Incompetence?

Setting: Saturday. Arriving home after a trip to the the vet.

Carrie Bradshaw: (still pouting) I still can't believe you told the vet I was incompetent last night! I am mortified!

Kim: (sigh) Incontinent. It means you-

Carrie Bradshaw: (stalks off) I KNOW what incompetent means! I'm not a dimwit you know!

Blackout

Barking News

Setting: Evening walk.                                                      

Characters:

Carrie Bradshaw: Forever Fluffy.  
Babs: Always adorable.

Carrie Bradshaw: (pulling leash) Babs! Hey Babs! Wait up! I haven't seen you in like forever!

Babs: Hey Carrie Bradshaw!

Tails wag, mutual sniffing commences...
Suddenly Babs perks... ears go up- looks across the street-

Babs: (whispers) Don't. Move... ARF!

Carrie Bradshaw: (instantly on board) WOOF!

Babs remains fixated on her target of bark across the street... Carrie Bradshaw looks... looks at Babs.... looks across the street...

Carrie Bradshaw: Pst- what are we barking at?

Babs: (low) See that newspaper?

Carrie Bradshaw: The... newspaper... you mean the piece of trash on the sidewalk?

Babs: Yep! You know what THAT means... ARF! ARF!

Babs' Human:  Hush. it's just a newspaper.

Carrie Bradshaw: (sniffs Babs again) It won't do anything to us....

Babs: You don't know that! ARF ARF ARF ARF ARF!!!!

Carrie Bradshaw: (considers this) You have a point.... Ok. I'm in! WOOF WOOF WOOF WOOF!!!

Kim: Hush.

Carrie Bradshaw: (fuming) WHAT? WOOFWOOFWOOF!!! You always tell me WOOFWOOF to make friends. Well I'm making friends! WOOFWOOFWOOFWOOF!!!

Kim: Sigh...

Carrie Bradshaw: Keep on it Babs! WOOF WOOF WOOFWOOFWOOF!!!

Babs: ARFARFARFARF!!!!

Fade as the two friends remind the rustling newspaper who's boss...

Share and share alike

Setting: Dog park.

Characters: 
Carrie Bradshaw: Fluffy though and through. Seven years old.
Tidbit: 13 months. Learning the ropes. Thoughtful. Tries to explain to others how things should work.
Lucy: About a year as well. Tidbit's BFF.

Tidbit: C'mon! You hafta share!

Carrie Bradshaw: I don't gotta do no such thing.

Lucy: (bounce wag bounce wag) C'mon Carrie Bradshaw! Share the ball!

Carrie Bradshaw: No.

Lucy: Ooooh!

Lucy starts to take her frustration out on the grass-

Lucy: (dig dig dig dig muttering) Dumb Carrie Bradshaw... (dig dig dig) Won't share her pink ball... (dig dig dig- gets dragged off by harness by her human)  No no WAIT-!

Tidbit: C'mon Carrie!

Carrie Bradshaw: No.

Tidbit: C'mon!

Carrie Bradshaw: No.

Lucy returns to take to digging in the grass again-

Lucy: (dig dig dig) Dumb Carrie Bradshaw with the long name... (dig dig dig- stops for a moment looks at Carrie) This is why you have no friends- No NO wait-! (gets dragged off by her human again)

Tidbit: C'mon!

Carrie Bradshaw: No.

Tidbit: C'mon!

Carrie Bradshaw: Ugh.

Slow fade as Tidbit and Lucy continue to bounce and negotiate for equal time with the pink ball.... 

Time Out

Setting: Dog park.

Carrie Bradshaw on her side in a "timeout" 

Tidbit: (to Lucy) Ooooh! She's in trouuuuble!

Lucy: (wag wag) What'd she do now? (sniffing Carrie Bradshaw while she's on her side)

Carrie Bradshaw: (seething) That was NOT my fault!

Kim: Be quiet.

Lucy's Human: Lucy, leave Carrie Bradshaw alone.

Carrie Bradshaw: (wiggling trying to get up) I'm DONE with my timeout!

Kim: I'LL decide when you're done. (makes Carrie Bradshaw lie down again)

Tidbit: {snicker}

Tidbit and Lucy scamper off to sample grass. Carrie Bradshaw finally succumbs to behaving... Kim lets her get up-

Carrie Bradshaw: ( shakes; to no one on particular) WOOF!!

