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 – 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.”

“Let me look closer. Oh, I see now.”

“They are just a little gift of appreciation.”

“Hey Lucy, you see these?”

“Yeah, I saw them. I think I’ll curl up with a good book now.”

Thursday – A Little Personal – Lucy and Bailey in Exile.

March 8, 2018March 7, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 93 Comments

“Hey, Lucy. You look down. What’s going on?”

“Aw, Boss. We’ve been stuck on the lower level for years. It is getting tiring.”

“It’s been a week and five days. It just seems like years.”

“I’m sure sick of Candy Crush, Pops.”

“You guys want to go and check the progress?”

“Whoa, Pops. Now you’re talking.”

“Okay follow me. We’ll have to take the elevator.”

“My goodness. Look at this. Where’s the food bowl?

“It is still downstairs, Lucy. What do you think, Bailey?

“Let’s just say I’ve seen bigger messes but can’t remember where.”

“Come on you two. This is the new floor. It was a bigger mess before the baseboards were put back and painted.”

“Yes, Pops. We expected everything to look like it did before.”

“Yeah, I can see that. Well, it is going to be a while. The floors need washing and furniture moved back.”

“What is all that, Boss?”

“A shop vac, tools and some trash.”

“Geeze, Pops. Looks like this stuff will be here forever.”

“Well, it might be the weekend. But certainly not forever.”

“Hey, Baily. The day is beautiful. Let’s go out.”

“Uh. You should see the stairs, Lucy.”

“Oh yeah. What’s the problem?

“Come see for yourself.”

“Check it out.”

“OMG. You know what that rough surface can do to your mani-pedi?”

“Ladies. We will take the elevator down. No mani-pedi needs to be disturbed.”

“Boss you are such a Mensch.”

Thursday – A Little Personal – Lucy and Bailey Displaced

March 1, 2018March 1, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 68 Comments

“Hey, Bailey. Come on let’s play. The sun is beautiful.”

“Hold on, Lucy. I hear something.”

“What is it?”

“Pickup trucks.”

“Yup. It’s worker approaching. Pops?”

“Yes, Bailey.”

“What kind of work are we having done now?”

“Floors, Bailey. I told you. Now you guys play while it is still light.”

“Look at our living room, Lucy. Someone has stolen the floors.”

“Hold on you two. No one took the floors. They have been torn up to be replaced. Look I brought a couple of beds to take the place of the couch.”

“Pretty skimpy, Boss. That couch was a gold mine. Is it gone forever?”

“No. Just till the new floors are installed.”

“Hey look at this. A puffy one.”

“Come on Lucy. I was here first.”

“And this means what?”

“Well, you could share.”

“I can see that’s not going to happen.”

“Okay, you guys. We need to move downstairs. The guys are going to rip out the underlayment.”

“That a good girl, Lucy. In the elevator.”

“With your cane, Boss.”

“I noticed. Hey, Bailey you coming?”

“I’m taking the stairs, Pops.”

“Here you are, Lucy. I have to say not much room.”

“That’s okay Boss. I have my beddie. Don’t need much else. Well, my food bowl and water. And toys, backyard, treats, and a ball.”

“How about you, Bailey?”

“Yeah pops. What Lucy said and her bed.”

“I don’t see that happening, Bailey.”

“The night’s still young.”

Thursday – A Little Personal – Lucy Visits the Vet

February 15, 2018February 14, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 78 Comments

“So Boss. What are we doing up at 5:00?”

“I’m surprised you know the time.”

“Twelve hours since dinner. It’s not tough. What are we doing?”

“We need to drive two and a half hours to the vet. Let’s go.”

“Why can’t we go to the one near here?”

“Because you need your teeth cleaned and our Vet in San Antonio is the best.”

“I like the car, but that’s a long way.”

“Lay down, and we’ll be there before you know it.”

“Thanks for bringing my blanket, Boss.”

“You’re welcome. Now take a snooze. I’ll wake you later.”

“What’s up Boss?”

“A little traffic, Lucy.”

“What is traffic?”

“We are getting close to San Antonio, and people are going to work.”

“Wow, it’s raining too. Look at those cars. Why aren’t we moving?”

“It could be an accident. At the least, the rain is slowing people down.”

“Shouldn’t you stop and wipe off the glass, Boss?”

“We have wipers for that Lucy. Look.”

“Ah yes. They move fast don’t they?”

“This is exciting, Boss. I’ve never seen so many humans.”

“Well, you did when you were young. You were born here in San Antonio.”

“I was? I don’t remember.”

“I’m glad you don’t, Lucy.”

“What is that noise, Boss?”

“There are other pups in the vet’s office.”

“I think My favorite doctor is out there.”

“Yes, he is.”

“I think I will jump up on him.”

“I’m not sure he will like that.”

“How will he know I’m glad to see him?”

“You could give him a shimmy.”

“I’m happy to report that the visit was very successful. Lucy has all her shots, a complete physical, and her teeth cleaned. She did need three teeth pulled because she doesn’t brush as often as she should.”

