The Fat Giraffe/Caterpillar Parade
An adventure in dog-sitting.42 total reviews
Comment from pome lover
congratulations on your win.
This is a cute story, well told. Good visuals and descriptions.
I love "four-legged swiffer." caterpillar, and rocker mockers.
You didn't mention his getting under your feet when you took him for a walk, but I bet he did - criss-crossing back and forth in front of you? Lucky you didn't squash him.
Sounds like you miss the little fella. Am assuming this is true. Anyway, good job.
Katharine - pome lover
reply by the author on 27-Mar-2017
  |
congratulations on your win.
This is a cute story, well told. Good visuals and descriptions.
I love "four-legged swiffer." caterpillar, and rocker mockers.
You didn't mention his getting under your feet when you took him for a walk, but I bet he did - criss-crossing back and forth in front of you? Lucky you didn't squash him.
Sounds like you miss the little fella. Am assuming this is true. Anyway, good job.
Katharine - pome lover
Comment Written 27-Mar-2017
reply by the author on 27-Mar-2017
-
Thanks for rummaging my portfolio, pome lover. I really enjoy that, and you're welcome anytime.
Actually, Buddy seems to understand his vulnerability to get squished, so he gives my size 16s wide berth. That's not to say he doesn't dance nearby whenever I'm In the kitchen. I tend to drop little tidbits now and again.
I've tended the little Swiffer a few more times since I wrote this. We've become easy pals. Even the rocker mockers wave to the parade like we're old friends. And why not.
Thank you again. I'm glad you enjoyed. Peace, Lee
-
you two out walking would make a neat picture.
cause smiles.
Comment from Patti R.
Ah, jeez, Lee.
This is really terrific. Very funny. Your sister is lucky to have you, and Buddy will continue training you with ever dog-sitting session. There is so much fantastic word play and hilarious descriptive phrasing that I don't know where to begin. I can tell you I'll never eat a Tootsie Roll again and small curd cottage cheese has been removed from my grocery list.
I'm revisiting your portfolio. Some of the absolute best writing on this site lies in your vault.
Ah, Buddy. He reminds me of my dog. That stare that compels me to ask, "What?" He either needs me to refill his water bowl, feed him or discipline the cat that makes it a game to snitch the best cheesy bits from his food bowl. That cat drives that dog crazy.
I really enjoyed this story. The title is perfect. The image of the big man and the little pipsqueak parading down the city street makes me laugh, sorry. Well, not really sorry.
 |
Ah, jeez, Lee.
This is really terrific. Very funny. Your sister is lucky to have you, and Buddy will continue training you with ever dog-sitting session. There is so much fantastic word play and hilarious descriptive phrasing that I don't know where to begin. I can tell you I'll never eat a Tootsie Roll again and small curd cottage cheese has been removed from my grocery list.
I'm revisiting your portfolio. Some of the absolute best writing on this site lies in your vault.
Ah, Buddy. He reminds me of my dog. That stare that compels me to ask, "What?" He either needs me to refill his water bowl, feed him or discipline the cat that makes it a game to snitch the best cheesy bits from his food bowl. That cat drives that dog crazy.
I really enjoyed this story. The title is perfect. The image of the big man and the little pipsqueak parading down the city street makes me laugh, sorry. Well, not really sorry.
Comment Written 02-May-2015
Comment from emily2566
Holy smokes, that was an AWESOME story! You absolutely captured a picture of childless animal lovers in words. I found myself nodding and laughing at the story as a whole because I didn't have to think about what you were writing, I could actually see it. You descriptions we excellent.
reply by the author on 25-Jul-2014
|
Holy smokes, that was an AWESOME story! You absolutely captured a picture of childless animal lovers in words. I found myself nodding and laughing at the story as a whole because I didn't have to think about what you were writing, I could actually see it. You descriptions we excellent.
Comment Written 24-Jul-2014
reply by the author on 25-Jul-2014
-
Thank you, Emily. I'm delighted you enjoyed the story. Peace, Lee
-
Do you have more stories? I'm curious if I should pay to join this site, do you think it helps? I would like to read more of your work.
-
Do you have more stories?
-
Yes, emily, there are dozens of my stories stored in my portfolio which you should be able to access by going to my profile page, then clicking on my portfolio.
