In Keith’s words.
“Using this image (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really. Either put your offering (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before the end of the week. 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. Thank you for taking part.”
Keith’s post https://keithchanning.wordpress.com/2024/03/04/kreative-kue-422/
The image.
Dog Thoughts by John W. Howell © 2024
“Here, boy.”
Sigh. Another call to duty.
“Where are you, boy?”
Right here, of course.
“Time to go out.”
Gotta wonder why he thinks that trick will work?
“I’m going to count to three.”
Yeah, that always motivates me.
“One.”
Son of a gun.
“Two.”
Chew your shoe.
“Three.”
Now, where he be?
“Okay, this has gone on long enough. You need to come down here.”
Or what?
“This is the last time I’m going to call you.”
Heard that before.
“You want a treat?”
Ah. The magic word. Not biting.
“Okay then. It’s your loss.”
I’ll tell him what isn’t my loss. That bath he has planned, he can just take it himself.
“Last chance.”
I’ll risk it.
“Pretty please with sugar on top.”
He’s getting desperate. I’ll bet mama is heading home and my bath was the one thing he was to do. Gotta feel sorry for the uprights. So much pressure. Okay, I’m coming down.
“There’s my good boy.”
I can hear the flop sweat in his voice.
“Here’s a treat.”
Make sure the water’s warm, will ya?
Fiction Favorites 
Nice dialogue, John. And there was I thinking that Ulysse (aka Podgy Dog) loved water. Maybe it’s the shampoo he hates. Try fox-poo scented next time; he’ll love it!
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As I lay here, my paws firmly planted on the cool floor, I watch the world outside the door. It’s my duty, my purpose—to guard this door at the top of the stairs. But why, you ask? Ah, that’s a question only I can answer.
You see, to the humans, I’m just a dog. A large, imposing creature with fur as dark as midnight and eyes that gleam like polished onyx. But to me, I am more. I am the protector of this household, the guardian of secrets untold.
It all began long ago, when I was just a pup. I was chosen for this task, selected by forces beyond my understanding. From that day forth, I devoted myself to this duty, standing watch over the door without question or complaint.
But why? What lies beyond this mysterious portal? Only snippets of conversations and fleeting glimpses offer hints. Sometimes, the humans speak of another world—a world filled with wonders and dangers alike. Other times, they whisper of secrets buried deep within its depths.
I may never know the truth, but it matters not. For as long as I draw breath, I will stand here, unwavering and steadfast. For I am the guardian of the door at the top of the stairs, and my duty is clear—to protect, to defend, and to never waver in the face of the unknown.
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I love this! Thanks for following, and I’m looking forward to delving into your blog also. If you have no objection, I shall reproduce this next Monday under Kreative Kue 423 (with another picture prompt.
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I have no objections at all. Enjoy my blog there’s a bit of everything for everyone’s taste and feel free to reblog or post anything you think worthy. And if you have any requests I’m sure I can come up with something
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Good job.
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Thanks
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You and Keith are now connected. I think you will have fun with the prompts.
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Me too!
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Ha ha ha. Or bacon scent.
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Looks like the dog you’d find on top of a mountain to get the secret of life from. All he says is ruff and he’d be right since life is rough.
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Ha ha ha
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I shoulda known there was a bath involved!
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Always a bath it seems
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LOL!! Diva Dog was the same way on bath day. That was good, John!
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Thank you, Deborah. 😁
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I remember those days of trying to give baths!!
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The battle never ends.
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Hang in there, dad!
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😁
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Mine fall for the treat offer every time. Great photo, too.
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Yeah the treat is a big draw. Thank, Craig.
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What is it with baths?! Well done, John. You’ve captured both sides of the bath drama. 😂
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Twiggy hates a bath but loves the running around part after it is over. Thanks, Gwen.
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Dogs love rolling around in the mud, but for some reason, most don’t like the bath. Great job on your post. 😊
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Thank you, Gwen. I can’t figure that out either.
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Oh yeah! We’ve had dogs that didn’t ever want to bathe, but a couple of dogs that just loved it. 😊
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Aways fun when they love it and always a chore when they don’t. Thanks, Tim
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“Gotta feel sorry for the uprights.” I love it. He’s a good boy, keeping his buddy out of trouble.
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😁
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Haha! I love it when he said, “Gotta feel sorry for the uprights.” LOL This was great, John. 🙂
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Thank you, Kymber. 😁
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Hee. hee…flop sweat…love it! Scrub-a-dub…a pupster in the tub.
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Very reluctantly I might add.
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The expression on that dog’s face and the dialogue: perfect. Twiggy helped with this one?
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Ghost writer. 😂
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I was going to say I thought you were channeling Twiggy 😉 Hilarious, John! I love the dialogue.
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Thank you, Marie. Glad you liked it.
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You can’t fool them when it’s bathtime!
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No you can’t.
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Hahahaha! Few are the dogs who enjoy baths… And he’s right on the money, too… he knows the Mister is gonna get it from the Missus if it’s not done!
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Yes indeed. She who must be obeyed will raise the roof.
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I bet!!!
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I’ve got to find a new owner who can count past three.
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Ha ha ha. Good one Pete.
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Such a smart, clever dog—and a nice one for taking pity on his owner and cooperating in the end. Gotta love a pet like that!
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Yes a very good dog. 😁
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Aaaahhhhh . . .
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😊
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Awww, the dreaded bath. But the treat works every time. Good one, John!
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Thank you, Jan. 😁
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He looks pretty fierce up at the top of that stairway. You’ve done another good job with the dialogue, John. I don’t imagine many pups are happy about getting a bath (that’s why I send Monk to a groomer because I don’t have time to clean him, me, and the entire bathroom!)
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I can see that. Twiggy is a least manageable.
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This fits the image perfectly Boss. And I have to say, I love how he plays the game, he’s expert.
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He seems to be at that, Pilgrim. Thanks.
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Good story to match the pic, John!!!! I LOVE that doggie!!!
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He looks like a sweetheart for sure.
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They do play us like a fiddle, don’t they, John. You described it perfectly.
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They learn the best way to get what they want for sure. Thanks, Steve.
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Well done on the prompt, John. You know the mind of a dog well!
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Thank you, Jennie. 😁
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You are welcome!
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Negotiation, compromise and empathy all on display here. That is one wonderful doggie, John!
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Yes, I like the doggie too. Thanks, Bruce.
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What a familiar ring and well done on the prompt John. I save “To me” always with a treat to reassure success. Today Hunter knew I didn’t have any and wouldn’t make a move❣️🐕 bad dog.. lol
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Smart dog. 😁
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[…] Dog Thoughts by John W. Howell © 2024 […]
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