Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy Hanging Out With Her Peeps

May 17, 2018May 17, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 72 Comments

“Hey, Twiggy. What are you doing?”

“Oh, Hi Dad. Just trying to find an interesting toy to play with.”

“It’s a beautiful day. Why aren’t you outside?”

“For one I don’t have prehensile paws. I need help with the door.”

“Out you go.”

“Lucy, Lucy, Lucy.”

“Yes, Twiggy. Good to see you out here.”

“What are we doing?”

“I was just going to have a laydown, but now that you’re here, go get your shovel.”

“Okay. I have it. Now what?”

“Bring it over here.”

“Be right there. Here I am. What do I do with it.”

“If it were me I would chew on it a while.”

“OMG, Mom would have a fit.”

“I know. Makes it all the sweeter.”

“Lucy.”

“What Bailey?”

“You’re going to get the little one in trouble.”

“Oh yeah? What if I protect her with my life?

“Mom can be pretty persuasive.”

“In any case, I will make a stand.”

“Lucy. You are my hero. You know that?”

“Aw Twiggy. I just think there are some fun things to do that aren’t human authorized.”

“Like what?”

“How do you like to bark?”

“Oh. I love that.”

“Case in point.”

“I have so much to learn. Thanks, Lucy. I see Dad heading this way.”

“I’m laying on the shovel. No one needs to be any the wiser.”

“Got it, Lucy. Bye Bailey.”

“Buy short stuff.”

“You ready to go inside. Twiggy.”

“Aw gee, Dad.”

“Tomorrow’s another day.”

“Where did this monster truck come from?”

“Mom thought you would enjoy it for a change.”

“I’ll thank her at dinner.”

“Good idea. By the way, where’s your shovel?”

“Shovel? What shovel?”

“Been chewing again, huh?”

“Can’t say I know what you are talking about, Dad.”

Thursday – A Little Personal – More Lessons for Twiggy

May 10, 2018May 9, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 47 Comments

“So Twiggy. We have a couple of things to show you today.”

“Really Lucy? I can’t wait.”

“You have to get up and follow me.”

“Where we going?”

“Oh nowhere. I thought I heard the sound of the UPS truck and wanted to check.”

“What’s the UPS truck?”

“Remember the FedEx lesson? It’s a truck like that only brown. Okay not here. Let’s go up on the porch.”

“Wait, Lucy. I can’t get up there.”

“Sure you can. You have to do a little jump. Like this.”

“Oh, I get it.”

“Hey, Twiggy.”

“Hi, Bailey. Lucy just showed me how to jump up on the porch.”

“How nice. So now you can get up on the porch. Nice going, Lucy.”

“Oh hush, Bailey. You are such a grump.”

“Twiggy you have your own bowl over there.”

“I know, but I want to drink out of the big dog’s bowl.”

“Well help yourself. Then we have to show you the Jolly ball.”

“Twiggy. That orange thing is a Jolly ball.”

“What do you do with it?”

“You take that handle. Pick it up and run with it.”

“Ummm. This is hard.”

“You’re supposed to grab it by the handle.”

“It’s too heavy for me.”

“Forget the ball you two.”

“What’s happening?”

“It’s the UPS truck. Hurry.”

“Let me at em.”

“You go, Bailey. Twiggy. Bark your head off.”

“Why do we bark?”

“Not sure. It’s a custom. All dogs bark at the UPS person.”

“That was fun. What do we do now.”

“Well, Twiggy. We take a sunbath.”

“Sunbath?”

“Don’t let Lucy kid you, Twiggy. We take a nap. After all, we worked pretty hard today.”

“Good idea, Bailey. I’m beat.”

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy, Lucy, and Bailey Hit the Yard

May 3, 2018May 2, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 68 Comments

“So Twiggy. What are you doing?”

“Huh?” Oh, Nothing.”

Turn around and tell me.”

“I was just wondering if I could play with the big dogs?”

“Sure you can. You do have to be careful, and so do they.”

“Can you get my leash?”

“Sure. But why?”

“Gives me a little something to talk about.”

“Hey, Lucy. Check out my leash.”

“Well, Little One it is certainly pink.”

“Looks okay though, right?”

“I kinda like going commando in the yard.”

“How’s this?”

“Much better. Run over to the fence.”

