Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Tempest on Walk

“This is so exciting, Twiggy. A walk.”

“Yes, I’m always happy to take a walk.”

“Look at that grass over there.”

“One rule of walking is not to go off by yourself.”

“Thanks for the tip. What happens if we do wander?”

“You could get the yank of your life.”

“What is a yank?”

“Um, that’s where Mom corrects your direction. It is not a good thing.”

“So, how about if I protect you by holding your leash?”

“I really don’t need protection since I have learned how to walk on a leash.”

“It may be fun to see what Mom does when I walk you.”

“I’m sure she won’t be entertained. Let’s switch sides.”

“We can just switch when we want?”

“As long as we keep going forward, Mom’s okay with it.”

“You are the best, Twiggy. I appreciate all your help.”

“Don’t worry, Little One. I have your back. Let’s switch again.”

“Okay, I’m moving forward.”

“I like your stride. You look very disciplined.”

“I have to take two steps to your one.”

“I know. It’s the hardship of still being a puppy.”

“Look at this. There is a leaf on the road.”

“Okay, time to turn around. I don’t want to be near you when Mom sees you try for a leaf.”

“I love leaves.”

“That’s what gets you in a playpen. No eating leaves.”

114 comments

  1. Darlene's avatar

    If this isn’t just the cutest. Twiggy is such a great big sister and Tempest is learning.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      She is doing very well on the leash. Thanks Darlene.

      Liked by 2 people

  2. Gwen M. Plano's avatar
    Gwen M. Plano · ·

    Twiggy is a wonderful older sister. And teaching Tempest that Mom knows best will make everyone happier. Sweet story, John.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Well as they say, “Happy mom is da bomb.” Thanks, Gwen.

      Liked by 3 people

  3. coldhandboyack's avatar

    The rules of walking. I love it.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Twiggy has all kinds of rules. She reminds me of that girl in the 5th grade.

      Liked by 3 people

  4. Dale's avatar

    Something tells me Twiggy, you are learning the benefits of exaggeration in the efforts to teach Tempeste… I somehow cannot imagine Mom yanking that hard ;-) But I won’t tell Tempeste, don’t you worry.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Auntie Dale. You know how teaching goes. Sometimes you have to exaggerate to make a point. 😁

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Dale's avatar

        Absolutely, Twiggy. You know it. I’m sure she will learn. Eventually!

        Liked by 2 people

  5. Frank @ Beach Walk Reflections's avatar

    I’m still trying to deal with the revelation of Twiggy becoming the wise sage.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I know. It does take some getting used to for sure. Thanks, Frank.

      Liked by 1 person

  6. GP's avatar

    It seems like Deja vu hearing Twiggy dispense with Lucy’s wisdom. It’s like handing down the torch.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Funny how we didn’t think Twiggy was listening when Lucy handed out advice. Here we are though. It looks like the lessons stuck somehow. Thanks, GP

      Liked by 2 people

  7. Writer Lori's avatar

    They are so cute! And yes, the older teaches the younger, for better or for worse. 😂

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      So true. We hope Tempeste doesn’t pick up the delivery driver barking to St Louis habit. Thanks, Lori.

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Annette Rochelle Aben's avatar

    Well, young ladies… you are keeping fit and trim with your walks! I do agree, with Miss Twiggy, Miss, Tempest, leaf eating is not the best thing… onward to the breech!!!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Miss Annette. Tempeste is having a hard time ignoring the leaves. We certainly hope she grows out of that habit. 😁

      Liked by 2 people

  9. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

    Listen to Big Sis, Tempeste: No eating leaves!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      So tasty though. Okay I know I shouldn’t, Miss Liz. They are hard to resist. 😁

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

        Kinda like kettle-cooked potato chips?

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Exactly. Cape Cods actually. 😁

          Liked by 1 person

  10. shoreacres's avatar

    Inquiring minds want to know: how many times does a passerby stop to admire this pair, coo over them, and ask to give them an ear rub? They’re really striking together.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      We do get a lot of smiles and Twiggy tends to keep approaches down to those she knows. 😁

      Liked by 2 people

  11. Teri Polen's avatar

    Twiggy’s such a good big sister. These two are the cutest.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Teri.