Alternatively, you can click on Best Stories (on the home page) and you'll find the All-Time Best list. I'm represented there, too.
Let me know if you have any trouble. Lee
Comment from pafaust
This is hilarious and I'm not just saying that because I appreciate all references to Stephen King. Pets sure do have a way of taking on human-seeming characteristics and you're a great sport for taking on the responsibility of pet-sitting for your sister. I don't believe that either one of you are morons.
reply by the author on 09-Jul-2014
|
This is hilarious and I'm not just saying that because I appreciate all references to Stephen King. Pets sure do have a way of taking on human-seeming characteristics and you're a great sport for taking on the responsibility of pet-sitting for your sister. I don't believe that either one of you are morons.
Comment Written 05-Jul-2014
reply by the author on 09-Jul-2014
-
Thank you, pafaust. It's easy to reference Stephen King. Everybody gets it. I appreciate you going into the archives for this. Glad you enjoyed. Peace, Lee
Comment from EvaGriffin
Absolutely delightful -- good boy! You deserve a T-R-E-A-T.
The problem with these sorts of stories is that there are a lot of them around. Even I have one about when my mother-in-law took care of our chihuahua under protest and cried when we took him back. We ended up giving him to her. What you have done is to make the telling of the story more interesting than the story itself. As I already said, Good boy!
best,
Eva
reply by the author on 01-Mar-2014
|
Absolutely delightful -- good boy! You deserve a T-R-E-A-T.
The problem with these sorts of stories is that there are a lot of them around. Even I have one about when my mother-in-law took care of our chihuahua under protest and cried when we took him back. We ended up giving him to her. What you have done is to make the telling of the story more interesting than the story itself. As I already said, Good boy!
best,
Eva
Comment Written 27-Feb-2014
reply by the author on 01-Mar-2014
-
Thanks for the entertaining review, EvaGriffin. I love the story about your Chihuahua. Thanks for the Golden Galaxy, and especially for the line about the telling of the story being more interesting than the story itself. Not everyone believes that's possible. Thank you again. Peace, Lee
Comment from taychr
This is a very unique story about dog sitting for your sister. Your use of references to describe the Toy Yorkie made me smile. I appreciated the funny visual about how the dog reacted after doing his business at the specified location. The story flowed nicely from the phone call, to the flight and finally the ride to your sister's house in the suburbs of Carolina.
The mention of how the neighbors enjoyed the parade reminded me of the times when I visited relatives in the south. All they do is sit out on the porch and watch the fire fly dance. So, I could imagine how you and Yorkie were the highlight of the day. Although I knew, it was smart to add that you are a Stephen King drama king for those who are unfamiliar with The Green Mile, Cujo and The Pet Cemetery. As I read this story I felt as if you were speaking directly to me. Yes, I did have a smart comment when you asked if I have a problem with baby fat. Thanks for making me smile on such a dreary day. Great writing.
reply by the author on 15-Jan-2014
|
This is a very unique story about dog sitting for your sister. Your use of references to describe the Toy Yorkie made me smile. I appreciated the funny visual about how the dog reacted after doing his business at the specified location. The story flowed nicely from the phone call, to the flight and finally the ride to your sister's house in the suburbs of Carolina.
The mention of how the neighbors enjoyed the parade reminded me of the times when I visited relatives in the south. All they do is sit out on the porch and watch the fire fly dance. So, I could imagine how you and Yorkie were the highlight of the day. Although I knew, it was smart to add that you are a Stephen King drama king for those who are unfamiliar with The Green Mile, Cujo and The Pet Cemetery. As I read this story I felt as if you were speaking directly to me. Yes, I did have a smart comment when you asked if I have a problem with baby fat. Thanks for making me smile on such a dreary day. Great writing.
Comment Written 15-Jan-2014
reply by the author on 15-Jan-2014
-
Thank you so much for the galaxy, taychr, and your wonderful comments. I wish you could see Buddy's poop dance. It is really an amazing thing.
I'm delighted you enjoyed my and Buddy's story. And, yes, I was trying to speak directly to you.
Thank you again.