Lucy: (happy wag wag) And THIS is why you have no friends.

Carrie Bradshaw: Shut. Up.

Tidbit: (exasperated by the valuable play time lost on CB's timeout) Ugh. Come on. There's Ollie and Strawberry!

The three friends sprint to the gate to greet the new arrivals....

Fast Fade-

Carrie Meets a Friend

Setting: Dog park. Somewhere in the San Gabriel Valley.

Carrie Bradshaw: (bounce pull bounce pull) LET'S GO HURRY UP!
Kim: (seething) Stop it. You are embarrassing me. This is why you have no friends.
Carrie Bradshaw: How dare you. Look! Everyone's there already!

They enter - Carrie Bradshaw is immediately greeted by a small terrier mix.

Tidbit: HI!(wag wag wag) I'm Tidbit!

Mutual sniffing commences...

Carrie Bradshaw: (sits) Hm. I suppose you'll do. How old are you?
Tidbit: (wag wag wag) I'm one. Maybe a little more.
Carrie Bradshaw: (scoff) Rookie. I'm seven.
Tidbit: (pounce freeze!) Wanna race? Think you can keep up?
Carrie Bradshaw: You're ON!

They sprint. Carrie maintains the lead till Tidbit gains a little momentum on a curve and nips Carrie's tail-

Carrie Bradshaw: THAT"S CHEATING!
Tidbit: (panting) Yep!
Carrie Bradshaw: (pounce freeze) Ready to go again?
Tidbit: You're ON!

Fade as the two new friends show the humans how its done... and that age is just a number.

Pick Up In Aisle Five

Setting: A popular chain pet store at the grooming station. Carrie Bradshaw checks in for a nail trim. 

Groomer: You can go pay at the front. When you come back, she'll be ready.
Carrie Bradshaw: (being handed to Groomer, instantly panics) No no no WAIT!

Kim exits Groomer's station and heads to stand in line at cashier on other side of store. As she waits, it seems to be taking a bit longer than usual. The cashier seems new. He's still with the other Customer in front of Kim. Kim leans against the counter and sighs. Suddenly, over the lous speaker for all to hear-

Store Speaker System: CARRIE BRADSHAW IS READY FOR PICK UP IN GROOMING. CARRIE BRADSHAW IS READY FOR PICK UP IN GROOMING.

The dozen or so Customers in the store, reacting to the announcement- look up, look around, look puzzled... and laugh.

Kim: (stepping out of line muttering) I am mortified...

Customers as Kim scurries by-

Customer 1: (by cat food aisle; to Kim) "Carrie BRADSHAW"?
Customer 8: (by leashes) Awww... you have a dog "Carrie Bradshaw?"
Customer 5: (by hamster wheels) Bwahahahaha!!!

Kim sprints and arrives at the back of the store. There's Carrie Bradshaw sitting on the Groomer's lap. Groomer looks tired after only ten minutes with Carrie. Carrie looks pissed.

Carrie Bradshaw: WHERE THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN!
Kim: (mumbles) Sorry- I.. I still have to pay. You have a new Cashier...

Kim returns to register. As they pass other Customers-

Customer 5: (whispers to husband) That must be Carrie Bradshaw...

Kim pays as Carrie tugs on leash...

Kim: That's ok. I don't need a receipt. (starts to leave quickly)
Cashier: Wait! Did you pick up your dog?

Kim and Carrie Bradshaw stop and stare at Cashier.

Carrie Bradshaw: You really ARE NEW! WOOF!
Cashier: Oh. There she is. Have a nice day.
Kim: (as they leave the store) I am mortified.
Carrie Bradshaw: YOU'RE mortified! The loud speaker?! Oooh!

Fade as Kim and Carrie dart for the car... and the adventures continue...

Thank you for Sharing

Setting: A morning walk. Passing a Neighbor's house, one street over. Neighbor was fond of Nina. Neighbor steps out front door, stops when he sees Kim and Carrie Bradshaw.

