Hey Twigs. What’s going on?

“I was just thinking about Lucy and that photo you took of us running on the new Turf.”

This one? Taken three years ago?

“Yes. We were sure happy. I miss having Lucy with us.”

“Mom and I miss her too. Of course, you have us.”

“I know, Dad. I hate to tell you, but fur and skin people are different people.”

Well, I do know that and know I’m no substitute for Lucy.”

“I know you try your best, but I have a hard time seeing you as a water buffalo.”

“I wonder what we can do to help you?”

“I’m not sure either. There is no way to wish Lucy back with us .”

“If you had another wish, what would you say it would be?”

“One that I have said many times. You know I can’t say it, or it won’t come true.”

“Here’s a deal. I’ll make a wish, and hopefully, it will be the same as yours.”

“That would be swell, Dad. Do you think Mom would join us in a wish?”

“I’m certain she will.”

“I hope we are on the same page. If so, I think it’s time  to smile.”

“I think so too, Little One.”

“You in the mood to play ball?”

“It’s way over there.”

“That’s a whole three feet away.”

“Really? I thought it was closer.”

“For heaven’s sake, it is almost next to you.”

“Well, it just seems like it is not friendly.”

“What’s not friendly about it.”

“Seems standoffish to me.”

“It is a ball, not another dog.”

“Yeah, well, I wish it were.

“Okay, there. Mr. Ball, meet Twiggy.”

“I think you take things too far sometimes, Dad.”

“You implied that the ball was standoffish. I just wanted you two to become acquainted.”

“Okay, I get it. Nice to meet you, Mr. Ball. You have an Instagram  handle?”

I’ll throw you the ball. This will make it more active.”

“Now I think you are getting somewhere. A little interactiveness. Don’t hurt yourself.”

“There you go. Be careful it’s going to bounce.”

“I have my eye on it.”

Whoa. It took a mighty bounce.”

“Not too far for me, though. I got it.”

“Want to go again?”

“I sure do. I love to play catch.

“This time, I’ll toss it far.”

“And the doggie will run it down.”

“I’m ready for our walk, Dad.”

“It is nice and cool, so we can take a long one.”

“Yeah, I need to stretch my legs for sure.”

“Okay, but remember, no barking at deer or cars.”

“I know, I know. Let’s get going. I see movement.”

“Right behind you.”

“The cheetah spots what could be a delicious lunch.”

“You talking to me?”

“The cheetah is downwind of its prey. It suspects nothing.”

“Oh, I get it. You are a cheetah-like the sweater.”

“Dad. For heaven’s sake. The cheetah stalks the buck and gets ready to spring.”

“I don’t know about springing. You are on a leash.”

“Dad, shush. Turning, the cheetah sees more of the herd. Today is a feast day.”

“Whatever.”

“The decision is made. The straggler will be the target.

“You better hurry. That one looks fast.”

“I’m ignoring you, Dad. The deer have taken to the high ground in fear of the cheetah.”

“I think they are laughing at you.”

“The cheetah roars the warning that there will be another day.”

“And the deer shout down, ‘Bring it on, cheetah breath.'”

“Well, that was fun. I liked that last line about bringing it on. You might be able to play after all.”

“I don’t know, Little One. I think you might need someone your own size.”

 

“What is that on my bed?”

“It is a new toy for your Birthday.”

“This is very nice. Has a strawberry finish.”

“You can taste strawberry?”

“Yes, and vanilla cream cheese frosting with sprinkles.”

“I’m amazed you can get all that out of a toy.”

“You have to have an imagination, though.”

“Ah. That is a good point.”

“Like you have to imagine this candle is peppermint.”

“Okay. It certainly looks that way.”

“Of course, the way this is made, you can’t really chew it off.”

“Looks like you are giving it a good try, though.”

“You have to pretend to snuff out the flame.”

“Did you make a wish?”

“Yeah that we go out and play.”

“You going to take the cake with you?”

“Sure. It’s new. It will never leave my side.”

“Or fifteen minutes which ever comes first.”

I see you are having an after-breakfast play session with Bee Mine.”

“Yes, Bee Mine and I have a standing date.”

“It is so nice to have a friend like Bee Mine.”

“I’m telling you, Dad, I wouldn’t know what to do without Bee Mine.”

“What makes Bee Mine so special.”