“I right here. You know that don’t you Boss?”

“Yes I know it Lucy and I’m so glad you are. It was a full day and now it is time to relax.”

“Night Boss.”

“Night Lucy. Sleep well.”

“I think the dope will make that happen Boss. Thanks for that too.”

Thursday – A Little Personal – Lucy and Bailey Face the Elements

February 8, 2018February 7, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 70 Comments

“Hey, Boss.”

“Hi, Lucy. What’s up?”

“Um. Do we have to go for a walk today?”

“What’s the matter? We always go for a walk.”

“The wind chill is in the thirties.”

“Oh, come on you big sissy. You have fur after all.”

“Well ask Bailey. She’ll tell you.”

“Is that right Bailey?”

“Pops. it is a little cold out there.”

“Aw, come on you two. Let’s go.”

“This is not going to be fun, Boss. I’m just sayin’.”

“You have to buck up, Lucy. Look at Bailey.”

“Hey, Lucy. Do you see what I see?”

“My eyes are frozen shut. Tell me.”

“It’s a grader down the beach. Oh, Maddie’s papa is going to like this one.”

“Who wee. The wind is a little stiff, Lucy. Hang on to your ears.”

“I see you are right Bailey. Look the other way. There are front loaders too.”

“What are they doing?”

“They are grooming the beach. Taking sand and putting it back in the water.”

“What? I can’t hear you. This wind is crazy.”

“Look the other way. Just do it.”

“For heaven’s sake, Bailey. I’m freezing. We need to get going.”

“Okay, you lead I’ll follow.”

“Come on, Bailey. Run down here and take a look at that thing.”

“Okay, I see what you mean. That thing sure is noisy. Why does it beep like that when it backs up?

“That is so the slow-witted among us won’t get run over. It’s called a back-up signal. It only makes that noise when it backs up and it is the law.”

“You would have to be pretty dumb to stand behind that thing in the first place.”

“Human regulations for humans. Need I say more?”

“Well, this has been exciting, Lucy. I don’t know about you but that couch is calling my name.”

“I hear it too, Bailey. Let’s grab the humans and head back. I wonder if there is bacon today?”

“Naw you wouldn’t know these two are carnivores. Yogurt and apple for breakfast.”

“Yogurt is tasty.”

“Yeah with some turkey stirred in.”

“Never happen, Bailey.”

“I can dream. Let’s go.”

Thursday – A Little Personal – Lucy, Bailey, and Taxes

February 1, 2018February 1, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 79 Comments

“Hey, Boss.”

“Hi, Lucy. What are you up to today?

Bailey and I just want to know what you are doing?”

“I’m working on our taxes.”

“What did you say, Pops?

“Taxes. I’m working on our taxes.”

“Is that why we’ve heard sounds like a wounded wildebeest?”

“Ha ha ha. You two slay me. I just am trying to figure out where to put things is all. ”

“Things. What kinds of things?”

“Oh, expenses for publishing for one?”

“Hear that Bailey? Publishing. So that is what he does up here all day.”

“Very funny you two. I’ll have you know I take this stuff seriously.”

“We know you do, Boss. Hey, where you going?”

“I’ll be right back. I have this receipt for supplies, and I left it downstairs.”

“Supplies, huh. How about our dog food. Do you have to count that?

“No. The government does not consider your dog food as a deductible item.”

“Ya hear that, Bailey? Dog food is not deductible.”

“Well, I think it is delectable who cares if it is deductible?”

“What is deductible anyway?”

“You are asking me? I’m a dog, not an accountant. Here comes Pops ask him.”

“Hey, Boss. What does deductible mean?”

“I’m not sure you’ll understand, but the government allows us to take away from our income legitimate expenses which are not taxed.”

“Um. Okay, Boss. My next question would be to ask what taxes are but let’s leave it there okay?”

“Smart Lucy. Trust me what you don’t know won’t hurt you. Look the sun is out.”

“Hey, Boss. You are right. Come on Bailey lets hit the sundeck.”

“Coming right up, Lucy. Pops would you open the door please?”

“Such a good dog. Here you go.”

“Check it out, Lucy. The sundeck is repaired.”

“My goodness that seemed like a long time but it looks like it was never damaged.”

“Yeah. Look over here. This end is back on. No more thrills when walking near the edge.”

“That used to get me. It was like a magnet pulling me to the edge.”

“Oh, stop Lucy. You are so dramatic. Feels nice though.”

“Hey, Boss when did they finish the deck?

“Last week, Lucy. You just haven’t been up here.”

“And thanks to the thing called taxes we heard your bellows and came to your rescue.”

“Pay no attention to Lucy, Pops. She is on this drama kick right now. Since I don’t have an opposable thumb do you think you could get the door?”

“Sure thing, Bailey. You guys going to stay a while?”

“I think we better go downstairs. You can never tell if these taxes things might be coming to get mom.”

“Good idea.”