Pet Stories
Viewing comments for Chapter 40 "The Good Life"...musings on the pets I've had
39 total reviews
Comment from Phyllis Stewart
Harley seems to take things in stride. What kind of dog is he? Mine have always been Tibetan spaniels, which are very catlike in their behavior.
reply by the author on 17-May-2017
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Harley seems to take things in stride. What kind of dog is he? Mine have always been Tibetan spaniels, which are very catlike in their behavior.
Comment Written 17-May-2017
reply by the author on 17-May-2017
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Harley was a Jack Russell Terrier. He was an amazing dog. He was so smart, and easy to train - except when we had to go head to head about who was Alpha.
Bernie and Howie are much more cat-like, and easier to handle,
~patty~
Comment from Sallyo
Poor little man- life is good and then someone neuters you:-(
Again, Harley's POV is delivered with sounds, smell and sights comprising his experience. The only bit that might need attention is the passage below.
a squeaking little blog. (BLOG? Seriously?)
There are others that Harley stole from the cats; he really loves their catnip mice, and animals with feathers. The unique toys are the 1 liter plastic bottles, empty rolls from paper towels, and large caps from drink bottles.
(Not sure about the use of the word UNIQUE there. It means one-of-a-kind, and although Harley might have only one the implication is that he has several.)
reply by the author on 17-May-2017
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Poor little man- life is good and then someone neuters you:-(
Again, Harley's POV is delivered with sounds, smell and sights comprising his experience. The only bit that might need attention is the passage below.
a squeaking little blog. (BLOG? Seriously?)
There are others that Harley stole from the cats; he really loves their catnip mice, and animals with feathers. The unique toys are the 1 liter plastic bottles, empty rolls from paper towels, and large caps from drink bottles.
(Not sure about the use of the word UNIQUE there. It means one-of-a-kind, and although Harley might have only one the implication is that he has several.)
Comment Written 17-May-2017
reply by the author on 17-May-2017
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Hi there; thank you for catching the NITS - I went and made the edits before I answered.
I'm glad you are enjoying the stories - Harley was really fun to write about. His face was full of expression.
Thank you for reading and reviewing. I can't believe I let 'blog' get by me - I meant 'blob.'
~patty~
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I can never believe the things I let get past me, either! This is one reason I stick at FS. The best reviewers spot stuff I miss. I'm also interested in what people like and don't like:-)
Comment from Margaret Snowdon
Harley's the typical bundle of sweetness - loving the attention from his
mistress, who he will soon get trained to do HIS bidding, I reckon.
My little cairn terrier picked me when we went to look at them.
Love your pet stories, Patty.
Margaret
reply by the author on 17-May-2017
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Harley's the typical bundle of sweetness - loving the attention from his
mistress, who he will soon get trained to do HIS bidding, I reckon.
My little cairn terrier picked me when we went to look at them.
Love your pet stories, Patty.
Margaret
Comment Written 17-May-2017
reply by the author on 17-May-2017
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Hi Margaret; thank you so much for reading and reviewing. I love writing my pet stories, and I guess I always have. I think I need to get one done for Bernie and Howie. Bernie keeps frowning at all the mentions of 'Harley.'
~patty~
Comment from Sandra du Plessis
A very well-written story of Harley as the new pupy and how he must have perceived his good life he found with you since he came to live with you and how much he enjoyed the attention you gave to him.
reply by the author on 17-May-2017
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A very well-written story of Harley as the new pupy and how he must have perceived his good life he found with you since he came to live with you and how much he enjoyed the attention you gave to him.
Comment Written 17-May-2017
reply by the author on 17-May-2017
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Thank you so much for reading and reviewing, Sandra. Harley was an incredible dog, and we were both lucky to have one another,
~patty~
Comment from Realist101
That little face! ") This reminds me I need to get our dogs to the vet...cats too...oh the bills. We have too many pets I think. I like this account from Harley's perspective. Four pounds...he is smaller than my 8 pound cat! ") Nice chapter Patty!! Susan
reply by the author on 27-Jan-2011
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That little face! ") This reminds me I need to get our dogs to the vet...cats too...oh the bills. We have too many pets I think. I like this account from Harley's perspective. Four pounds...he is smaller than my 8 pound cat! ") Nice chapter Patty!! Susan
Comment Written 27-Jan-2011
reply by the author on 27-Jan-2011
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Wow - Harley has almost doubled in size. When he went to the vet on Monday, he weighed in at 7.5 lbs. Simba, my BIG black cat weight 22!! I'm glad you're enjoying the saga. ~p~
Comment from popoet
Fantastic story. Enjoyable reading. Yes, Harley seems to be settling in very comfortably. As usual, the writing was great and fluid; it moved along smoothly, keeping the eyes attention. I loved the part about his trip to the vet. It's amazing how my cats' favorite toys are empty gallon water jugs. My one cat like a tiny bit of water left over in it, so she can "chase" the water around in the jug! It makes a lot of noise at night though. Well, thanks for sharing.
reply by the author on 06-Jan-2011
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Fantastic story. Enjoyable reading. Yes, Harley seems to be settling in very comfortably. As usual, the writing was great and fluid; it moved along smoothly, keeping the eyes attention. I loved the part about his trip to the vet. It's amazing how my cats' favorite toys are empty gallon water jugs. My one cat like a tiny bit of water left over in it, so she can "chase" the water around in the jug! It makes a lot of noise at night though. Well, thanks for sharing.
