Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy’s New Toy

“So Twiggy. I want you to evaluate two toys and see which one you like the best.”

“Yes, it sounds like a good way to select a toy. I’m ready.”

“That is a hedgehog toy.”

“It does have an animal scent.”

“How does it feel?”

“The mouthfeel is okay. The stuffing is a little too soft for my taste.”

Is it playable?”

“Yeah, it flips nicely. Doesn’t land on its feet, though.”

“How about durability?”

“Now there’s a problem. As I pull on the fur, it comes off in my mouth. Yuk.”

Here’s the next one. It doesn’t have fur.”

“Sometimes that’s better. At least I don’t have to worry about swallowing some.”

“It is a bumble bee and a heart with ‘Bee Mine’ on it.”

“So, looks like a leftover Valentine’s Day toy. Hmm tastes okay. No unpleasant aftertaste.

“How about the fragrance?”

“Nice bouquet. A bit floral without the usual vinyl interference.”

“Playability?”

“Yeah, it has a pleasing crunch, and these antennae are very satisfying.”

“What is your overall opinion?”

“This toy fulfills all the expectations for a real entertainment treat. It is subtly understated, which then has the effect of overdelivering on the satisfaction promise.”

“Which do you like the best?”

“Unfortunately, the hedgehog has a shedding problem, so I have to select Bee Mine.”

“Maybe we can revisit the hedgehog sometime.”

“If he stops shedding we can.”

132 comments

  1. Writer Lori's avatar

    Too funny, John. We spend countless dollars and days looking for the perfect toy for our puppy and his favorite source of amusement is an empty water bottle. 🙄

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Tell me. The water bottle still is king. Thanks, Lori

      Like

  2. Darlene's avatar

    Twiggy has developed a very sophisticated way of describing things! Dot and Lia are not fond of their hedgehog toy either.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Funny isn’t it. I was going to build stories around the hedgehog. Oh well. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  3. karenringalls's avatar

    Twiggy is not only cute but also has a remarkable ability to weigh in on the positives and negatives of a gift. We, humans, tend to buy things on a whim without thoroughly evaluating the item. Thank you, Twiggy, for another lesson.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you for the lovely comment, Karen. 😁

      Like

  4. Priscilla Bettis's avatar

    My grand puppy has the same hedgehog. After a while it does stop shedding. Maybe you could hurry the shedding along with some brushing or something. Then again, Twiggy’s new bumblebee looks fun!

    Liked by 3 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      She loves that toy. She has been playing with it for two days which is an all time record. It has everything she likes; strings, ropes, crunch, and drool resistant covering.

      Liked by 2 people

  5. Charles Yallowitz's avatar

    Shedding would definitely be an issue. Hate it when my toys do that too.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Ha ha ha. Thanks, Charles.

      Like

  6. Annette Rochelle Aben's avatar

    It appears the BEE MINE was calling to you, Twiggy. ❤

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I think you are right Miss Annette. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Staci Troilo's avatar

    Gotta appreciate how analytical she is. I love that the “antennae are very satisfying” and the toy exceeded her expectations, especially considering it was a leftover from Valentine’s Day. Sounds like she found a winner. Sneak in an ear scratch from me while she’s playing. (Or save it for later. Your call.) Thanks for the Thursday smiles, John.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      She loves that toy. I’m glad you got a smile. Thanks for the ear scratch Miss Staci. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Jill Weatherholt's avatar

    Oh gosh, “give a dog a bone” just isn’t as easy as it sounds. A mouth full of fur…poor Twiggy! xo

    Liked by 3 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes much tongue work to get rid of the fur. Thanks, Jill

      Like

  9. Frank @ Beach Walk Reflections's avatar

    Seems Twiggy may be finding her niche as a dog toy tester and reviewer!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      She’s been observing The Producer taste wine so I think there is a carry over there. Thanks, Frank.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Frank @ Beach Walk Reflections's avatar

        Does that mean you’re now chugging bourbon?

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          When did I stop?

