Posts by Joan Courtney
A New Playmate
Lil’ Toot here. I have a New Playmate! When I visited the Pinetop Art Gallery, I was well-behaved in My Puppy Pouch. With My acute sense of Smell, I knew a Pooch was part of Ms. Kathleen’s life. Now, I have met Larger Dogs. And some Smaller Canines. They often back off because I get…
Read MoreI Got Snipped!
I didn’t know I was broken, but my nice owner (took) me to get fixed. —Jonny Hawkins Lil’ Toot here. Last week, Mom packed Me up for a Surprising Adventure. We rolled out even earlier than O’Dark 30. She spirited Me to the Jeep without My Breakfast or Water. An Ominous Sign. But trusting Mom,…
Read MoreI Own the Bed
Lil’ Toot here. Cousin Booboo had it made. Daily walks. Great food. Constant play with the neighbor’s Pooches. Why, She even had The Best Place in the House to Sleep. You know that Spot. Right smack Dab in the Middle of the Bed. Inconvenient for Some Others, but just Right for Her. Living unstuck. Thanks…
Read MoreA Suspect Toy
Give children (or puppies) toys that are powered by imagination. —H. Jackson Brown Lil’ Toot here. I was so very Excited! I got Mail. A package arrived at Our mail drop, Corner to Corner, for Me. It began as a Mystery Box. Addressed to LT Courtney, Wanda was flummoxed. The name didn’t fit with any…
Read MoreThe Family Portrait
Lil’ Toot here. It was Time for the Family portrait, and Aunt Griselda lined up the Kids to take a Picture for Posterity. It was hard enough to get Them in One Place at One Time. They were all very busy. Burying a bone in the Backyard. Watching the Little One. Begging for Scraps. Living…
Read MoreA Heart Attack . . . And Beyond
A heart attack! You feel both frightened and bewildered. Your self-concept is forever transformed. The sudden change from “being well” to “recovering” is devastating. Strange physical sensations leave you feeling out of control of your own body. A flood of preoccupation with death and sometimes an overwhelming fear of mortality is a constant companion. Your…
Read MoreSomething Tickled Me
Tickles are what power my giggle machine. —Anthony T. Hincks Lil’ Toot here. Recently, Mom and I were out walking in some Nasty Weather. She bundled Me up in My Gorgeous Blue jacket. Out we went. All was all very well and good until there was a scattered Shower. Something tingled on Me. First, I…
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