Saturday, November 16, 2013

Howard to the Dog Park


My dear faithful readers I have a request.  I am looking for someone who is able and willing to illustrate my Howard series ala A. A, Milne (Winnie the Pooh) or Theodore Guisel (Dr. Seuss).  If you know of someone who fits the bill, please point them in my direction.  Bob


Howard to the Dog Park

"OK, Howard, let’s take you to the dog park.”

Why does the man want to take me somewhere, all of a sudden?  I have no idea, but it sounds like fun

“Felix, Maggie, stay out of trouble!”

“Alright, Howard, you stay out of trouble too.  There are some really big dogs out there.”

It’s not the big dogs I need to worry about.  It’s the A-type Chihuahuas one has to be careful with. 

Hi!  I’m Howard, who are you?

“I’m Alexander.  I haven’t seen you here before.”

 “Howard seems to have made friends with that Boston terrier.  It looks like there may be trouble, though.  He’s moving up to a big Rottweiler”

Hi!  I’m Howard, who are you?

“What’s it to you?”

Well, this is my first time here.  I am meeting a lot of new friends and I like to remember their names.

“I’m Roger.”

Great, Roger, would you like to introduce me to your friends?

“Sure, why not?”

“That’s Howard for you.  He makes friends easily: a cat, a parrot, blue birds, a Boston terrier, a burly Rottweiler…”

Thank you, Roger.  Your friends all seem to respect you greatly

It looks like the man wants me to come to him.  Do you and Alexander want to tag along?

“Sure”

"Of course"

“Howard, I’m going to throw this tennis ball and I want you to get it and bring it back to me,”

Wow, I knew exactly what he wanted and I did it,  He seems to be very pleased.

“Fetch!” “Fetch!” “Fetch!” “Fetch!” 

Hey, Alexander and Roger, why don’t you two join in?

“Sure”

"Of course"

“Fetch!” “Fetch!” “Fetch!” “Fetch!” 

That Alexander can’t run as fast as Roger or I, but he sure can turn corners sharper than either of us.

“OK, Howard, it’s time to go home.  You seem to have enjoyed it and made a couple of good friends.  We’ll have to do it again, soon.”


Robert Niel Beatie – November 7, 2013

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Introducing Maggie to Ben and Helen



Introducing Maggie to Ben and Helen

Well, Maggie, I’ve figured out how to open the door to let you out.  You probably would not manage to get through the doggie door.  I’ve practiced a couple of times so I know I can do it,  It’s a good thing that the door handles are levers and not knobs.

So when the man goes out grocery shopping I will introduce you to Ben and Helen.  But remember it is important that you are back in before the man gets back.  Otherwise we will be in big trouble.

OK, here goes.  Just remember it is important to get back before the man comes home.

Ben, Helen, this is Maggie.  She has wanted to meet you for some time.

“Welcome, Maggie, Helen and I have heard a lot about you.”

“Yes, Maggie, Howard has good things to say about you.  These are our three boys, Charles, Henry, and Wilber.”

I’ll bow out now and go see what Felix is doing.  Don’t forget your time constraint, Maggie.

Hi, Felix, how are you feeling after saving Wilbur?

“I’m feeling pretty good about it.  Especially since I have pretty much mended fences with Helen.  How are things going with Maggie and the other birds?”

They seem to have hit it off well.

Hey!  What’s all the commotion out there?  They are all calling for help.  It looks like a big orange cat is trying to eat the birds. I’d better go out and chase him away.

“No that’s the neighbor cat, Samuel.  It’s my job to chase him off!”

“OK, Samuel, leave my friends alone!”

“Well, Felix, you seem to have abandoned your genetic background, making friends with birds instead of eating them.  You and what army are going to make me leave?”

“If necessary, Helen will back me up.  Let me tell you, you do not want to get on her bad side.  Now leave while you still can!”

“No, I think I will eat Helen first and then deal with you.”

“That does it.  Here I come!”

I just came out to make sure that the situation is resolved.  It looks like Felix has the upper hand.

“Felix, who is that pit bull?  I didn’t realize that you had that backup, in addition to Helen.”

“That’s Howard.  He’s a friend of the birds and mine too.”

“Enough!  I know when I’m outnumbered.”

Well, Felix, you seem to have saved the day again!

Hurry, Maggie, you had better get back in the house now.  I can hear the man’s car in the garage.  Again, good work, Felix.

“Yes, Felix, Helen and I must thank you again.”

“Daddy’s home!  Have you kids been in some kind of mischief?  You all seem a bit more reserved rather than your usual enthusiastic greeting.  Everything seems to be in place so I guess not.”

Robert Niel Beatie – September 20, 2013