          Liked by 1 person

  10. coldhandboyack's avatar

    Poor hedgehog. He’ll have to hang out with the seldom used toys now.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yeah he’s back in the secret closet of toys to be introduced later.

      Liked by 1 person

  11. GP's avatar

    Good choice, Twiggy.

    Liked by 2 people

  12. Joan Hall's avatar

    “A bit floral without the usual vinyl interference.” Love that. The hedgehog is cute!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      It is cute. I was sorry that it was not more durable. Choking on fur is not the way to go. Thanks, Joan.

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Mae Clair's avatar

    Twiggy is clearly an expert on selecting toys! Maybe Hedgehog can cheer on play from the sidelines 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      That is a great idea, Mae. Short of another dog we were trying to come up with another possible character to interact with Twiggy . We’ll see.Thanks for the suggestion. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  14. shoreacres's avatar

    The similarities between Twiggy’s review and the reports I get from a blogger who’s part of a wine-tasting group are hilarious. ‘Mouth feel’ made me laugh aloud. Clearly, the Twigster has high standards; it’s good that the Bee met them!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      She loves the Bee. Has played with it non-stop which is very unusual. The Producer taught her all about toy tasting from her wine tasting background.

      Like

  15. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

    Twiggy is a true toy connoisseur. Cheers!

    Liked by 3 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Liz. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

        You’re welcome, John.

        Liked by 1 person

  16. Susannah Bianchi's avatar

    I see a kid’s book…Twiggy and the Hedgehog Who Needed a Wax. They could go to a spa…Twiggy and Hedge, , and Bee Mine could be the waxer. 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      A wax is a great idea. That thing is like a cactus. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Susannah Bianchi's avatar

        Maybe Twiggy and Hedge can get a Groupon…it would be cheaper.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          I’ll search my e-mails.😊

          Liked by 1 person

  17. noelleg44's avatar

    Twiggy is so discerning! I wouldn’t have thought about the fur coming off, but that’s a downer. I’ve bought all sorts of things for Garfield, only to discover that he is not “most cats” and doesn’t like anything much. The laser light is still his one favorite although he does battle with the small mice in the middle of the night!
    Maybe you could clip the hedgehog?

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I think we’ll let Twiggy do the Bee and see if hedgehog has a future.

      Liked by 1 person

  18. Dale's avatar

    My goodness. Twiggy has a calling! She has the vocabulary of a true connoisseur. Can’t blame her for dissing the hedgehog. That fluff on the tongue must be so unpleasant!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      If you have seen anyone try to get cotton out of their mouth then you have a picture of Twiggy trying to get rid of the fur. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Dale's avatar

        That’s exactly how I picture it! I’ve had (don’t ask) that happen to me. Blech!

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          I won’t ask but can imagine the struggle.

          Liked by 1 person

        2. Dale's avatar

          Cotton ball used to remove nailpolish or makeup can get snagged on a nail and before you know it, it’s in your mouth coz you didn’t see it 😉

          Liked by 2 people

        3. John W. Howell's avatar

          I see. Makes sense.

          Liked by 1 person

        4. Dale's avatar

          The perils of a beauty regimen!!

          Liked by 1 person

  19. T. W. Dittmer's avatar

    Nice to see her examining the new toys and making a decision on which is better for her taste. 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks, Tim. She does make good choices usually.

      Liked by 1 person

  20. D.L. Finn, Author's avatar
    D.L. Finn, Author · ·

    Twiggy knows her toys!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      She definitely knows what she likes. Thanks, Denise.

