Comment from kathleenspalding

Excellent

Very nice story, so glad for the happy ending! Well written, just a couple very small things -
Maybe replace one of the two 'closed's in the second sentence with 'shut'? And maybe he could smell the fear instead of feel it? (That's just my theory - pheromones) All the best.

 Comment Written 01-Jun-2017

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reply by the author on 01-Jun-2017

Hi Kathleen; thank you for your suggested edits. I went an made them - they work well. I appreciate your kind words of encouragement,
~patty~

reply by kathleenspalding on 01-Jun-2017

You're welcome

Comment from royowen

Excellent

I love the way you looked through a dear dog's eyes and humanise their thoughts, they do seem to sense something is wrong, and quite often know what is bothering. For some reason it reminded me of Greyfriars Bobby, a Skye terrier, who lay on his dead master's grave for 14 years after he died, in Edinburgh, Scotland, we saw the statue in his honour, it was a Disney movie. Beautifully and sensitively written Patty, I loved this article, we have lots in common, well done, blessings, Roy

 Comment Written 01-Jun-2017

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reply by the author on 01-Jun-2017

Hi Roy; thank you so much for reading and reviewing. I appreciate your kind words and the story about Greyfriars Bobby. It sounds like a story I need to look into,
~patty~

reply by royowen on 01-Jun-2017

Most welcome

Comment from c_lucas

Excellent

I have never heard about a dog getting a hernia, but I guess they could. This is very well written with a smooth flow of words, making for a very good read. There is very good imagery.

 Comment Written 01-Jun-2017

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reply by the author on 01-Jun-2017

Hi there; Howie did have a hernia of the umbilical cord. It usually occurs when they are just puppies, but his waited a while. He's all better now,
~patty~

Comment from apky

Excellent

Thank heavens those rough days are over for the entire household.
I never thought dogs could have a hernia?
At any rate, all's good that ends well.

;)
Apky

 Comment Written 01-Jun-2017

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reply by the author on 01-Jun-2017

Hi Aki; yes, Howie did indeed have a hernia, and he was in quite a bit of pain. I was just glad it was something simple to operate on.
~patty~

Comment from doggymad

Excellent

Phew, you had me scared for a minute, thinking the worst. So glad the little chap is going to be fine.

Just one spag in the second paragraph. At least I think it is.

Bernie was thankful for the air conditioning inside their house. He knew the Mistress did, too.
should that me the Mistress WAS

hugs

Freda

 Comment Written 01-Jun-2017

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reply by the author on 01-Jun-2017

Hi Freda;
Yes, everything is well now. Howie has his place of honor on a pillow, and Bernie is being very kind to him. I appreciate your care and concern.
I thank you for pointing out the nit - I fixed it,
~patty~

Comment from Gypsy Blue Rose

Excellent

Hello my friend


It's cool how you used Bernie's POV and his relationship with his brother Howie; Bernie is a bit worried about his brother Howie's surgery. It's an endearing story.

 Comment Written 01-Jun-2017

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reply by the author on 01-Jun-2017

Hi Gypsy;
thank you for reading and reviewing. Both boys are resting comfortably, along with me. Howie has his favorite place on a pillow, and Bernie is being very nice to him,
~patty~

Comment from Barb Hensongispsaca

Excellent

Oh dear I thought he was dead and then with the phone call it was great. I love the POV you use and it puts us in the mind of the baby and what he must be thinking. Very well done

 Comment Written 01-Jun-2017

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reply by the author on 01-Jun-2017

Hi Barb; have no fears, Howie is doing great - though he hates wearing the 'cone of shame.' I appreciate your kind words,
~patty~

Comment from pbomar1115

Excellent

While Bernie sat quietly on the pillow in front of the fan, he guesses what mother was up to and wondering about his brother Howie. Bernie could not quite understand the reason of Howie's absence, but he saw his movements weren't fast as usual. Paying close attention to the mother, he surmises there is nothing to be alarmed over.

 Comment Written 01-Jun-2017

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reply by the author on 01-Jun-2017

thank you so much for reading and reviewing,
~patty~

reply by pbomar1115 on 01-Jun-2017

You're welcome, Patty.

Comment from nancy_e_davis

Excellent

I guess dogs can get a Hernia. Never had an animal get a hernia. I has a Collie die of a straggled stomach. He rolled over when his stomach was full and his stomach didn't. Our Hick Vet didn't know what it was and didn't save him, but my vet in the big town knew immediately what had happened. Poor King. Good job Patty. Nancy

 Comment Written 01-Jun-2017

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reply by the author on 01-Jun-2017

Hi Nancy; Poor King is right - how awful. Howie is doing much better and sitting on his pillow!
Thanks for reading,
~patty~

Comment from thonnigford09

Exceptional

Thx hope Bernie's ok. My two dogs are 15. Don't talk about them often, but...i would miss them fiercely if something happened. This was wonderful imagery. Thx. Theresa

 Comment Written 01-Jun-2017

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reply by the author on 01-Jun-2017

thank you so much for reading and reviewing. Howie is doing fine. He's till wearing the 'cone of shame,' and I think Bernie laughs at him every chance he gets
~patty~

reply by thonnigford09 on 01-Jun-2017

My dog hate the cone too :) Theresa