“Hey, Lucy. Want to play tug ‘o war?”

“Umm, I was thinking more about who can keep their eyes closed the longest.”

“Oh, come on. This thing is fun. It is almost indestructible.”

“It is the ‘almost’ part that worries me.”

“So that’s a ‘no’ then?”

“I guess we could consider it. What else is there?”

“We could go outside and hunt pumas.”

“We just did that. Besides, I don’t think it is puma hunting season.”

“Well, let me see. We could always play with cheeseburger.”

“You put your tooth through the squeaker. Now it doesn’t make any noise.”

“Where did I put that big chuck-it ball?

“It’s in the basket. You need someone to throw it, though. Remember the opposable thumb lesson from school?”

“Yeah, okay. Looks like it is break time.”

“Oh, come on. Look at all these toys. Surely you can find one to play with.”

“I made several suggestions, and you rejected them all. Also, don’t call me Shirley.”

“I merely pointed out some of the pitfalls of your suggestions.”

“Okay then. You make a few suggestions, and I’ll do the pitfall point-out job.”

“I guess you have a point. Okay, whatever you say to play with we’ll play.”

“I bet I can keep my eyes closed longer than you.”

“I can’t help feeling there should be more to life, Lucy.”

“What do you mean more? We have all we want to eat, drink, and are safe. What more is there?”

“I’m not sure, but every day seems to be the same ole same ole.”

“I always take that as a good thing. I don’t really like surprises.”

“I’m not talking surprises, but maybe we should be going to school or something.”

“We’ve been to school. Look at us a couple of happy dogs living the life. But, hey, don’t lie down. We have games to play.”

“I still don’t think you understand what I’m saying.”

“No, I guess I don’t. So come with me, and we’ll continue to talk.”

“Don’t you ever want to do something different?”

“Like fly an airplane or drive a car different?”

“No, but think about it. We get up every day and do the same stuff.”

“Let me ask you. What of the same old stuff would you like to eliminate?”

Hmmm. Now that I think about it, I’m not sure.”

“How about not having enough to eat. That would be different.”

“I see where you are going with this. Not enough to eat would be different but not a good different.”

“Exactly. The same with your house, yard, taking naps, going for walks, chasing a ball, and playing with me.”

“Those are all things I would miss if they were gone.”

“So maybe you should be a little more grateful for them.”

“Okay. I see what you mean, and I have been very first world in taking all that for granted.”

“Now you’re talking. How about a game of tag, then?”

“You hear that? I think there is a puma over there.”

“Let’s go get it then.”

“You hear something over there, Little One?”

“Sounds like a puma to me.”

“You think?”

“Shush. I’m not moving a muscle. Might be time to catch it.”

“I think it might be on the move.”

“I say it is in the tree over there.”

“You keep an eye to the left, and I’ll go investigate.”

“I hear it slinking along on the other side of the fence.”

“I don’t think so. I still hear it over here.”

“Maybe it moved toward you. Any scent?”

“The only scent is someone’s dryer and a softener sheet.”

“Don’t let that thing fool you. I’ll bet it can mimic a dryer softener sheet.”

“Haw haw. That’s a good one. Mimic a dryer sheet.”

“I’ve seen those pumas do a lot of things, Lucy.”

“Well, I think I’m going to call it a day on the hunt. I see you have already done so.”

“Yeah, I have to admit it may not have been a puma after all.”

“Don’t give up too soon, Little One. I hear it again.”

“You are right about the dryer sheet. Unfortunately, I think our imagination is getting away from us.”

“Yeah, but what a great way to live. Who else has puma’s in their yard?”

“You’re right, Lucy. We are the luckiest puma hunters on the planet. Thanks for the reminder.

“What ya say, Little One. It’s cool now. How about a ruckus?”

“I found the right ball. Hard to tear myself away.”

“Well, at least get off the porch and play.”

“Not sure ball wants to get in the turf.”

“You talk like that ball has a personality.”