      Liked by 1 person

  21. jilldennison's avatar

    Awwwww … personally, I would have chosen the hedgehog toy, but then to each her own! I’m just a Sonic fan, I guess. I hope she enjoys her Bee Mine and that it lasts a good long while! Sending virtual pats to Miss Twiggy!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Jill. She would have liked the hedghog if the fur didn’t come out so easily. Fur in the mouth is not something she enjoys. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

      1. jilldennison's avatar

        Can’t say as I blame her … I don’t much care for fur in the mouth, either! 😉

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Yes. Me too. 😁

          Liked by 1 person

  22. JFRSr's avatar

    Twiggy definitely has a very sophisticated palate in addition to her exceptional evaluative skills…yes, she is Super Dog🏆

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Why thank you Mr. Tuna. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Unknown's avatar
        Anonymous · ·

        You are most welcome JWH. And, don’t call me Shirley🧑‍✈️🛫

        Liked by 1 person

  23. Tails Around the Ranch's avatar

    Aww, Twiggy…I’m sure you’ll take care of that shedding in no time and Mr. Hedgehog can become a treasured friend. Enjoy your new toy(s). Next time maybe Dad and Mom will spring for a flight of toys-that’s the way I get mine. 😉
    Your fur-iend,
    Elsa 🐾

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Oh, a flight of toys. I like that concept. I’ll have a word with them.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Tails Around the Ranch's avatar

        Mom tells me flights are the ‘in thing’ these days. I’m not sure what she means because whenever flight comes up with me, it usually means I missed a bird or squirrel. Nuts to that!

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          I know what it means to miss a bird. I stalk them with the utmost precision and they always seem to know when to leave. Flight is a good word for their actions.

          Liked by 1 person

  24. Gwen M. Plano's avatar

    Hilarious, John. Twiggy really has a refined taste in toys. I think she might be a connoisseur of doggy toys. So cute. 😄

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Gwen. She does know what she likes for sure. 😊

      Like

  25. Dan Antion's avatar

    It’s funny seeing Hedgehog, John. We had two, Hedgy (small) and Big Hedge that are among the very small group of toys Maddie didn’t rip apart on day one. Maybe it was that shedding problem.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Normally Twiggy can dismember a toy quickly. When that happens we just take out the stuffing and it becomes a flat whatever it was. Hedgehog is pretty strong except for the shedding. We’ll give it another go later and see what happens.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Dan Antion's avatar

        It’s amazing how they still sometimes want to play with the flat ones.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Yeah I don’t get that.

          Liked by 1 person

  26. Sue Dreamwalker's avatar

    I think Twiggy has excellent Taste! 🙂 Loved the dialogue 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Sue. I’m glad you liked it.

      Liked by 1 person

  27. cheryloreglia's avatar

    Love this John, your pup warms my heart! Hugs, C

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I’m so glad Cheryl. Thanks for letting me know. 🤗

      Liked by 1 person

  28. lois's avatar

    I have a couple bottles of wine I’d like Twiggy’s opinion on. She had me at ‘Nice bouquet.’
    This is wonderful.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Ha ha ha. Thanks, Lois.

      Liked by 1 person

  29. kethuprofumo's avatar

    Ha-ha-ha! Twiggy does the right thing participating in advertising, dear John. Mr. Hedgehog is a true gentletoy. Thank you for such an unexpected report. 😊😊😊🍤🍤🍤🍻🌺🌺🌺

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Mr Hedgehog is too gentle to live among Twiggy’s toys. He will do well to stay on a shelf.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. kethuprofumo's avatar

        😁😁😁 You are right, it is safer to stay on the shelf for such a gentle creature like him. Besides, Twiggy’s teeth are too sharp for his soft spines. 🍎🦔

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          So true. We’ll keep Mr. Hedgehog protected.

          Liked by 1 person

        2. kethuprofumo's avatar

          👍👍👍 Let’s protect the hedgehogs! Right! 🙂

          Liked by 1 person

        3. John W. Howell's avatar

          Perfect. Thanks, Maria.

          Like

  30. Teri Polen's avatar

    I’m thinking Twiggy is ready to teach wine tasting classes.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Ha ha ha. Thanks, Teri

      Liked by 1 person

  31. Jennie's avatar

    Twiggy, you are the best! And of course no dog wants to eat shedding. 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Miss Jennie.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Jennie's avatar

        You’re welcome! 🙂. And, speaking of dogs, I finished my dog post for you (just need to add a photo) and will post tomorrow. Woof!

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          I’ll look for it.

