Thursday – A Little Personal – Lucy and Twiggy

“Hey, Lucy. Why are these weird-looking runners here.”

“Against her better interior decorating sense, mom bought them for me.”

“For you? Why?”

“Well, Little One, I’m having trouble walking on the tile.”

“Trouble? What kind of trouble?”

“We old folks sometimes can’t control slipping.”

“Then what happens?”

“I basically fall down and can’t get up. I’m like a turtle on its back.”

“I thought you were just fooling around. So mom got you something where you wouldn’t slip.”

“Yup, and she laid them in all the hallways and paths I take.”

“Well, they sure look out of place.”

“Mom said it was okay. The important thing is safety.”

“Now you don’t fall down? Want to play tuggy?”

“Geez. Two questions. No, I don’t fall down and don’t want to play tuggy.”

“What do you want to do?”

“Let’s see. I’m on the couch. Half of me is comfortable. What do you think?”

“It is a long shot, but I’m guessing a nap.”

“You surprise me with your clairvoyance, youngster. You are spot on.”

“I think maybe I ought to do the same.”

“No argument from me.”

114 comments

  1. Jane Sturgeon · ·

    Mom’s runners are thoughtful. Lovely post, John. Much love to you and your girls.💓 xXx

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Much love back to you, Jane ❤️

      Like

  2. Our old greyhound Flash, who died in 2009 at almost fifteen years of age, had a lot of trouble with smooth floors. Whenever the tiles felt slippery to him, his small brain told him to elevate hiimself onto the very tips of his claws on all four feet. Result? Spatchcock doggy!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I can see that. Lucy did the same and the poor dear couldn’t get up and then panic set in. She loves the runners. Thanks for sharing Keith.

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Poor Lucy. Though it’s really cool that you can set that up. I know people who had old dogs and they didn’t think of doing that to stop the slipping.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. They aren’t pretty but do the job. Thanks, Charles.

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  4. The Howell pups are much loved and well taken care of–thanks to mom and pop. 😊

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks, Gwen. 😁

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  5. Now that is love. Thanks for the update on Lucy. Give her some ear scratches from me. (Twiggy too.)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Miss Joan. We love those scratches.😁

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Mom done good here, John. Lucy is beginning to look her age and needs a little more TLC.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Her spirits are good but as you say she is showing her age and the effects of the Cancer. She is still eating well and loving life.

      Liked by 3 people

      1. THAT is so good to hear!

        Liked by 1 person

  7. Love to Miss. Lucy. You got this sweetie.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Annette.

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Congratulations to Twiggy. The French Bulldog is now the most popular breed in America, unseating the Labrador Retriever.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I adore Twiggy (and Lucy) but I wouldn’t trade my Labs. I could do without the shedding, though.

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      1. These two are hair machines too. The white tends to not be seen as much but black clothing is very risky. Thanks, Staci.

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      2. I can relate. I used to wear a lot of black, but at home? Mostly gray.

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    2. I just read that last night. I’m not going to tell her. No need adding anymore ego to the bundle already there. 😁

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  9. Moms think of everything. Lucy’s got a good one. Sending the girls extra love today. Ear scratches and belly rubs.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Miss Staci. We love those belly rubs and ear scratches. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  10. The Producer to the rescue! What a kind mom and dad you have, Lucy. So glad that you can once again navigate your home without incident. 💕

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Yes it is a good thing for sure. Thanks, Lori.

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  11. That’s a great idea for Lucy. Bond sends head bonks (his way of saying you’re pretty cool) to her and Twiggy!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. My Maine Coon named Cujo gave head bonks. His loving gesture. Thanks, Teri.

      Liked by 1 person

  12. I can attest to the wisdom of your solution for Lucy’s slipping. I happened to be in a LaQuinta recently, and whatever they had done to the tiled floor, it was like walking on ice. I did the only reasonable thing and spread out bathtowel ‘runners’ to keep myself from landing upside down like a perplexed beetle. Lucy’s lucky to have such smart humans!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The sad part is the slips frightened her so we had to put an end to that.