Neighbor: (softly) She's gone, isn't she?
Kim: (nods) Yes. Last Thursday.
Carrie Bradshaw: (murmurs) Woof.
Neighbor: I didn't see the travel bag on your back. Where you always carried her. I thought to myself, itf the travel bag is gone. So is the traveler.
Neighbor pauses for a moment then continues-
Neighbor: Animals are special "people." Lots of people who don't have animals may not understand. (smiles) Thank you. Thank you for sharing her while she was here.
Carrie Bradshaw: You're welcome.
Kim: (smiling; quietly) Thank you.

Fade as Kim and Carrie Bradshaw continue their walk...

Carrie Misses Nina... And It's Sinking In

Carrie Bradshaw sits out in the sun. Kim watches as Carrie goes over to Nina's bed which has been placed (for now) on he patio. Carrie sniffs the bed then lays down on it, ears low.

Kim: (softly) It's sinking in with you now, isn't it?
Carrie Bradshaw: She's not coming back, is she?
Kim shakes her head...
Carrie Bradshaw: When we moved to an island, you and I went there first. Then you went back and got Nina and brought her home for us six weeks later. And when we cam back to California, we all came together. And every time you had to take her to the real vet- the one here-if you left her there for a while, you always went back and got her. You brought her back. (beat) You can't bring her back?
Kim shakes her head...
Carrie Bradshaw: Oh. (puts her head down, still on Nina's bed)
Kim: You've been playing with your toys a lot lately. We've been on some good morning runs. It didn't occur to me that you had always figured she was coming back. I thought if it hit you, it would happen right away. I didn't realize it might be a delayed reaction. (goes to Carrie; softly) I'm sorry.I'll try and listen better. (hugs Carrie)
Carrie Bradshaw: She was my smart friend. She taught me stuff.
Kim: She taught me stuff too.
Carrie Bradshaw: You're writing about this now, in your head, aren't you?
Kim smiles...
Carrie Bradshaw: Maybe it can be about the stuff I know now.
Kim: (laughs softly) That's not a blog. That's a short story. (beat) I think I heard Nina's voice the other day.
Carrie Bradshaw: Great. Now you're hearing voices.
Kim: She told me to take care of you.
Carrie Bradshaw: (looks at Kim) She told me to take care of YOU.
Kim: Looks like we have a plan.

Fade...

Nina... Always

 Characters: 
Kim: The Girl.
Nina: The jack russell. Her photo here shows her a few weeks prior to this post. And hopefully the blog host will not remove her picture again. 
Carrie Bradshaw: Bichon/poodle mix. The jack russell's best "fluffy" friend."

Setting: Early hours of January 9

Nina: (in Kim's arms... tired) Fluffy....

Carrie Bradshaw: (softly) Yes... 

Nina: You're gonna have to take care of the Girl now.

Carrie Bradshaw: (softly) Ok.

Carrie Licks Nina's face.

Nina: (quietly) Thanks. (beat) I'll miss you.

Carrie Bradshaw: Won't we see each other again? (places head next to Nina)

Nina: Someday.


Carrie Bradshaw: You're my smart friend.


Nina: It'll be awhile before we see each other... but...(cough) I'll tell you what... later today... when the sun comes up... (cough) look up. I'll look at the sunrise too, ok?


Carrie Bradshaw: (softly) Ok.


Nina: I'll just be looking at it from the other side. Then we can both be looking at the whole sunrise.


Carrie Bradshaw: (barely audible) Ok.


Nina: Promise you'll look?


Carrie Bradshaw: I promise.


Nina: (to Kim) I did it. I made it to my 17th birthday.


Kim: Yes. Yes you did.


Nina: Thanks Girl. Thanks for... (cough)


Kim: Thank you, Nina. I love you. I'm here.


Carrie Bradshaw: Me too.


Nina: (deep breath) I'm gonna close my eyes now... just for a bit.... will you still hold me?


Kim: Always....
Fade....
At 3:50 that morning, January 9, 2014... on her 17th birthday,... I lost my Nina. While not unexpected, it was sudden. There was a brief period where I thought she was hangin' in there, but her little body was tired. She was in my arms the whole time. Her heart was the last to stop. She had an "enlarged heart," so I will always believe her heart was just too big. She went on her terms, when she decided it was her time. Here's to loving, loyal dogs... everywhere.

©2014


*Please refer to the introduction post in this blog for explanation and inspiration behind this blog. Basically, as Nina gets older, she develops various medical problems; the more carefully I listen to what she tries to tell me, the more I can explain to the vet what is happening. Of course, this would carry over to any medical situation. And Carrie Bradshaw simply goes by her full name.

