by 2 people
  1. Keith Edgar Channing · September 28, 2021 - 8:26 am ·
    
    I think those of us who have older dogs have been through it all too often.
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    1. John W. Howell · September 28, 2021 - 8:32 am ·
      
      I’m beginning to wonder about poor Lucy. She loses a few with each visit.
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
    2. Keith Edgar Channing · September 28, 2021 - 9:15 am ·
      
      I know what you mean. Trevor is down to canines and molars and Eos is headed the same way.
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
    3. John W. Howell · September 28, 2021 - 9:37 am ·
      
      🙄
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
Charles Yallowitz · September 28, 2021 - 4:42 am ·

Decisions, decisions. Hope they don’t get both.

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1. John W. Howell · September 28, 2021 - 8:12 am ·
  
  That woud be an injustice for sure. 😁
  
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Mae Clair · September 28, 2021 - 5:04 am ·

LOL! The lesser of two evils.
It always amazes me the scenarios you come up with from these photo prompts, John. Another great story!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · September 28, 2021 - 8:13 am ·
  
  Thak you, Mae. You sure know how to make my day. 😁
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Mae Clair · September 28, 2021 - 10:15 am ·
    
    🙂
    
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Jill Weatherholt · September 28, 2021 - 5:12 am ·

Just run! Great job, John!

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1. John W. Howell · September 28, 2021 - 8:13 am ·
  
  Thank you, Jill. 😁
  
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Staci Troilo · September 28, 2021 - 5:36 am ·

Clever pups. They know the bribes. I find their choice funny… my son would have said “pathetic turkey” and salivated over the bacon. Then again, he’d agree that a shower is preferable to a trip to the doctor.

Funny stuff, John.

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1. John W. Howell · September 28, 2021 - 8:16 am ·
  
  Thank you, Staci. I can’t imagine a dog liking those phony bacon thingys. Real turkey? Now there’s a treat,
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Staci Troilo · September 28, 2021 - 9:26 am ·
    
    Well, you’ve got me there. Facon is far different from bacon.
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    1. John W. Howell · September 28, 2021 - 9:35 am ·
      
      😁
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
Gwen M. Plano · September 28, 2021 - 5:43 am ·

All your years of raising/caring for/enjoying pups have paid off with this post, John. 😂 Loved it!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · September 28, 2021 - 8:20 am ·
  
  Thank you, Gwen. 😁
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Dan Antion · September 28, 2021 - 5:48 am ·

Good one, John. They do know what’s coming don the pike. Still, you’d think they stay for turkey.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · September 28, 2021 - 8:25 am ·
  
  I guess it is an approach/avoidence situation.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
coldhandboyack · September 28, 2021 - 6:10 am ·

Cracks me up. Sounds like they have it all figured out.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · September 28, 2021 - 8:26 am ·
  
  Looks that way. Thanks, Craig.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Dale · September 28, 2021 - 6:44 am ·

You can’t fool them, none! Love this!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · September 28, 2021 - 8:27 am ·
  
  Thank you, Dale.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Dale · September 28, 2021 - 8:42 am ·
    
    🙂
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
Liz Gauffreau · September 28, 2021 - 6:59 am ·

This is just hilarious!! I’d share it with my dog, but he never learned to read. 😀 :D:D

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · September 28, 2021 - 8:28 am ·
  
  Hahaha. Thanks, Liz
  
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Teri Polen · September 28, 2021 - 7:22 am ·

You’re really good at channeling your inner canine, John, lol. This is perfect.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · September 28, 2021 - 8:28 am ·
  
  Thank you, Teri. 😁
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
T. W. Dittmer · September 28, 2021 - 7:43 am ·

I like dogs, but they sometimes have some disturbing behaviors. They probably do think the same of we humans. 🙂

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · September 28, 2021 - 8:30 am ·
  
  I’m sure they do. Thanks, Tim
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Chris The Story Reading Ape · September 28, 2021 - 8:14 am ·

That’s being dogmatic 😂🤣😂

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · September 28, 2021 - 8:30 am ·
  
  🤣 Thanks, Chris.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
quiall · September 28, 2021 - 8:15 am ·

Ha ha ha! I can see the minds working!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · September 28, 2021 - 8:32 am ·
  
  Grinding away. Thanks, Pamela. 😊
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Tails Around the Ranch · September 28, 2021 - 9:21 am ·

Are we coming or going, dude?