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Aww, I just love that Lucy is so pampered. I know Twiggy is, too. Those girls really happened into a wonderful furever home when you and the Producer adopted them, John! ❤️

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you, Mae. We feel that is our duty to give them a life we would want to have..

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  14. How very thoughtful. We may have to consider getting a couple someday.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. They aren’t the most attractive but do the job.

      Liked by 1 person

  15. The runners are a good idea, and it looks like the results confirm that. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yes. Lucy is able to trot at her heart’s content. Thanks, Tim.

      Liked by 1 person

  16. Oh, poor Lucy. Being old and sick is no fun. I’m glad she got in the last word in the Twiggy exchange.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. She usually does. Thanks, Liz. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

      1. You’re welcome, John.

        Liked by 1 person

  17. Lucy is lucky to be the recipient of such love and care. ❤️ The runners are such a good idea for her. Bless you all. 🥰

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  18. “You surprise me with your clairvoyance, youngster. You are spot on.” Lucy is the Eve Arden of pits.

    Your wife is the sweetest. Love in action, 🙂

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    1. Yes. Poor Lucy was beside herself. The runners look like those you find in an office building but do the job.

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      1. The important thing is that she doesn’t slip. Aesthetics be damned.

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      2. That’s what we think.

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  19. The important thing is that Lucy can walk without falling – what a great idea for her. We had a Jack Russell mix that had the same problem when she got older. I can see how much you love Lucy – so do I!!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Noelle. We certainly do. She has given us almost 13 years of joy.

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      1. And some years of joy to us, too!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Aw. Thank you, Noelle,

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  20. The day after I finished laying the tile in our family room, we covered it in throw rugs. Our first dog came in and slipped and fell all the way into the kitchen. Lucy seems to like the runner. She looks comfy. Maybe there’s a nap in my future today.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The runners are backed so they don’t go anywhere. Very secure footing for her.

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  21. Wonderful solution, dear John! Poor Lucy! Let’s hope it will give her some relief! I see Twiggy has new toy favourite! That’s great! Spring is on the way! Life might be full of joy no matter its sadness.🍤 🍤🍤🍻☺🤗🤗🤗 (for the Ladies).

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It is a good solution, Maria. I hate to see fear in Lucy’s eyes and those spills certainly made her concerned. Twiggy just grabbed that tuggy toy. If you look carefully you can see Mr. Eel laying on the faux lambskin bed. He’s still the favorite. For Lucy we are trying to make the time she has left if not full of joy at least full of peace. Both loved the shrimps and the hugs. The beer not so much. 🤣

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Might this time be the best for her. It is so difficult to see last moments of our pets.
        😁😁😁 I’m so happy for Mr. Eel! He is never lonely! How strong he is! Sorry for the beer, dear John Well, in fact, you are right…St. Patrick is coming, so I offer you some great Irish ale & jigs! 🍀🍻🍻🍻

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      2. Yes Mr. Eel is number one. Thank you for the Ale and here are some shamrocks and ale for you. Happy St. Patricks Day, Maria. ☘️☘️☘️🍺

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      3. O-ho-ho, dear John! 🙂 🙂 🙂 He deserves to be the first! Only his smile is unforgettable!

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      4. He would make a good example of fine dentistry. 😁

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  22. Hope it is helping

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    1. Makes all the difference.

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  23. The installation of the runners is something I am sure the whole family welcomes and appreciates, John.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I think so too, Bruce. Thanks.

      Liked by 1 person

  24. Aww, what a fantastic idea and wonderful thing for Lucy. Ear scratches for the girls. Hugs 💕🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Miss Harmony. We love the scratches. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  25. Awww, Mom is so thoughtful to help Lucy stay on her feet. Sorry to hear she is having trouble navigating, but the nap looks like a great solution!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. A nap makes everything better.

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  26. D.L. Finn, Author · ·

    We had to do that too on the hardwood floors and kitchen.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lucy lived with hardwood and tire her whole time with us. I think that’s why she got so concerned when she slipped .

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  27. Glad you were able to make Lucy comfy and also confuse Twiggy a bit.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Always a good idea on both counts.