How'd I get dragged into this?

Setting: Family meeting.

Family/ Characters:

Kim: The Girl.
Nina:  Jack russell. 17 years old. Tomorrow officially. Going through kidney failure and really annoyed about it.
Carrie Bradshaw: 6 and a half year old bichon poodle mutt. "Fluffy" at heart.

Carrie Bradshaw: (busy destuffing a toy) What's this all about?

Kim: Well, the vet called to check on Nina.

Nina: (perturbed) How'd HE get our number?

Kim: He's very conscientious. I let him know the sub-q fluids and "pepcid" shot had helped you, and that you seemed more comfortable since. I asked how often that would work or would he recommend since it's not a long term fix and it's only a "band-aid" of sorts.

Nina: (ruffled) It's not my time!

Carrie Bradshaw: (pauses in her destuffing task) Ugh.

Kim: Now look, I also told him you wake me up nightly to go out- usually a few times.

Nina: (muttering) Stupid kidneys.

Kim: (dryly) Now if you plan on outliving us all, there are going to be a few changes made around here.

Nina: I'm not sure I'm gonna like this.

Carrie Bradshaw: You be quiet.

Nina: What THE--??

Kim: The main change is that there will be two walks a day. One with the both of you. Nina, you will continue to ride in the doggie back pack as normal since you can't really walk anymore. Well you can, but the "walks" are too much for you. That will continue to be our morning routine. But the second walk in the evening will be just Carrie Bradshaw and me.

Carrie Bradshaw: How'd I get dragged into this??

Nina: Fine by me! I hate bouncing around in that stupid bag. It's nice to be included and I feel loved and all, and the fresh air is nice too, but two a day would be too hard on me. I vote in favor of this new development.

Kim: I know bouncing around is hard on you, so you'll stay home for the later walk. Carrie needs the faster walk and a good run. She has a lot of energy and needs that. The slower walk we take with you is not really enough for Carrie Bradshaw. So she and I will do the second walk just the two of us. Only because we can't go faster in the morning when you're with us.

Carrie Bradshaw: (glaring at Nina) NOW see what you've done??

Nina: (stalks off) Fine by me. Told you. It's not my time.

Carrie Bradshaw: (looks to Kim) How much longer did the vet say this could drag out?

Kim:As long as Nina is not suffering and seems comfortable, the vet said she could go on another several months. And tomorrow is her birthday. She'll be 17. Officially. So be nice.

Carrie Bradshaw: (begins to once again shred the toy) ?!#@!

Fade as Nina settles onto dog bed muttering....

Nina: Told them... it's not my time.... happy birthday to me... happy birthday to me...



©2014

*Please refer to the introduction post in this blog for explanation and inspiration behind this blog. Basically, as Nina gets older, she develops various medical problems; the more carefully I listen to what she tries to tell me, the more I can explain to the vet what is happening. Of course, this would carry over to any medical situation. And Carrie Bradshaw simply goes by her full name.

Saturday

Setting: Saturday The beach.
Characters:


Kim: The Girl
Nina: 17 year old jack russell. Well, almost 17. Close enough.

Carrie Bradshaw: 6 year old mutt. Fluffy. Chronically.

The three are sitting on a shady patch of grass, people watching.

Kim: December and 80 degrees. Ah, southern California... I'm glad we came out here today.

Nina: (ears perked) Me too. (sniffs air) Ooh! Salty!

Carrie Bradshaw: WOOF!

Nina and Kim: (startled) WHAT THE--??

Carrie Bradshaw: German Shepard alert. 1:00. To your right.

Kim: Can it "fluffy!" Other dogs are allowed to walk by. Besides, today is about being together.

Nina: (clumsily settling into Kim's arms) Yeah Fluffy. I don't exactly have a lot of time.

Kim: (softly) You know, don't you old girl? (kisses the top of Nina's head)

Nina: I suspected. It's my kidneys. I know.

Kim: I'll take every minute I can get.

The three look out to the sand....

Nina: (looks up to Kim) It's still not my time though. I do have some time left you know.

Kim: You've always let me know when you needed something. I suspect you'll tell me when you're ready.

Carrie Bradshaw: Ready for what?

