Posts by Joan Courtney
A 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…
Read MoreGuilt Induction
Lil’ Toot here. Last Thanksgiving, My Cousins gathered around the Table to bless Their Table Scraps. They were grateful for what They received but were always open for More. Better results came when They showed Respect by being under the Table when Their Mistress arrived. It’s a strategy We can all relate to for More…
Read MoreValentine, Be Mine
Dogs teach us many important things, the most important being unconditional love. —Leila Grandemange Dear Gentle Reader, Lil’ Toot here. I’ve been told Some people don’t have a Valentine for that Special day. Consider that issue remedied: I’ll be Your Valentine. Will You Be Mine? Happy Valentine’s Day to You! Tail wags and Puppy licks…
Read MoreEducating Amelia
Lil’ Toot here. Aunt Matilda was so proud of Her daughter, Amelia. Smart as a Whip, She quickly learned the ins and Outs of being a Dog. Sit. Fetch. Stay. Roll over. Play dead. Amelia was the Best. Living unstuck. But Their favorite Moments? When My Aunt read to the Little One. There were questions…
Read More