Peace, Lee
Comment from kiwigirl2821
Hello Lee, I have to say this kind of writing is clever, realistic, funny, and a whole list of other adjectives you've already heard. I enjoyed it from word one and am thrilled for your win. The committee definitely got this one right. Your sense of humor and style makes for a lively laughable morning for this reader. Thank you and Congrats on the win! Glad it was a writing that didn't bemoan life, but celebrated the infinite amount of fun life holds.
xoxo deborah
reply by the author on 04-Dec-2013
|
Hello Lee, I have to say this kind of writing is clever, realistic, funny, and a whole list of other adjectives you've already heard. I enjoyed it from word one and am thrilled for your win. The committee definitely got this one right. Your sense of humor and style makes for a lively laughable morning for this reader. Thank you and Congrats on the win! Glad it was a writing that didn't bemoan life, but celebrated the infinite amount of fun life holds.
xoxo deborah
Comment Written 02-Dec-2013
reply by the author on 04-Dec-2013
-
Thank you, deborah. I share your dread of the super earnest, woe-is-me writing that is all too common around here. I'm delighted you enjoyed this little slice of my life. Peace, Lee
Comment from TheWriteTeach
When I saw you won the contest, I came to read the winning story. I wasn't disappointed. This is absolutely hysterical from start to finish. A couple times I made so much noise laughing out loud that my own little Tootsie Roll pooper came running to check on me. The title is wonderfully imaginative and elicits a fantastic visual! Great job with this.
Congratulations on the win,it was well earned!
Suzanne
reply by the author on 04-Dec-2013
|
When I saw you won the contest, I came to read the winning story. I wasn't disappointed. This is absolutely hysterical from start to finish. A couple times I made so much noise laughing out loud that my own little Tootsie Roll pooper came running to check on me. The title is wonderfully imaginative and elicits a fantastic visual! Great job with this.
Congratulations on the win,it was well earned!
Suzanne
Comment Written 02-Dec-2013
reply by the author on 04-Dec-2013
-
Ah, Suzanne, so you have a Tootsie Roll pooper, too! I miss the little guy, and I've put in dibs for the next time Linda needs a dog-sitter. I'm delighted you enjoyed. Thank you.
Peace, Lee
Comment from Contests
reply by the author on 02-Dec-2013
|
 A contest winning entry! A seven star rating from the Contest Committee for posting the winning contest entry. |
Comment Written 02-Dec-2013
reply by the author on 02-Dec-2013
-
Thank you, Committee. Much appreciated! Peace, Lee
Comment from allinmyhead
I really loved this. The tone is casual and off-hand, with just the right touch of cynical humor. Very good read.
And...being a major dog lover who leaves extensive and detailed notes for the pet sitter, I completely related (although maybe on a different level :)). Good piece, well done.
I look like a fat giraffe getting pulled along by a caterpillar OMG, great imagery
Love the 'plane pee' comment. Food for thought. Yuck.
Nits:
six-feet, six-inches hyphens not needed
fully-loaded never hyphenate a word ending in ly
finace misspelling. Spell check would miss this. Change out for fiance. (if you can in the word editor, accent the e)
reply by the author on 24-Nov-2013
|
I really loved this. The tone is casual and off-hand, with just the right touch of cynical humor. Very good read.
And...being a major dog lover who leaves extensive and detailed notes for the pet sitter, I completely related (although maybe on a different level :)). Good piece, well done.
I look like a fat giraffe getting pulled along by a caterpillar OMG, great imagery
Love the 'plane pee' comment. Food for thought. Yuck.
Nits:
six-feet, six-inches hyphens not needed
fully-loaded never hyphenate a word ending in ly
finace misspelling. Spell check would miss this. Change out for fiance. (if you can in the word editor, accent the e)
Comment Written 24-Nov-2013
reply by the author on 24-Nov-2013
-
Thank you, allinmyhead. I'm pleased that you mentioned both the off-hand tone, and the cynical humor. Exactly what I was aiming for. I'm delighted you enjoyed.
I'm a little baffled about your objections to my use of hyphens.
Is it possible that my style guide is out of date?
Peace, Lee
-
Hyphens were used correctly everywhere but the couple of instances I pointed out. You would hyphenate six feet if you were using it a joint adjectives, like six-feet tall. If I misread, I apologize. My remarks are based on my tech editing days. Not sure if things have changed.