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Staci Troilo's avatar

    Leash etiquette is so important. Good thing Tempeste has Twiggy to teach her. (Much better than the dreaded yank.) Sending them ear scratches. Thanks for the Thursday smiles, John.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you for the ear scratches, Staci. Glad you got a smile.

      Liked by 1 person

  13. circadianreflections's avatar

    Twiggy is such a great big sister. I hope Tempest listened and didn’t eat that leaf and end up in the playpen. 😀

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      We got the leaf in time. Thanks, Deborah.

      Liked by 1 person

  14. Harmony Kent's avatar

    Oh, John, you have a new puppy! Tempest is an adorable name, and I’m so pleased to see Twiggy taking her little companion under her wing. Thanks for sharing this post full of smiles. Hugs 🤗💕🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I’m so glad you got some smiles, Harmony.

      Liked by 1 person

  15. T. W. Dittmer's avatar

    It’s wonderful to see the girls’ relationship evolving, and Twiggy accepting her responsibility as a teacher. ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Tim. That she is. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  16. Susannah Bianchi's avatar

    I love…that’s where Mom corrects your direction. Tempest is so tiny still next to Twiggy who looks so much bigger. But not for long. Always like their tales, waggy or otherwise. told by you. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you Susannah. Tempest has longer legs than Twiggy did as a puppy. We don’t know where she will end up when she grows. We think her body will fill out into more of a stocky bulldog look. Right now she is pretty lanky.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Susannah Bianchi's avatar

        I’ll say. So cute how they’ve bonded despite one being so little.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          It is. Thanks.

          Liked by 1 person

  17. lois's avatar

    This is so sweet. Tempest trying to walk Twiggy–I loved that! Twiggy is the voice of calm and reason–such a great big sister. How often do you get stopped by people wanting to visit with these little cuties?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Twiggy is pretty fussy about visitors. When The Producer walks Tempeste alone they get stopped all the time.

      Liked by 1 person

  18. noelleg44's avatar

    I so look forward to Thursday with these two. I had no idea Twiggy had created rules for walking and loved it when they switched sides. Of course the person holding the leashes probably had to switch the leashes around so they didn’t get braided. I imagine a lot of passersby would want to stop and greet these two!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Passerby’s have to pass the Twiggy interrogation. A lot want to visit for sure.

      Liked by 1 person

  19. Marcia Meara's avatar

    LOVE these two, John! Thanks for letting us eavesdrop on their conversations! 😀 ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you for eavesdropping, Marcia. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Marcia Meara's avatar

        My pleasure. I’m gonna love seeing what all these two get up to in the weeks ahead! 😊❤️😊

        Like

  20. Charles Yallowitz's avatar

    Tempest really is a rule bender.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      She is. No rules would suit her.

      Like

  21. Joan Hall's avatar

    Twiggy is such a good sister. I love that she’s sharing her wisdom.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Joan. She has a heavy paw too.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Joan Hall's avatar

        🙂 I’ll bet.

        Liked by 1 person

  22. Tails Around the Ranch's avatar

    Aww little Tempeste is lucky to have such a disciplined and well versed sister. Good job, Twiggy.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Miss Monika. I try my best. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  23. Kymber @booomcha's avatar

    LOL Let’s hope Tempeste listens and follows Twiggy’s good advice. 😀

    I had a yellow lab when I was in my early 20s, and he always carried the leash in his mouth. lol

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I’ve seen Labs do that too. How cute.

      Liked by 1 person

  24. joylennick's avatar

    It will be interesting to ‘butt in’ to these two charmers and see how they progress…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      We’ll be here every Thursday.

      Like

  25. walkingoffthechessboard's avatar

    Twiggy really looks like she’s taking the lead training role here, even while being on a lead. 🙂 The picture with Tempest rubbing up against Twiggy is fur-fect, John!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      That was so cute. They are becoming closer.

      Liked by 1 person

  26. Teagan Riordain Geneviene's avatar

    Tempeste made me think of the Pekinese I had ages ago. She used to bring her harness, (very long) rope, AND her sweater whenever she wanted a walk. Even in summer she brought the sweater.

    This was a fun stroll, John. Relaxing too. Thanks for bringing us along. Hugs to you and the girls.