“Trust me. A big personality.”

“So it is telling you it doesn’t like the turf?”

“Yeah. She says the turf tickles.”

“I’ve never heard of such a thing. What does she say about your mouth all over her?”

“She likes it. Says it is like a massage.”

“You have an imagination. I’ll give you that.”

“Haven’t you ever made friends with a toy?”

“I sure have. Never had one talk to me, though.”

“Like many things, you must listen to hear.”

“Yeah, well. I’m listening to the sound of breakfast in the bowl.”

“That is always a good sound.”

“Maybe your ball would like some kibble.”

“She’s a vegan, but I think I’ll join you.”

“You kill me. A vegan? Now I’ve heard everything.”

“Hey, mom. Any vegan yogurt for my ball?”

“Come on, Lucy. Ruckus time.”

“For heaven’s sake. I was thinking of a little shut-eye.”

“Aww, come on. I’ll pretend to bite you, and then you chase me.”

“You’re doing a good job of pretending.”

“Be a sport. I’ll run and you chase me.”

“How about I lay here and you chase me.”

“What fun is that. We can’t play outside cause it’s too hot so we need to ruckus inside. You even said that.”

“Oh, me. Fine I’ll get up and you run.”

“Wait a minute. You’re looking to get up on the couch aren’t you.”

“Well it does look inviting.”

“COME ON, LUCY. Inside rukus was your idea.”

“Can’t a lady change her mind?”

“What’s all the noise here?”

“Gee dad. Lucy said we should ruckus for exercise and now she won’t.”

“Don’t listen to her, Boss. It’s naptime now.”

“So, Dad. Is there anything you can do to get Lucy moving?”

“Twiggy you have to respect the fact that Lucy is older and needs her beauty sleep.”

“Careful, Boss. You’re getting close to crossing the line.”

“Between you and me, Dad. I think Lucy doesn’t want to ruckus cause I always win.”

“I heard that Little One. A couple of winks and I’ll make you eat those words.”

“Let’s go outside and play while it’s still cool Little One.”

“I gotta find my ball.”

“So you have your ball. Let’s play.”

“Yeah, but something’s different.”

“What do you mean?”

“It smells different.”

“I don’t know, kiddo. it looks the same to me.”

“Yeah, it does look the same but trust me, something’s off.”

“How does it smell?”

“My ball always smells like bacon. This one smells like old feet.”

“Old feet? How can that be?”

“I think I know the reason. I must have grabbed the old ball.”

“The old ball? How many do you have?”

“Just two. After a while, the bacon smell disappears, and I whine until mom gets me a new one.”

“So you grabbed the old one. Can’t you make it work?”

“You don’t understand, Lucy. This one is a stranger to me.”

“I detect an element of spoiled here.”

“Not spoiled. Discerning.”

“Sure. There are underprivileged dogs who would love to have that ball.”

“I know, and I would love to give it to them too.”

“Oh, oh, Little One. Looks like the General Contractor is at work again.”

“General Contractor as in Dad, Right?”

“Yeah. I wonder what he is up to today?”

“I have to hope it is nothing we need to be involved in helping.”

“I think if we follow the electrical cord, we may get an answer.”

“Look at that thing, Lucy. What is it?”

“Well, I can tell it’s a ladder. Looks like there’s a rake and more wire on it.”

“We need to check this out.”

“I think this is where I go lay down on the porch.”

“No, wait. I see what it is. He is charging the security light.”

“Why all the wire, though?”

“I think that is his longest extension cord.”

“Maybe so. By the way, how did you become such an expert?”

“Ever hear of Rube Goldberg? We have our own version.”

“Hey, boss. Nice work on the security light charging.”

“Yeah, we got a glimpse of your jerry-rigged charging station.”

“Just remember they laughed at Marconi. See you two later.”

“Lucy. What do mac and cheese have to do with jerry-rigging?”

“Beats me, Little One. Time for a nap.”