“I can smell you, Tempeste.”

“That’s not a nice thing to say.”

“Well, when someone is trying to sneak up on someone else, you have to go downwind.”

“What does downwind mean?”

“Your scent carries with the wind, so you have to move to where the wind is blowing at your face, not your rear.”

“How do I do that with a ceiling fan blowing the wind in all directions?”

“That is a tricky part. Maybe it’s best to stalk someone outside.”

“Well, we are inside now. Got any tips?”

“Put your nose down. What do you smell?”

“Just a couch. I can’t get your scent.”

“Yeah, that’s cause I am on the side of the fan moving air towards me.”

“Oh, I get it. I’m on the side of the fan that carries my scent to you.”

“I think you have it. If you want to sneak up on me, you have to go around the back of me.”

“Now that is a hard thing to do for sure.”

”

“Give it a try.”

“Okay, so I’m going to move off to your left.”

“Very good. You are almost out of the fan’s influence.”

“What do you mean, almost?”

“You would have a better chance if you went through Dad’s office and came up behind me.”

“That is a long way to go.”

“Wouldn’t it be worth it to catch me by surprise?”

“Now that I’m here, I would say it would be. To jump you unannounced is the best.”

“Best for you, I would say. Not so much fun for me.”

“Makes me wonder why you teach me the skill to do it, then.”

“Sisterly love.”

 

“Twiggy, this sun feels good.”

“Yes, it does. Why not take a load off and enjoy it?”

“Oh yeah. This feels good.”

“I thought so too.”

“Have you ever thought about the meaning of life?”

“Um, besides kibble, chew toys, naps, walks, and treats?”

“Yeah. You know, do we have a higher purpose for being here?”

” This is a serious subject. What brought this up?”

“I was watching a TV show about the universe, and it got me thinking.”

“Be careful when you do that.”

“It’s just that the universe is so big and we are so small.”

“When you think about it, our universe is perfect.”

“How do you mean?”

“Look around. There are fences to keep us protected and a nice house to keep us warm.”

“Yeah, but don’t you want to go beyond these walls and experience what is out there?”

“You mean run for my life from cars and coyotes?”

“Oh man, you just made a good point. Okay, I’m off the universe stuff.”

“Yeah, let’s contemplate our next meal or maybe the next toy we are going to play with.”

“Sold.”

 

 

“What are these, Twiggy?”

“They look like giant macaroons to me.”

“There is no squeaker.”

“Not every toy has a squeaker, Tempeste.”

“Yeah, but then what’s the incentive to tear it apart?”

“That’s just it. You are not supposed to tear it apart.”

“Does yours have a squeaker?”

“I haven’t played with it long enough to know.”

“I’ll check it out.”

“Sure, and then get it all wet with your drool.”

“What’s wrong with my drool?”

“You gotta be kidding me.”

Alright then, I’ll just play with mine. What are you doing up there?”

“I just asked Mon to close the gate and toss mine in here.”

“Why did you do that?”

“So that I can play with my toy in peace.”

“Since when do I bother you while you are playing with your toy?”

“The last time was two minutes ago.”

“You mean when I was going to check for a squeaker?”

“Yup. Squeaker check now, sopping wet toy later.

“That’s not fair.”

“As is life cricket.”

Twiggy celebrated her Eighth birthday on Tuesday. Here she is with her present. Looks like she might have been expecting a treat instead but it was a good day.

Let’s join Twiggy and Tempeste outside.

“So twiggy. How’s that sun?”

“It’s delightful.”

“I have trouble just lying around like that.”

“Yeah, but you and I are different.”

“Well, that’s for sure.”

“Where are you going?”

“I’m going to look for a toy so we can play.”

“What makes you think I want to play?”

“Well, it is a beautiful day and thought we could play.”

“I agree it is a beautiful day. I want to lie in the sun.”

“While you are lying there, what am I going to do?”

“You know, sometimes you just have to be alone and entertain yourself.”

“Entertain myself? What fun is that?”

“It may not sound like fun now, but think of something you would enjoy.”

“I do enjoy chasing a ball by myself. Maybe I’ll do that.”

“There you go. Find a ball and chase it.”

“I haven’t seen one for a while.”

“Go check out the entire yard.”

”

“Good idea. I’ll check every corner.”

“Sounds like a plan.”

“I’ll try the far side.”

“Great.”

“Are you watching me, Twiggy?”

“Uh Huh. Got my eyes on you.”

“Looks like you’re sleeping to me.”

“How could I possibly sleep?”

“Twiggy. Wake up. That thing is here again.”

“Uh. Please let me nap. That thing is always somewhere.”

“But not right here in our sanctuary.”

“Yeah, only once a week.”

“I don’t trust it. It makes a weird noise.”

“It is picking up dirt and hair.”

“Look, it wants me to move. I think it should move.”

“Don’t be a baby. Just get out of the way.”

“Okay, but only cause you say so.”

“Oh, brother. Next, you’ll want to give it a panther treatment.”

“Good idea. The panther gets into its striking position.”

“I hope that thing doesn’t have an electrified defense system.”

“Wait. You think it might?”

“You never know. If I were an AI machine, you better believe I would have a zapper like nobody’s business.”

“There’s Dad. I’m going to ask him.”

“That’s a good idea.”

“Dad. Does that bot have a shocking defense system?”

“I can’t imagine where you got that idea, but her initials are Twiggy. No defense systems at all.”

“Then it’s okay for me to give it a panther lesson?’

” I wouldn’t do that. Although it has no systems of its own, it is under the protective cover of Mom.”

“Say no more. That’s even more powerful than a shock.”

“Smart dog.”