Comment Written 06-Jan-2011
reply by the author on 06-Jan-2011
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Thank you so much for continuing to read Harley's saga. Your generous review and kind word brought a smile to my face. ~patty~
Comment from Joe Hudson
Great story. Well written. I saw no errors or typos. I couldn't help but feel a pang for Harley to realize what medcial procedure is waiting for him. I hope the experience is as positive as the story is so far.
reply by the author on 06-Jan-2011
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Great story. Well written. I saw no errors or typos. I couldn't help but feel a pang for Harley to realize what medcial procedure is waiting for him. I hope the experience is as positive as the story is so far.
Comment Written 05-Jan-2011
reply by the author on 06-Jan-2011
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Thank you so much for continuing to read Harley's saga. Your generous review and kind word brought a smile to my face. ~patty~
Comment from KiwiGal
It is a fine balance, being a human writing as a dog for humans to read and, in my opinion, this one drops the ball (pun intended). As someone who believes that many dogs suffer more than they celebrate being treated as "a member of the family" or as a replacement child, I may be too pragmatic to be critiquing this, but then again it may be perfect for that reason, as this elicits either an "Awww gee" or a "Yecccht-soppy" reaction, so I'll plough on.
Rather than it being life through a puppy's eyes, it seems more to me like a lesson in how to treat a puppy (detailed toys and playthings, playing time, how to travel with a dog, etc). Puppies don't think; they react - and dogs just live in the Now. I can't see him 'surmizing' anything as to why the Man gets in and out of the car, for example, or knowing the relationship between a click-clack noise and the Mistress.
I did not like the change of tense with the vet visit, nor the mixed tenses in the last paragraph (he 'settles' and 'closed') and the description of the visit seems, once again, to be for the humans' benefit. I'm certain that if Harley knew what 'neuter' meant, he wouldn't be thinking that life was all that good! (Although good on you for doing it).
In all, for me this is a piece of self-indulgent writing with limited appeal. The content is bland, and I'm having a hard time knowing how to separate my disagreement at the transference of human emotion to a dog and subsequent actions, and simply reviewing the writing - which probably makes me a lousy reviewer!
What is does show, on the other hand, is a loving, caring 'Mom', doing her best for an animal taken away from its own environment. I think this would have been more successful if it had been a diary of the Mistress, rather than a confused portrayal through a dog's eyes.
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The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
reply by the author on 05-Jan-2011
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It is a fine balance, being a human writing as a dog for humans to read and, in my opinion, this one drops the ball (pun intended). As someone who believes that many dogs suffer more than they celebrate being treated as "a member of the family" or as a replacement child, I may be too pragmatic to be critiquing this, but then again it may be perfect for that reason, as this elicits either an "Awww gee" or a "Yecccht-soppy" reaction, so I'll plough on.
Rather than it being life through a puppy's eyes, it seems more to me like a lesson in how to treat a puppy (detailed toys and playthings, playing time, how to travel with a dog, etc). Puppies don't think; they react - and dogs just live in the Now. I can't see him 'surmizing' anything as to why the Man gets in and out of the car, for example, or knowing the relationship between a click-clack noise and the Mistress.
I did not like the change of tense with the vet visit, nor the mixed tenses in the last paragraph (he 'settles' and 'closed') and the description of the visit seems, once again, to be for the humans' benefit. I'm certain that if Harley knew what 'neuter' meant, he wouldn't be thinking that life was all that good! (Although good on you for doing it).
In all, for me this is a piece of self-indulgent writing with limited appeal. The content is bland, and I'm having a hard time knowing how to separate my disagreement at the transference of human emotion to a dog and subsequent actions, and simply reviewing the writing - which probably makes me a lousy reviewer!
What is does show, on the other hand, is a loving, caring 'Mom', doing her best for an animal taken away from its own environment. I think this would have been more successful if it had been a diary of the Mistress, rather than a confused portrayal through a dog's eyes.
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 05-Jan-2011
reply by the author on 05-Jan-2011
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thanks for reading.
Comment from adewpearl
I love how you imagine what Harley's attitude must be, from the approaching morning footsteps to his putting off harmonizing with his mistress's singing in the car until his voice matures. LOL
You have such a warmth in your storytelling - it makes this a pleasure to read :-) Brooke
reply by the author on 05-Jan-2011
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I love how you imagine what Harley's attitude must be, from the approaching morning footsteps to his putting off harmonizing with his mistress's singing in the car until his voice matures. LOL
You have such a warmth in your storytelling - it makes this a pleasure to read :-) Brooke
Comment Written 05-Jan-2011
reply by the author on 05-Jan-2011
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Thank you SO much for continuing to read about Harley, Simba, and Leo. I love that you 'get' how much thought I'm putting into Harley's attitude and 'voice.' I'm glad you're enjoying the stories. ~patty~
Comment from KayteeF
I hope you don't feel too upset when he does get his shots.
I remember feeling absolutely bereft when my pup got her first shots, and she gave a little yelp.
It is a necessity that pets and children have to get shots.
I smile at the memory of having to take my grand daughter for a shot, that was worse than taking Jet (dog) for hers.
Both gave me the same look, "why did you let this person do this to me?"
Great to hear Harley is settling in.
reply by the author on 05-Jan-2011
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I hope you don't feel too upset when he does get his shots.
I remember feeling absolutely bereft when my pup got her first shots, and she gave a little yelp.
It is a necessity that pets and children have to get shots.
I smile at the memory of having to take my grand daughter for a shot, that was worse than taking Jet (dog) for hers.
Both gave me the same look, "why did you let this person do this to me?"
Great to hear Harley is settling in.
Comment Written 05-Jan-2011
reply by the author on 05-Jan-2011
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Shots are difficult - it was with my children, and it will continue to be with pets. Harley really didn't let it phase him, so I was just amazed. Thank you SO much for continuing to read Harley's saga; it is nice that he has his own fan base. ~patty~