      Liked by 1 person

  28. Awww…. that just tugged at my heartstrings. You are so very lovely to help Lucy in her twilight time. Those runners are just perfect. Hugs from me to you.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yes they are working nicely. She has not taken a dive since we got them.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank goodness. It must break your heart to see her fall.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Big hugs to you

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      3. Thank you, Dale.

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  29. Safety trumps beauty once again! Good for all of you, John — no more having to hoist Lucy off the floor, no more spilled dog on the floor. A win-win, for sure! And congrats to Twiggy on her breed surpassing the Labrador as America’s favorite!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I read about the French Bulldog being number one. I’m not going to let Twiggy know. No need throwing a log on the ego fire.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. HaHa! I’ll keep Monkey from spilling the beans to her. Those two in cahoots makes me shudder!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Yes indeed. Thanks, Debbie.

        Liked by 1 person

  30. Dear Lucy, putting a brave face on everything. As you say, she’s happy and that’s what matters. Huge hugs.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Teagan. Hugs.

      Like

  31. I think they look great!

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  32. Your house is old dog friendly. I like that. We have given up home decorating for a dog-friendly place as well. Who would have thought? Like Mrs. H, things are still colour-coordinated though.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks, Darlene.

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  33. Aww, safety first! I think I’ll join the girls for a quick nap myself! 😄

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    1. Good idea. 😁

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  34. are those steps onto the sofa too? Cool, if so. Dog is beginning to slip a little when he leaps to the defence of the realm from all miscreants (postpeople, delivery persons etc). We may need to indulge runners soon. Or trainers.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yes the steps are for Twiggy. She had a torn ACL and we don’t want her re-injuring herself by jumping up or down. Lucy now need to be lifted to the couch.

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  35. petespringerauthor · ·

    The runners are a good solution. Did Twiggy learn to use the steps quickly? I also smiled at the couch covers. We’ve got two couches, one for the dogs (covered) and one for us (uncovered). They know which sofa they’re allowed to go on.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. yes she has been using them for a few years now. She loves them. She tore an ACL and the steps are great in keeping her from jumping off the couch and a possible re-injury. Yes we have tow cover since these guys need flexibility. But what you say is true. When the covers are being washed they don’t get on the couch. Thanks, Pete.

      Liked by 1 person

  36. Great idea.. we had to do that for Sam too and he kept to the new path with much more confidence.. The girls are looking great ♥

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    1. Thank you, Sally. They are feeling great too.

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  37. Lucy is so loved and she knows it.

    Your lovely bride hit a home run with this idea.

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    1. So true on both counts, Marc. Thanks.

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  38. Those runners are perfect, John, and a nap sounds good! That sofa looks pretty cozy and comfy too. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Lauren. It is cozy. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Happy St. Patrick’s Day too! ☘️🍻

        Liked by 1 person

      2. And to you. ☘️

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  39. Hope Lucy is using them and finding them easier. Wonder if Twiggy is getting smarter or just got lucky.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. She is getting older.

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  40. You girls are the cutest!
    You are also the most comfortable looking.
    Your mom sure keeps the house neat. I live in a creative mess, with bohemian overtones. 🎨🙃
    Sending pets and hugs to both of you.
    Give these to dad!
    🤗😘 🤗😘 🤗😘 🤗😘

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Dad loved those. He said to send these back. OXray(-ray) X 4

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      1. I get it!!!!!!
        It all ends up OX OX OX OX

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      2. YAY. It does. 🧦-s X4

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  41. Awww… what a good thing for Lucy. Twiggy is her champion. Well, we’re all her champion.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Jennie.

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      1. You’re welcome, John.

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  42. Hi John, I hope the runners are helping Lucy. I often think about your post about her degenerating health. Twiggy is always so cute.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Robbie. Lucy is still enjoying life and eating well. She is getting thinner which is the cancer at work. Thanks for thinking of her.

      Liked by 1 person

  43. Anonymous · ·

    The girls are so sweet…it’s obvious that Twiggy is the brains and Molly is the muscle of the organization. Just like their Daddy and Mama.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you for the comment, Jim. Good to see you here.

      Like