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · September 28, 2021 - 9:36 am ·
  
  Hahaha. Good one, Norman. 😁
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Debbie · September 28, 2021 - 9:26 am ·

Poor pups, having to make a decision like that! You’ve captured their thoughts well, John. Let’s hope the “smelly thing on the sidewalk” isn’t something that’ll land them in the bath AND the vet’s office!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · September 28, 2021 - 9:36 am ·
  
  True enough, Debbie. A bath is one thing but a trip to the big V is quite another.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
petespringerauthor · September 28, 2021 - 10:46 am ·

I owned a dog who never fell for the bath treat. Tango loved to eat, but he was an intelligent dog, and his dislike of baths trumped his food desire. Great job on this prompt, John!

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D.L. Finn, Author · September 28, 2021 - 11:15 am ·

They definitely can smell shampoo meant for them and the vet…they sure know!

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OIKOS™- Art, Books & more · September 28, 2021 - 12:59 pm ·

Reblogged this on OPENED HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.

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OIKOS™- Art, Books & more · September 28, 2021 - 12:59 pm ·

Animals can be phiosophers too. 😉 Nice written, John! xx Michael

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · September 28, 2021 - 2:59 pm ·
  
  Thank you, Michael.
  
  LikeLike
GP · September 28, 2021 - 1:05 pm ·

John, you’re too much!! 🤣
Mine landed on, “Fido, I’m telling we turn right to go home.”

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · September 28, 2021 - 2:58 pm ·
  
  Yes. Good use of the photo. Thanks, GP.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Sorryless · September 28, 2021 - 3:51 pm ·

These two know their business. Vet is always worst case scenario.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · September 29, 2021 - 6:56 am ·
  
  Yes indeed. 😁
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
Becky Ross Michael · September 28, 2021 - 8:44 pm ·

Love it:)

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · September 29, 2021 - 7:12 am ·
  
  Thank you, Becky. 😊
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Becky Ross Michael · September 29, 2021 - 7:50 am ·
    
    You’re very welcome, John!
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
    1. John W. Howell · September 29, 2021 - 10:24 am ·
      
      😊
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
Jan Sikes · September 28, 2021 - 9:55 pm ·

Oh my! This is nothing short of brilliant, John! You certainly know how dogs think. 🙂

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · September 29, 2021 - 7:13 am ·
  
  Thanks, Jan
  
  LikeLike
TanGental · September 29, 2021 - 2:44 am ·

How very true. That vet terror is to be avoided at all costs

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · September 29, 2021 - 7:14 am ·
  
  😁
  
  LikeLike
Baydreamer · September 29, 2021 - 10:04 am ·

Love this, John, and what a choice to make. Copper doesn’t like either one. 🙂

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · September 29, 2021 - 10:24 am ·
  
  I don’t blame Copper at all.
  
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davidprosser · September 29, 2021 - 4:44 pm ·

Why do we always underestimate them. They run rings round us.
Hugs

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1. John W. Howell · September 29, 2021 - 4:52 pm ·
  
  So true, David. Hugs
  
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Teagan Riordain Geneviene · September 29, 2021 - 5:29 pm ·

Haha! Fun take on the prompt, John. Big hugs.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · September 29, 2021 - 6:07 pm ·
  
  Thank you, Teagan
  
  LikeLike
Jennie · September 29, 2021 - 6:54 pm ·

Hahaha! Only a dog lover truly understands.

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · September 29, 2021 - 7:40 pm ·
  
  Yes, indeed. Thank you, Jennie.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  1. Jennie · September 30, 2021 - 5:45 am ·
    
    You’re welcome, John.
    
    LikeLiked by 2 people
    1. John W. Howell · September 30, 2021 - 7:06 am ·
      
      😊
      
      LikeLiked by 1 person
circadianreflections · September 29, 2021 - 8:02 pm ·

LOL! Those are smart dogs!

LikeLiked by 1 person
1. John W. Howell · September 29, 2021 - 8:08 pm ·
  
  They are. Thanks, Deborah
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
markbierman · October 3, 2021 - 6:11 am ·

Yes, those critters have a sixth sense when it comes to a bath or the vet.

LikeLiked by 2 people
1. John W. Howell · October 3, 2021 - 7:00 am ·
  
  They do for sure. Thanks, Mark.
  
  LikeLiked by 2 people
Kreative Kue 332 – Keith Kreates! · October 4, 2021 - 3:06 am ·

[…] The Watch by John W. Howell © 2021 […]

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