          Liked by 1 person

  32. Eilene Lyon's avatar

    A new regular feature? “Twiggy’s Toy Review”
    I’ll read them to Sterling and Hunter and see what they think.😁

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Ha ha ha. Fun idea, Eilene

      Liked by 1 person

  33. Shagun's avatar

    Herculean attempt there John … tough for Twiggy to choose from both because none can replace Lucy’s place for her but that’s how life must go on ! Sending healing prayers for Lucy and her family that’s missing her back on the planet!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Shagun.

      Liked by 1 person

  34. petespringer's avatar
    petespringerauthor · ·

    Haha! We own that toy too. We’ve bought practically every dog toy ever invented. Hardly any of them hold up. Lulu is a big fan of the squeaky ones.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I don’t imagine Lulu pulls out the fur.

      Liked by 1 person

  35. srbottch's avatar

    Twiggy, such discriminating taste that you have. You should consider doing a video aimed at those dogs (Daisy) who only give it one sniff and one bite before ignoring a new stuffed toy.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      You just haven’t hit on the right note, Steve. I’m sure Daisy has a discriminating taste in toys. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

      1. srbottch's avatar

        She does, anything that requires more than 2 minutes of her attention gets tossed aside. But she does like going through her toy basket for 25 minutes to select one. But she’s our best friend and we love her.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Twiggy does that undecided basket pause as well. Thanks, Steve.

          Liked by 1 person

  36. Debbie's avatar

    This is just too funny, John! I’m glad Twiggy’s discerning palate led her to choose the Bee. Probably a better bet than that hedgehog. Monk has one of those, but I can only let him have it for short spells at a time. I haven’t noticed it shedding, but Monk has a habit of tearing up his toys.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Twiggy likes to grab the fur with her teeth and yank. We try to keep fur toys to a minimum. Thanks for the comment.

      Liked by 1 person

  37. quiall's avatar

    In-depth research is always important.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      It is. Thanks, Pam. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  38. Marie A Bailey's avatar

    Twiggy is quite the connoisseur of dog toys 🙂 She could do product reviews for Consumer Reports 😉

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      She is. Some would say fussy rather than connoisseur. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  39. Sorryless's avatar

    Way to go Twiggy! I dig a girl who knows what she likes.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      And she does

      Liked by 1 person

  40. Luanne's avatar

    Twiggy is very smart and rational. Not swayed by a cute face.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      So true. Thanks, Luanne.

      Like

  41. Audrey Dawn - Oldest Daughter Redheaded Sister's avatar

    Twiggy is smart to stay away from anything shedding. A nightmare to clean up after and creates a tummy ache. Cute, John.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Our thinking entirely. Thanks, Audrey.

      Like

  42. Teagan Riordain Geneviene's avatar

    Haha! Twiggy the connoisseur. I got a huge kick out of her sniffing the hedgehog’s butt. Thanks for these smiles, John. Hugs.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Hugs, Teagan. Glad you liked the post.

      Liked by 1 person

  43. Lauren Scott, Author's avatar

    No aftertaste, Twiggy is too cute, John, and I think she should post online reviews. She’s very insightful.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks, Lauren. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  44. Resa's avatar

    Lololol!
    Very creative post, John!
    Twiggy, I like both your new toys, but then I don’t have to chew on them.
    I know how you feel about getting fur in your mouth. I have a fluffy cat, and his fur is always getting in my mouth when I pet him.
    We even have fur tumbleweeds around the apartment.
    Tel your dad, 🐂⨷🐂⨷

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      The fur is bothersome Miss Resa. We have a few tumble weeds too. Thanks for the lovely message. Dad says 2(🌺X 🌺X)

      Like

  45. dgkaye's avatar

    I think it was because of ‘the pleasing crunch’. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I’ll bet you are right. Beats fur in the mouth every time. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

      1. dgkaye's avatar

        Lol, true dat! 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  46. Ankur Mithal's avatar

    It seemed to start with a staring match with the hedgehog. Thankfully, better sense prevailed.

    Liked by 1 person