Reviews from

The Fat Giraffe/Caterpillar Parade

An adventure in dog-sitting.

42 total reviews 
Comment from mfowler
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Obviously you had a lot of fun with this one. You claim he stopped you writing, but he gave you enough ammunition (woops, tootsie rolls) to write this crazy rant. I'm glad Linda didn't leave you in charge of kids. The giraffe/caterpillar line is your best and repeating it is the equivalent of a running gag. Thanks again for entertaining with your great prose.

 Comment Written 21-Nov-2013

Comment from bhogg
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Lee - I loved your post! I'm surprised that you just didn't fall in love with the little guy is all. Well written. I was getting ready to post a non-fiction for the contest, but think I'll re-work it some. Regards, Bill

 Comment Written 20-Nov-2013


reply by the author on 20-Nov-2013
    Thank you, Bill. I did fall in love with the little critter, but I have a rough reputation to maintain. Besides, I couldn't very well kidnap my sister's dog. Glad you enjoyed. I'm looking forward to your entry. Peace, Lee
Comment from irishauthorme
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

A marvelous work of pure genius, laced with an unusual amount of similes, metaphors, accented by the looming size of Lee, being pulled along by a minuscule Yorkie who is obviously in charge. If you do write a sequel, I know that Lee will have acquired a dominating pooch, and will find that the daily walks are causing him to lose some of the extra baggage he's been hauling around.
Great story, the image of the Giraffe and the Caterpillar is burned into my mind.
Hey, I hope you did well in the contest, did I miss it?
irish

 Comment Written 20-Nov-2013


reply by the author on 20-Nov-2013
    Hey, irish! I was hoping you get around to this piece. I figured you'd enjoy the visual. And I hardly had to embellish. This is the way it was. The contest deadline is the 26th. Then we'll see what the Committee thinks. So glad you enjoyed, and thanks again. Peace, Lee
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
Excellent
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Oh,my dear Lee, you just are too much! I have to go spend a penny before I sit down and read your stories, at my age you can't be too careful and I know I will be laughing till I no longer have control of the workings of my body!! I know, tooooo much information! LOL. Tootsie Rolls! I really could see you walking the block with the cute little Buddy! LOL, that was so funny, I would have got MY video out and made a million on the Tube!! Of course I would have taken you out for a coffee!! This is probably the winner, and if it isn't I must find out who can be funnier than you. Good luck!! xsx Sandra

 Comment Written 20-Nov-2013


reply by the author on 20-Nov-2013
    Thank you, Sandra. It's always a pleasure to make people laugh.
    While I was dog-sitting, I didn't see the humor, and never considered writing about it. But once I got back home, the adventure became irresistible. I hope the Committee agrees with you. Thanks again. Peace, Lee
Comment from BethShelby
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This is hilarious and all the more enjoyable because I just got through baby-sitting my grandchildren's Yorkie while they went on a California vacation. I know exactly where you are coming from. My Grand-Yorkie, also caterpillar sized, is name Bear. I have no idea why. While he was with me he became permanently attached to my left heel. Every -now and then, he would emit a high-pitched screech that sounded like something from a horror movie. He also sneezed. Thank goodness, his diet wasn't nearly as complicated as Buddy's but he wasn't toilet trained enough to use a potty patch and I had to take him outside often. I loved reading of your experience.

 Comment Written 19-Nov-2013


reply by the author on 20-Nov-2013
    Thank you, Beth. Ah, so you have recent experience with a Yorkie! Smart, cute dogs, but a bit willful. I took Buddy out often, but he'd usually come back in the door and rush to his potty patch. Oy! I'm glad you could read my story from an experienced perspective. Thanks again. Peace, Lee
Comment from pattipac
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Loved reading your story about squirming, sneezing, face-licking Buddy. What we do for our sisters could fill a book. You manage to paint a humorous picture with words. Wonder if Linda's neighbors have any mint-julep left?

 Comment Written 19-Nov-2013


reply by the author on 20-Nov-2013
    Thank you, pattipac. Now I have to decide whether to share this account with my sister. She may not be amused. Thank you again. Peace, Lee
Comment from Spitfire
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Great visuals with you at 6'6 and the Yorkie seven inches tall. "his little engine pulls like an Eskimo sled dog" --delighful metaphor. "a scratchy cell connection--" in more than one way. Love the ending. Hope you are plotting revenge. :-)

 Comment Written 19-Nov-2013


reply by the author on 19-Nov-2013
    Thank you, Shari. Your review gets me to the magic 26. Nah, no revenge planned. At heart, I'm a pushover. Glad you enjoyed.

    Peace, Lee
Comment from Barry1000
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

If someone told me I would be reading an account of a dog-sitting adventure that was filled with hilarity and dead-on descriptions that kept me glued to the screen, I would have had serious doubts. This has to be a true story because no one could make it up, but it captures the irony and realism of a human/animal connection, despite the obvious reluctance of the human. Having acquired a wonderful husky/ shepherd mix six months ago, I can imagine myself telling such stories, if I had that talent. I found one place where a period was missing at the end of a sentence, but otherwise, if one accepts the slang as authentic the writing is exceptional in my opinion.

 Comment Written 18-Nov-2013


reply by the author on 19-Nov-2013
    Thank you for the very encouraging review, Barry 1000. You're right about me being a reluctant participant--at first.
    Glad to hear you're enjoying your pooch. Thank you again. Peace, Lee
Comment from Cumbrianlass
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Well, I think you should take this dog-sitting stuff up professionally. Sounds like you're a natural. Ah, cute little Bud. Be thankful for the Tootsie rolls, double-oh. Imagine if he'd been a Great Dane.

Hilarious, Lee. I was laughing out loud at your comments. :D

I have two dogs, fifteen years old, brother and sister. The brother is called Buddy. He's a tripod! Missing his front right leg. He's at my feet right now.

I'm sure this will win you the grand prize which is, I believe, a year's supply of Tootsie rolls.

I'm off to see if there's a video online yet.

Av
x

 Comment Written 18-Nov-2013


reply by the author on 20-Nov-2013
    Av, thank you so much! Believe me, I came to cherish Tootsie Rolls. There were seveval larger dogs on the walk route. I swear I would have suffered a hernia and a slipped disc if I had to pick up ...

    I really do love animals, but it's my nature to be curmudeonly on the one hand, and find humor on the other. I'm cross-eyed.

    Yours is the fourth Buddy I've come across since writing this adventure. But the first tripod.

    A year's supply of Tootsie Rolls? You're evil, Moneypenny.

    Give both your dogs a T-R-E-A-T from Uncle Lee.

    Thanks again, Av. Peace, Lee
Comment from IndianaIrish
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

An outstanding and absolutely entertains story this is, hw. Dog lovers will go nuts over you and Buddy, and I bet even strict cat lovers will love reading about your short but endearing relationship with Buddy. I think house and dog-sitting is like spending time with grand kids at their house...it's fun but you get to go back home. An excellent, well-written story that I'd like to read over again and laugh at your wonderful humor. Best wishes in the contest.
Smiles,
Indy : )1

 Comment Written 18-Nov-2013


reply by the author on 20-Nov-2013
    Thank you, Indy. I'm glad you were entertained. Linda's neighbors were, too. I really enjoyed writing this, because nobody but Buddy was there to laugh at all my comments along the way. And Buddy was a tough audience.
    Thanks for all the stars, and your great comments. Peace, Lee