“She is always ready to play and listens to my troubles without judgment.”

“Troubles? What troubles do you have?”

“You may be the last person on Earth who should ask that question.”

“What do you mean I should be the last?”

“Well, I hate to say it, but you may not cause trouble, but you might be a carrier.”

“A carrier. What does that mean?”

“Like right now. I need to get to your other side for a nap.”

“All you have to do is crawl over me.”

“And push you out of the way. Very troublesome.”

“Looks like you managed.”

Mom’s going to exercise. Say goodbye, and I need some breakfast.”

“Here are more troubles. Will she come back?”

“Of course, she’ll be back. Why so close, chum?”

“Well, when one of you is gone, I need some comfort.”

“Or the hope of getting something out of my cereal bowl?”

“Now that you mention it, there is a certain attraction to it.”

“You have had your breakfast.”

“If you could spare a flake, it would go a long way to easing my troubled mind.”

“It’s still raining.”

“Yes, that is true, but it’s supposed to stop later.”

“How much later?”

“Let’s see. It looks like, after one o’clock, it will be light. You can go out then.”

“Paaallleeze. After one, I’ll have died from terminal boredom.”

“Oh, come on. You have enough toys to last several days. Go get the hedgehog burrow toy.”

“Okay, here it is. I already pulled out one of the little hedgehogs.”

“So there are two more. Get them out, too.”

“That’s one. No use hiding hedgehog. You gotta come out.”

“Now you’re talking.”

“I think a little tooth work is better than talking.”

“I have to agree.”

“Ha, so there it is. The last hedgehog.”

“You did it. Now go chase the burrow.”

“Nice throw, Dad. Under the couch for a degree of difficulty of 11 on a ten scale.”

“Sorry about that, but taking photos and throwing are not compatable actions.”

“Have no fear. The puma is here. Got the burrow from its burrow.”

“Good joke. Where are you going to take it?”

“Back to you, of course. You need the tossing practice.”

“You want the hedgehogs back in the toy?”

“I think an empty toy is enough of a challenge for you today.”

“Very funny.”

“So what’s going on here?”

“We are putting the legs back on the couches.”

“Okay. Why are you doing that?”

“You are well enough to use your stairs to get up on them.”

“That’s great. How about jumping off?”

“Oh no, no, no. No jumping off. Use the stairs.”

“You guys keep working. I need to do my Yogi. Downward facing dog.”

“Your form is excellent.”

“Upward facing dog.”

“Oh, come on. Not even close.”

“Yeah, you’re right. How’s this?”

“Much better.”

“I was so busy with Yogi I missed the entrance of the fuzzy white.”

“It looked like you were into it for sure.”

“What’s this white thing?”

“A device to keep you out of the dog house.”

“I get it. It protects the white fuzzy carpet. ”

“Right. Keeps us both out of trouble.”

“Sure feels good to be back to normal.”

“I see you have tried making a nest on both couches and made yourself comfortable.”

“Sure have. Wanna get that light?”

“Wait, don’t we need my leash and harness?”

“Nope, today is the day you are allowed in the yard with no leash.”

“Wow, this is different. Going down the stairs with no support.”

“I thought you would like it.”

“I do, but it feels different. There is no one leading.”

“That’s true. You are on your own.”

“Well then, see ya.”

“You go girl.”

“Hey. What’s this?”

“It is a fence. It’s there, so you won’t run onto the rocks.”

“Gee, is the turf all I get to explore?”

“No, you can go into the rock area.”

“How do I do that with a fence blocking the way.”

“You ask the friendly gatekeeper to open a gate for you.”

“Now that’s handy. I hope you will always be here to open it.”

“Don’t worry. There is always one of us to wait on you hand and foot.”

“I like hearing that. There are some neat scents out here on the patio.”

“Well, enjoy them.”

“Of course, with the damp and all, it may be time to go in.”

“It is up to you. I’ll stay as long as you want.”

Well, Dad. Part of being free is being able to decide when to go.”

“I’ll give you that.”

“Not exactly my optimum conditions. No sun and drizzle.”

“You’re the boss.”

“Let’s head for the barn.”

“You sound like a barn sour pony.”

“Well, all I know is there are snuggles inside.”

“Did you enjoy your freedom?”

“I can’t tell you how good it felt to feel the wind in my hair.

“That is music to my ears.”