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      How cute. Glad you got a lovely memory, Teagan. Thanks for sharing it. 🤗

      Like

  27. Debbie's avatar

    Still chuckling over “the yank of your life.” Poor Monk has experienced that … more times than he’d care to admit. With some, it takes a LOT of correction.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I think they all have. That’s why God created harnesses.

      Liked by 1 person

  28. The Coastal Crone's avatar

    Twiggy is doing a good job of teaching Tempeste the ropes…er leashes. I guess Mom kept them on the pavement to keep Tempeste from nibbling anything strange. Fashionable harness for her.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Jo. You are so right about the pavement.

      Like

  29. JFRSr's avatar

    Is it true that when Twig got home from the walk she started referring to little white guy as “pestist”😱

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Great word for her. 😂

      Like

  30. JFRSr's avatar

    Ah…l messed up! Meant to say, little black guy.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      It’s okay. I knew what you meant.

      Like

  31. Jennie's avatar

    I love this! Twiggy is the best big sister. I hope there were no yanks. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      There were no yanks which is a good thing.

      Liked by 1 person

  32. thomasstigwikman's avatar

    Twiggy and Tempest are so cute together and they are walking so nicely. Thank you for the fun reading and beautiful photos.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Tempeste has taken to the leash very nicely. Thanks, Thomas.

      Liked by 1 person

  33. srbottch's avatar

    Leaves, sticks, gum (used), if something is there, they find it.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Ugh, yes. Sad but true.

      Liked by 1 person

  34. petespringer's avatar
    petespringerauthor · ·

    “The yank of your life.” Don’t do it, Tempest! It won’t be pretty.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Ha ha ha. Thanks, Pete.

      Liked by 1 person

  35. jilldennison's avatar

    Awwwww … it reminds me of way back when Lucy was the big sister and Twiggy was “learning the ropes” … and now she’s passing it on. Love seeing these two together, John … it warms my heart and brings a 😊 to my face!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      It warms my heart too, Jill. Twiggy needed a companion and Tempest is a good one. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  36. Sorryless's avatar

    Tempeste loves her big sister so much. And her big sister is returning the love with some valuable 411.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes indeed. That is the way it should be for sure.

      Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Or for shizzle.

          Liked by 1 person

  37. Author Jan Sikes's avatar

    Oh my! It’s fun to watch Twiggy get to be the big sister now. Love all of these photos and the dialogue is golden! Thank you for sharing, John. Too cute!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Jan. It is fun to see them grow closer.

      Liked by 1 person

  38. Michele Lee's avatar

    Cute narration! Adorable puppies, too. All smiles, thank you.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I’m glad you liked it, Michele. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Michele Lee's avatar

        A delightful read. 🐶

        Liked by 1 person

  39. Dan Antion's avatar

    Twiggy is the best older sister, John.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      She seems to enjoy the role. Thanks, Dan.

      Liked by 1 person

  40. Resa's avatar

    Okay, this post is just too, cute!

    Twiggy, it seems you are teaching Tempeste well.

    It also seems like you can’t wrap mom around your paws.

    What can you wrap dad around?

    🪢🐾 🪢🐾 🪢🐾 🪢🐾

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Miss Resa. Dad is an easy wrap. He can’t resist. 🌯X 🌯X 🌯X 🌯X

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Resa's avatar

        I see! He’s a pussycat!
        😻𝖃 😻𝖃 😻𝖃 😻𝖃

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          🤣X 🤣X 🤣X 🤣X

          Like

        2. Resa's avatar

          So….it’s true! 💋

          Liked by 1 person

        3. John W. Howell's avatar

          Of course. 🦁X

          Liked by 1 person

  41. robertawrites235681907's avatar

    An adorable post, John.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Robbie.

      Like

  42. dgkaye's avatar

    Lol, Twiggy the best tour guide on the rules. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      She loves rules. Thank you, Debby.

      Liked by 1 person

  43. markbierman's avatar

    So glad to see Twiggy showing Tempest the ropes, er, leash.

    Liked by 1 person

  44. Ankur Mithal's avatar

    A young Tempeste adds an extra dimension to the story though I am sure you are waiting for her to grow up fast 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      She is a hoot, but we would like her to get some teeth that are rounded. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  45. Willow Croft's avatar

    Oh, a new friend! Hello Tempeste!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes. I have been here a while. Hello Miss Willow. 😁

      Like