“Why?”

“I’m going to romp with you.”

“Okay, here I am. You’re not going to play rough are you?”

“For heaven’s sake, Twiggy. You are such a dweeb. Why would I play rough?”

“Dad said to be careful.”

“I get it. Okay here’s what we are doing. I’m going to run, and you chase me.”

“That sounds pretty much fun. I’ll give you a head start.”

“Okay ha ha ha.”

“Thanks for the game, Lucy. Do you think Bailey wants to play?”

“Hey, Bailey.”

“What?”

“Get up and run like a madwoman and let Little stuff chase you.”

“Thank you, Baily. That was terrific.”

“You are fast one Little Stinker. Next time give me a better lead.”

“So how did it go, Twiggy?”

“I learned it is better to go commando than with a leash.”

“Not a surprising lesson from your sisters.”

“And running with the big dogs is a lot of work.”

“That it is Twiggy. Would you do it again.”

“In a heartbeat, Dad, I had so much fun. Nap time now.

Thursday – Anything Possible – Lucy and Bailey Give Dog Lessons

April 26, 2018April 25, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 84 Comments

“Hey, Pops. What’s going on?”

“I’m wondering how you and Lucy are getting on with Twiggy.”

“I would say quite well. She is a lot of fun till she starts with the nipping.”

“Yeah. All puppies do that. Just tell her, no.”

“I think a deep growl conveys the message.”

“Speaking of that. Are you teaching her about being a dog?”

“Hold on Pops. Let me get with Lucy.”

“Lucy. Huddle up time.”

“What is it? Lose your bone to Twiggy?”

“No Pops is asking if we are teaching her to be a dog.”

“Okay let’s review the morning, and you can answer the question.”

First of all was the treat lesson

“Hey kid what are you doing?”

“Trying to find a crumb by this chair.”

“Forget that.”

“But these crumbs are tasty.”

“How about if I show you how to get a big ole treat?”

“What do I do?”

“You find mama, and then you plunk your butt on the floor.”

“I found mama.”

“Hit the floor.”

“I get it. This is what is called,”sit.”

“Yup. That’s it. Enjoy.”

“Now I need to show you how to— Hey, where you going?”

“Bailey is calling me.”

“What do you want, Bailey?”

“There is a dog skill that I need to explain a little.”

“Oh, I’m all ears. What is it.”

“Don’t worry you’ll grow into those ears. What I need to explain is watch dogging.”

“Watch dogging?”

Yes, follow me.”

“You need to keep an eye out for anyone who may pose a threat to our humans.”

“I can’t get up there yet.”

“Not to worry just listen. You will have the opportunity to sound an alarm when monsters approach the house.”

“Monsters? What kind of Monsters.”

“Oh, they have real names. UPS and FedEx are just two. There is also any number of intruders climbing our stairs.”

“What do we do?”

“We are in Luck. There is a FedEx across the street.”

“Should I hide.”

“No watch Lucy. Across the street is only a mid emergency. See how attentive she is. If this were an actual incursion, she would be whining.”

“What would you be doing?”

“Barking my butt off till Pops or Mama tell me it is okay.”

“I’m not sure I can bark.”

“It will come, sis. It will come. Lucy, I’ll go and report to Pops we have covered treat acquisition and watch dogging.”

Thursday – A little Personal – Getting to Know You.

April 19, 2018April 18, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 83 Comments

“Hey, Twiggy. Have you thought about what you would like to do today?”

“Well, Dad. I have a couple of things on my agenda.”

“I’m here to may every one of your requests come true today.”

“Hmm. Maybe I should do some further thinking. The first thing is breakfast.”

“Coming right up. The usual?”

“Yum. For those of you who wonder. My dad’s a real jokester. The usual indeed.”

“Who are you talking to Twiggy?”

“You must know we are never alone. The fourth wall is out there.”

“Goodness. You are certainly perceptive. So what’s next?”

“How about a little playtime with Lucy and Bailey.”

“Good deal. Let’s go.”

“Morning. Lucy.”

“Hi, Boss. I see you have the little one in your arms.”

“Yup and she would like to play. I’ll set her down.”

“Hey, Lucy. Look at this toy. It is part plastic and pom-pom.”

“Hold on little one. I need to wake Bailey. She needs to get involved too.”

