“So Lucy. What’s going on?”

“I’m a little worried, Boss.”

“What about?”

“Baily’s over there rolling around on the grass not paying attention.”

“Paying attention to what?”

“She’s supposed to be watching Twiggy.”

“Now look. She is actually laying down.”

“I’m sure everything is fine.”

“You don’t understand the dangers, Boss. I’m going over there.”

“Bailey. Get up.”

“Gee Lucy. What’s the problem?”

“You’re supposed to be watching Twiggy. That’s the problem.”

“Lucy. She is right behind me. If anything came in here, I would be on it like a duck on a Junebug.”

“Have you done the fence line? Have you scouted the perimeter?”

“Well, no. I see no need.”

“No need? How many coyotes does it take to get over this fence?”

“Okay, I’ll bite. How many?”

“Just one. One is all it would take. How surprised would you be if one jumped in here?”

“Lucy we’ve not had a coyote jump the fence.”

“I’m behind this giant Bird of Paradise where you should be.”

“Oh brother. Twiggy, come closer. I think the sister is going to have a breakdown.”

“All right Bailey. I’m really close now. Lucy don’t you worry.”

“Easy for you two to say. I have real responsibilities around here.”

“And we love you for that, sister dear.”

“So, Twiggy. You called?”

“Yes, Dad I did. Lucy has my key chew toy and won’t let me have it.”

“Well, Y’all know toys are to be shared so you two work it out.”

“Well, I guess calling the boss didn’t do much good.”

“I had to try. Are you going to share the keys with me?”

“Of course I will share.”

“So here are the keys. You want them?”

“How about we play hunter and prey?”

“Looks like you’re already done in.”

“Ha. I was just fooling. I’ve got the keys now.”

“You know Twiggy it is risky trying to fool someone three times your size.”

“Like I said it’s risky and so now I have the keys.”

“You did teach me a lesson, Lucy. I can see you are not easily fooled.”

“Don’t forget that I have also been around a while. Bailey tries everything she can to fool me.”

“How does that work out?”

“Go ask her.”

“While you are up how about getting that cool elf and we can play tug ‘o war.”

“I thought you liked the piggy.”

“Ever since you came along I haven’t really felt the need to play with the piggy.”

“Hey wait a minute. I’m just thinking over that piggy comment. What did you mean?”

“Well, I have to say it is more fun playing with you than the rubber piggy.”

“You weren’t making comparisons then?”

“Heavens no. There is no one around here that reminds me of a little piggy.”

“Are those paws crossed?”

“Hey, Lucy, Bailey, Twiggy bring it in.”

“Wha’s the deal, Lucy.”

“Beats me.”

“Know what’s going on Bailey.”

“Nope, I just come when I’m called.”

“Uh, Bailey?”

“Hold on Pops. I need a gulp here.”

“Lucy, Twiggy?”

“Yes, Boss. All ears.”

“I can hear from here, Dad.”

“Okay then. As you can see I’m back at it. So how about some action shots for the blog.”

“Brother. We have to play this one right.”

“What should we do, Lucy?”

“Break up and give him something to shoot.”

“Okay. I’m doing my grazing sheep imitation.”

“Not sure that’s going to cut it, Twiggy.”

“Hey, Y’all. How about some action.”

“Try not to look at the camera, Twiggy. It’s more natural that way.”

“Thanks, Bailey. Hows this Dad?”

“Can you at least look at each other?”

“It is so hot Pops. Maybe later.”

“And the mountain sheep goes about its business, mindful of the threat posed by the mottled mountain lion who seems disinterested.”

“You kill me, Twiggy. How about it Pops you have enough?”

“Pops? Where did he go? Twiggy.”

“I don’t think he liked my mountain sheep performance.”

“Well, maybe next week. Where’s Lucy?”

“She followed him in. He was mumbling about an inside shot.”

“Hello everyone. My name is Lucy and I have been selected by the canine team here at Fiction Favorites to come out before you. My purpose today is to let you know the boss is doing fine, but can’t crawl around with us capturing our latest activity. Since he feels the material should be current, he hopes you understand the lack of a post. Thank you and we’ll be back soon. Yes, Twiggy and Bailey are fine even though they are chickens when it comes to making announcements.”

“Hi, Bailey. What’s going on?”

“Hi, Pops. I was just wondering what Lucy and Twiggy are up to out there.”

“From here it looks like they are talking.”

“Talking? What about?”

“Hard to say, Bailey. You know Lucy has taken her role as big sister seriously. Why don’t you join them and see what they are saying?”

“Good idea.”

“Hey, you guys. Whatcha talkin’ about?

“Twiggy was asking about the birds and the bees.”

“OMG so soon?”

“Relax, Bailey. She was worried about the Pelicans.”

“You tell her they are just big fish eaters?”

“Yup. Man look at that flock.”

“Anyway, I also told her to beware of those big bees.”

“What are you looking at Twiggy?”

“I think I see a bee out there Bailey.”

“I don’t think so. That looks like a fly to me.”

“A fly? It’s a pretty big fly.”

“You guys should pay more attention to those flying things.”

“Relax Twiggy. That is a heron. He also eats fish. Not too many dog eaters around here.”

“Besides, little one. if someone came after you, they would have to get through Bailey and me first.”

“Aw. That is so comforting. I feel better about the wild things, Lucy.”

“Unless they had a treat to offer.”

“Lucy!”

“Just kidding Bailey. Just kidding.”