Comment from judiverse

Excellent

Isn't it amazing that animals can sense when a person is hurting. You describe what the dogs pick up on about their human, and feel her sadness. The dogs pick up an unusual smell and it seems to come from something new to the house and on the mantel. After she explains that is the cremains of friend Aldo, and the dogs seem to understand. That seems to improve the atmosphere, so they go for a walk. The dogs play a part in cheering up their human. Very well told, and one can empathize with the situation and her sadness. judi

 Comment Written 26-Feb-2018

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reply by the author on 26-Feb-2018

Hi, Judi;
Thank you so much for the R&R. I'm glad you found the story interesting and a great tribute to my dogs and others who are such a comfort in times of need,

~patty~

reply by judiverse on 26-Feb-2018

I did enjoy it. Our pets seem to know when we need a hug. judi

Comment from dejohnsrld (Debbie)

Excellent

Congratulations, my friend. You have grown so much as a writer! I have lost several important people in the past year. They have also changed all of my homecare staff who I was so happy with. The new ones aren't even close to measuring up. All of this along with health problems lead to depression the past few months. I am anxiously waiting to get out and garden which should help a lot. Thank goodness I have Katie Jo to take care of me. Take care, my friend~Debbie

 Comment Written 25-Feb-2018

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reply by the author on 26-Feb-2018

Hi, Debbie;
Thank you so much for the compliment. I'm sorry to hear about the losses you've endured this year - it does make for a tough time. I am sure when you can get out in your garden again, you will feel much better,

~patty~

Comment from Angela VA

Excellent

You have the ashes? That makes me curious. I'm sorry for your loss and sadness.

Our pets can be quite sensitive to our feelings and general state. We used to have an antisocial cat who would curl up with anyone in the house who was sick.

I love this unique way of telling what is going on in your life.

 Comment Written 25-Feb-2018

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reply by the author on 25-Feb-2018

Hi, Angela;
Thank you for the lovely review. Yes, I have the ashes. Aldo never married or had any children, so it was decided I should have them. He loved the Pacific ocean and the Oregon coast. When it warms up, I'm going to take him over to the coast at our favorite place.

~patty~

Comment from apky

Excellent

Isn't the sensitivity of these pets just incredible?

Bernie, obviously always the more feisty and curious compaired to Howie, is so attuned to his surroundings and the moods of Mistress that he would probably sense those mood swings in the Mistress while she was fast asleep.

You wrote the story so well it was a mystery thriller in the mini format. I was on edge dying to know what it was until the line line when it was revealed to be Aldo's remains!

 Comment Written 25-Feb-2018

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reply by the author on 26-Feb-2018

Hi, Aki;
Bernie is indeed much more protective and intuitive of my moods. I think Howie believes I'm the lucky one to have him around.

But, my life is so full because of these two. Thank you for reading,

~patty~

Comment from rtobaygo

Exceptional

Good morning, Patty

Enjoyed the read. Love the story through Bernie's eyes. And it's so true dogs (and to a lesser extent, cats) can pick up on different tones and moods and act accordingly.
Well done.

Take care and stay safe,

Ray

 Comment Written 25-Feb-2018

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reply by the author on 26-Feb-2018

Hi, Ray;
Thank you so much for the lovely review. I'm glad you enjoy my Bernie and Howie stories. It is true that they keep me balanced.

~patty~
(the six-star rating was a special treat)

Comment from pbomar1115

Excellent

Now, remember, I don't own any animals, so I have the judgment of a non-animal lover. Bernie, like the average animal, was bothered about the unseen container. After he realized that you knew about it, he was fine.

Phillip

 Comment Written 24-Feb-2018

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reply by the author on 24-Feb-2018

Hi, Phillip;
Thank you so much for the thoughtful review. Once Bernie knew the ashes in the container were something I cared about, he was okay with them,

~patty~

reply by pbomar1115 on 25-Feb-2018

That sounds right.

Phillip

Comment from Cindy Warren

Excellent

It's amazing how animals always know when something is wrong. I don't have any dogs right now, but some family members have canine companions that I've become rather attached to. They always know when something is wrong, just like my cats do. I'm glad Bernie and Howie were able to cheer you up.

 Comment Written 24-Feb-2018

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reply by the author on 24-Feb-2018

Hi, Cindy;
The boys really are the best critters a girl could have. When my husband leaves for work in the morning, they know their job is to protect and entertain me. (Oh, and nap - a lot.)

They do all perfectly well,

~patty~

Comment from F Scott Hafner

Exceptional

Very nice compelling story - it flowed and maintained interest. Got a bit lost with the black thing on the desk and the man coming home - could not place that is story. But fun to read.

 Comment Written 24-Feb-2018

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reply by the author on 24-Feb-2018

Hi there;
Thank you so much for the lovely sixth star. Bernie and Howie are one of my staples. Writing about two dogs who only have one purpose in life - to keep me company, is a blast. I get to interpret their movements and their thoughts. Who knows if I'm right?

~patty~

reply by F Scott Hafner on 24-Feb-2018

Dogs are wonderful!!

Comment from Beck Fenton

Excellent

What an enjoyable story! I loved the playful pups and you made Aldo a real presence, if only in the form of cremains! The only thing that bothered me was her excusing her use of Dave's name. I don't think the dogs would mind as she must have called Dave by name around them. Overall, this story is believable and I will look forward to reading your other stories.

 Comment Written 24-Feb-2018

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reply by the author on 24-Feb-2018

Hi there;
Thank you so much for the lovely review. I appreciate your comments and I look forward to hear what you have to say about my other works,

~patty~
(I'm currently working on a multi-part series about Aldo - Rest In Piece, Aldo (five parts so far))

Comment from barbara.wilkey

Excellent

I cannot wait to see what you're going to do with Aldo ashes. That you had them was sort of a surprise. This should get really good. I can't wait for more information.

 Comment Written 24-Feb-2018

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reply by the author on 24-Feb-2018

Hi, Barbara;
Since Aldo never married or had any children, it was decided by the family I would get the ashes. He didn't want to be buried in the family mausoleum, and he had a note for me to take him to the Pacific Ocean. He was only there once, but he found it fascinating compared to the Atlantic.

This summer, I will bring him to the coast of Oregon.

~patty~