“Okay then. I’ll just stay here and have fun with this super toy all by myself.”

“It won’t be long. Be right back.”

“Okay, Lucy. I’m here to back you up.”

“Hey, Mom. Is it okay if we run with Twiggy?”

“You have to be careful. She is so small, and you are so big.”

“Hello, Bailey. Have you seen my toy?”

“Yes, It is right over there. I think right where you left it.”

“See the black end. That is where you grab it and run like crazy.”

“Yeah, that does look like fun. Let me go and have a conversation with Lucy.”

“Lucy. Have you played with that toy yet?

“No, not yet. What’s the problem?”

“I would have thought she would like a bone or a ball. Not some pom-pom.”

“You know Bailey. It takes all kinds. These youngsters have their own kind of fun. I know one thing though.”

“What is that?”

“You won’t catch me with that in my mouth running like an idiot across the room.”

“Gotta admit she’s cute though.”

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy, Lucy, and Bailey Playtime

April 12, 2018April 11, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 96 Comments

“Okay, Dad. Mom got me this terrific toy, and I wonder if Lucy and Bailey want to play.”

“Well, let’s just go up and see.”

“Hey, Boss. What’s this thing you dropped on the floor.”

“That is Frenchie Vanilla. Twiggy’s toy.”

“Frenchie Vanilla, Pops? Pretty cute I would say.”

“Yes, and Twiggy wants to know if you want to play?”

“Woah. Here she comes. You mean play with her don’t, you? Excuse me I gotta dash.”

“Yes, that is exactly what I mean you big chicken.”

“I can play from up here, Pops.”

“I don’t know, Baily. She looks pretty much fun.”

“Hey, Lucy. Got you on the butt. You’re it.”

“Yeah. A lot of fun, Lucy.”

“Okay, Lucy. Bet I can make you blink.”

“Not me, little stuff. I come from a long line of non-blinkers.”

“See, little one. Made you blink.”

“Okay, you win. What’s with Bailey and the couch?”

“She likes her playmates to be a bit bigger. She doesn’t want to hurt you is all.”

“Is that the truth, Dad?”

“I think so, Twiggy. Lucy would know better than me. Go play with her.”

“So Lucy. Want to play hide and seek?”

“Sure. You go hide.”

“How about you Bailey. I’ll be ‘it’ if you want.”

“Well, Twiggy. You promise not to get underfoot?”

“Sure I promise. I’ll spit in my paw and kiss this cover so you know I’m sincere.”

“Good enough for me. Come on Lucy. Let’s go hide. Twiggy count to twenty.”

“One, Two, uh three. Hey Dad.”

“Yes, Twiggy?”

“What comes after three?”

“I think I would sing ‘rock a bye baby’ instead.”

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy’s Home

April 5, 2018April 4, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 89 Comments

“Hey, Dad.”

“Hi, Twiggy. You have a good rest?”

“Sure did. What’s on today?”

“You are going to play with your sisters, Bailey and Lucy.”

“Lucy, meet Twiggy. Twiggy, Lucy.”

“Hello, little one.”

“Boy, you’re a big one aren’t ya.”

“And I would say you are a little one for sure.”

“So how long have you been here?”

“I was adopted eight years ago.”

“Tell the truth. You like it here?”

“It’s the best. Now could you let go so Baily can come over?”

“Hey, little stuff. How’s it going?”

“This is Bailey, Twiggy.”

“We get it pops.”

“That bed is a little too big for you.”

“Gee sis. You are right. Wanna play?”

“Here’s the thing Twig. I need to take a nap right now. So maybe after that. ”

“We can play tag. I’ll be it”

“Okay, just for a while.”

“I think I tagged you.”

“I think you missed.”

“Come on Baily play fair.”

“You can say that Lucy. You haven’t been chased around the couch ten times.”

“Okay, kids. Time for lunch.”

“Saved by the dinner bell.”

Thursday – A Little personal – New Arrival

March 29, 2018March 28, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 122 Comments

“Hey, Boss.”

“Hi, Lucy. How are you today?”

“Not sure.”

“What’s the problem?”

“There’s a pile of stuff over there that I don’t recognize.”

“Mom is putting the things she will need for the puppy arrival.”

