Comment from Cindy Warren

Excellent

I want that puppy in the picture! Of course, Max and Willow would be even less impressed with it than Bernie and Howie. Good luck in the contest.

 Comment Written 11-Dec-2017

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reply by the author on 14-Dec-2017

Hi there;
Please excuse the 'cut and paste' acknowledgment of your review. I'm taking a short break from Christmas preparation and packing for my move, so my time is somewhat limited.

Thank you so much for reading my work. I appreciate your time to critique and review.

May you and yours have a wonderful holiday season. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

~patty~

Comment from barbara.wilkey

Excellent

I enjoyed reading your contest entry and I truly believe one can NOT have too many dogs. Besides puppies melt everybody's heart. If not, then that human can't be trusted. Good luck with the contest.

 Comment Written 09-Dec-2017

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reply by the author on 10-Dec-2017

Hi, Barbara;

Puppies ARE sweet, and though I would love to have another one, it is just too much money at this point. Besides, I don't want Howie to run away from home,

~patty~

Comment from Bucketlist

Excellent

Shorkie loks like he has some King Charles spaniel mix in there. We have one of those. He's a riot. Your entry will delight Bernie and Howie lovers everywhere. I bet you stilll get yet another pup! Thanks for sharing this cute saga
Hugs, Trisha

 Comment Written 09-Dec-2017

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reply by the author on 10-Dec-2017

Hi, Trisha;
Thank you so much for reading about the possibility of a new puppy - and Howie's reaction. I would love to have another dog, but my pocketbook says NO,

~patty~

Comment from BeasPeas

Excellent

Are you or are you not getting a new pup? I could always tell by my husband's reaction when I mentioned taking in a new stray if it was a "go" or not. (I always got my way) and very soon we had a new addition. This is cute. I always enjoy reading about Howie and Bernie and maybe the new pup? Marilyn

 Comment Written 08-Dec-2017

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reply by the author on 09-Dec-2017

Hi, Marilyn;
Nope - no pup for me. My hubby says a very emphatic NO. But, I could push the matter and have my way. My logical side tells me it is just too expensive. I will go with my logical side for a while longer,

~patty~

reply by BeasPeas on 10-Dec-2017

Hi Patty. I did receive the adorable photo of Bernie and Howie in your Christmas card. Showed it to my housemate (had to share) and showed it to Maija and Emma (my dogs). We all loved it. Marilyn

reply by the author on 10-Dec-2017

Hi, Marilyn;
Glad to know the boys were a hit. I received your card, too. I've received about six cards so far and a few email cards. Hoping I get some from the international folks - it would be lovely to see the stamps,

~patty~

reply by the author on 10-Dec-2017

Just got your lovely card, thank you

Comment from Rasmine

Excellent

Patti,
Hello! I really thought you were getting another puppy. I am biding my time before getting a kitten. I already bought the litter box, some Sheba food, and a Christmas stocking for the kitten. You can tell that I can't wait!
I loved your writing. The thoughts of the dogs are great!
Nome

 Comment Written 08-Dec-2017

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reply by the author on 08-Dec-2017

Hi, Nome;
Thanks for indulging me in my doggy fantasy.
I hope you are able to get your kitten soon. Right now, our local animal shelters are completely out of kittens. I am so happy. These are no-kill shelters and this is awesome news.

~patty~

reply by Rasmine on 09-Dec-2017

I wish they were all no-kill shelters.

Comment from Asem.inspirations

Excellent

Good morning, Patty: Oh my doodness and yes, I did say, "doodness!" What an adorable and gorgeous, precious puppy. I WANT THIS PUPPY SOOOOOO MUCH!

And...
You have taken the win with this one. I mean you know how much I extremely love your Bernie and Howie stories but this one has grabbed my heart and is keeping it. I have joined this contest also but this write is real competition. Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! You are such an amazing write. I am so sorry that i ran out of sixes.

 Comment Written 08-Dec-2017

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reply by the author on 08-Dec-2017

Hi, Tier;
I will take the virtual six and be happy. I'm so glad you enjoyed this story. I am NOT getting another puppy - my hubby insists I really cannot take on the task of a third dog.

But, isn't she just adorable? But, I do understand what Dave is talking about. The expense of a third dog is a lot to take on -- especially when I have gardens to plant in the spring and all the other little pretties I need for my new house.

~patty~
(I can give you the name and website for the breeder if you would like)

Comment from smileycloud

Excellent

great presentation
good story
quite funny actually I really like the characters and theirthoughts
good luck in the contest
have a smiley day
Lorraine

 Comment Written 08-Dec-2017

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reply by the author on 08-Dec-2017

Hi, Lorraine;
Thank you so much for reading this latest Howie and Bernie 'tail.' The boys love having their stories told and I indulge myself with the pleasure of putting words into their mouths.

~patty~

Comment from DR DIP

Excellent

How can you forbade such innocent cuteness? They certainly melt your heart Patty I enjoyed your little write even though I don't read many short stories on here I feel i am a poet for want of a better word moreso than a story teller.

dip

 Comment Written 08-Dec-2017

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reply by the author on 08-Dec-2017

Hi, dip;
Thank you so much for reading my story. I know you rarely read prose, and I do appreciate your support of my work.

Have a wonderful day - hope you share memories of your holiday with us,

~patty~

Comment from rtobaygo

Excellent

Good morning, Patty

Enjoyed the read. So Howie wants to run away from home. Dogs can become quite jealous of a newborn. We had to find a home for our two dogs once we brought our first daughter home . . . they tried to bite her.

Take care and stay safe,

Ray

 Comment Written 08-Dec-2017

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reply by the author on 08-Dec-2017

Hi, Ray;

No, the story is pure fiction. Howie doesn't have to contend with another little puppy. Though I would love to have another dog, it is just too expensive to properly take care of another 'little life.'

Thank you so much for reading and reviewing,

~patty~

Comment from emptypage

Exceptional

That's freakin' hilarious.

I keep wanting to take in this beautiful German Shepherd someone dumped, but no one can catch her and I certainly can't chase her.

You give Howie the best POVs.

 Comment Written 08-Dec-2017

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reply by the author on 08-Dec-2017

Hi, Marla;

I appreciate your time to read my work. I hope this story helped to brighten your day. Someone will manage to get to the German Shepherd. You just need to cuddle your babies and do your best against the pain,

Thank you for the exceptional rating,

~patty~