“I know you mentioned a puppy, but are you actually going to adopt one? Look at this stuff Bailey.”

I see it. Yeah, Pops. Come clean. What’s going on?

Okay, Girls. Here’s the deal. You know Mom, and I believe in the rescue of animals?”

“Yes, Boss and Baily and I love you for that.”

“Well, there is an organization named Dog Ranch Rescue who have as a mission to rescue enslaved dogs from puppy mills.”

“This story could take a while, so I’m going to go and lay down.”

“Okay, Bailey. You can listen from the couch. As I was saying, the rescue people go to auctions and buy as many puppy mothers as they can.”

“Puppy auctions? What are those, Pops.”

“These are places where breeders sell dogs they no longer want. Maybe the dogs are older or have had too many litters. Anyway, this group buys these dogs to give them freedom from being used in puppy mills.”

“Puppy mills sound like a bad place to be if you are a puppy.”

“That’s true, Lucy. They are even worse places for mothers of puppies. Sometimes the group is able to buy a mother who already has puppies inside her. Then this is an opportunity to free the mother and have the puppies born in freedom as well. Which brings us to Little Twiggy.”

“Twiggy? Is that the puppy’s name?”

“Yes, it is.”

“Can we see her?”.

Well, I happen to have a photo taken by her foster mom for Easter, and you can also go to the Dog Ranch Rescue website. The group gave her the name Maraschino which is her name on the site. We are naming her Twiggy.”

“OMG Pops. She is so cute. Is she a boxer?”

“No Bailey she is a French Bulldog, and she was born free.”

“When is mom going to get her?”

“Good question Lucy. Mom will get her in the Dallas area on Saturday, and she will be here on Monday.”

“Monday? Why so long?”

“You remember Dr. Hay in San Antonio don’t you?”

“Aw, he’s the best.”

“Yes, well, mom has to stop there so that Twiggy can have a complete physical and then she’ll be home. What do you think?”

“Yay, a baby sister.”

“I think you will like her Bailey. How about you Lucy?”

“I love babies. She is in my heart already.”

“You two are going to love her.”

Thursday A Little Personal – Lisa Burton Interview with Greg Petros

March 22, 2018March 20, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 50 Comments

“What do you want to do today, Bailey?”

“I’m not fussy. What do you want to do? Play fetch with Pops?”

“No Pops is all over the fact that Lisa Barton is interviewing a character from one of his books on Lisa Burton Radio.”

“Which book?”

“Circumstances of Childhood. She is interviewing the main character, Greg Petros.”

“Well, maybe after the interview he’ll play.”

“Ya hear that, boss? After you are finished looking at the interview and Lisa Burton, maybe you’ll play with us.”

“Show the folks where the interview is, Lucy.”

“Okay, Boss. It is right HERE.”

Thursday – A Little Personal – Getting Ready for a Book Fair

March 15, 2018March 15, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 101 Comments

“This is the life, Bailey.”

“Mmmff. Huh?”

“Ah never mind. Oops, there goes the boss again.”

“You know the boss has been a little busy today. I’m going to ask what is going on.”

“Okay, Lucy. You do that. I hope you don’t mind me getting a little more shut-eye.”

“Yeah stay there. I’ll yell at him.”

“What is it, Lucy?”

“Bailey and I think you are moving way too fast for an old guy.”

“Oh is that right. Well, I’m preparing for the Galveston Book Festival On March 24th is all.”

“The what?

“Come inside, I’ll show you.”

“Whoa. What the heck is that?”

“That’s my banner. It goes behind my table, so people know who I am.”

“Thrillers by John W. Howell. Who’s that?”

“Can you help, Bailey?”

“That is Pop’s real name.”

“Jeez, Boss. I never hear anyone call you John W. Howell.”

“I know. Lucy.”

“So, I see cases of books. This one is opened.”

“Yes, I was just checking them to make sure I have some of each.”

“Oh, I get it. Those are big pictures of your books up on that banner.”

“There you go. I think you have it now.”

“What about this table, Pops.”

“That’s where mom is putting bookmarks together.”

“Bookmarks? What are those?”

“People who read books like to remember where they left off, so these little things help do that. I will be giving them away. Along with Swedish Fish and some Library cards.”

“You can’t sell these?”

“I’m selling books. These are just gifts to readers.”