Nina and Kim: Nothing.

Kim: (kisses the top of Nina's head again) You have remarkable instincts. You've always been there when I needed something. I intend to return the favor.

Nina: Is that why you put down a towel under my water bowl at home? 'Cause I kept slipping on the tile when I'd try and drink water?

Carrie Bradshaw: (disdainful) Your back legs aren't what they used to be.

Kim: (to Nina) That's exactly why I put the towel under your water bowl. You were starting to slip when you'd stand still drinking water. Your face would end up IN the bowl. Now you don't slip. Same reason I put a little rug down in the kitchen for you to sit on when you eat. And I noticed you have trouble picking food up lately off your plate. So that's why I've been lifting it to your mouth so you can eat out of my palm. I can tell you're hungry, but you get frustrated because it hurts to bend down and pick it up.

Carrie Bradshaw: (thoughtfully) And then there are the numerous trips outside at 2:00AM and 3:00AM and 4:00AM. Stupid kidneys.

Kim: Carrie Bradshaw, you'll be old some day, too.

Carrie Bradshaw: (dryly) How dare you.

Nina: (to Carrie) See here Fluffy, I know the Girl will take care of you too when YOU need her to.

Carrie Bradshaw: (thinks about this a moment; beat) Ok.

The three sit and look out again....

Nina: (sitting in Kim's lap) Thanks for bringing us to the beach today. It was nice to get out. I know it hasn't been easy lately.

Kim: (softly) I wish I could be perfect just for you.

Nina: (sighs) You're perfect enough.

Carrie Bradshaw: (beat) Yeah. Ok.

Fade as the three continue to people watch...

©2013

*Please refer to the introduction post in this blog for explanation and inspiration behind this blog. Basically, as Nina gets older, she develops various medical problems; the more carefully I listen to what she tries to tell me, the more I can explain to the vet what is happening. Of course, this would carry over to any medical situation. And Carrie Bradshaw simply goes by her full name.

Nina

Setting: Nina snoozing.

Characters: 

Kim: The Girl.

Nina: Jack russell. 17 years old.

Carrie Bradshaw: Bichon frise/poodle. 6 years old. Fluffy at heart.

Nina is sleeping. She's just finished her dinner a short while ago and has decided it's time for a nap. Carrie Bradshaw and Kin are close by, watching the old jack russell snooze.

Carrie Bradshaw: What did the vet say?

Kim: It's her kidneys. We're probably getting close to... "that" time.

Carrie Bradshaw: "That" time?

Kim nods...

Carrie Bradshaw: Oh.

They stare in silence a moment longer... Carrie Bradshaw puts her head on Kim's lap...

Carrie Bradshaw: But we have some time, right?  A little? To make special?

Kim: Yes. A little. Maybe a month. Two if we're lucky.

Carrie Bradshaw: But you'll let her decide when it's really time, right? I mean, you won't rush her, right?

Kim: No, I promise. I won't rush her. Right now she's comfortable. And happy. She'll let us know.

Carrie Bradshaw: (softly) 'K. (quietly) She's my best friend. She was my first friend. (nuzzles Nina)

Nina awakens with a start-

Nina:  WHAT the-?? Tripe unicorns named Glossy- what??

Nina looks around...

Nina: Oh. (stretches a little) Got any snacks?

Carrie Bradshaw: (hopeful) That's a good sign, right?

Kim smiles and gets a snack for her two furry best friends and looks at them... with love.


©2013

*Please refer to the introduction post in this blog for explanation and inspiration behind this blog. Basically, as Nina gets older, she develops various medical problems; the more carefully I listen to what she tries to tell me, the more I can explain to the vet what is happening. Of course, this would carry over to any medical situation. And Carrie Bradshaw simply goes by her full name.

Deck the Halls

Setting: In front of the Christmas tree

Characters:
Nina: Jack russell. Still 16, going on 17 come early January.
Carrie Bradshaw:  Mainly mixed mutt. Still "fluffy." Especially at heart. Somewhere in the vicinity of six years old.
Kim:The Girl.



Kim fidgeting with some ornaments on the tree. Dogs observing, fascinated. 

Carrie Bradshaw: (critical) The lower branches look bare.

Nina: (slightly disdainful) We're not cats you know. We don't "play" with low dangling ornaments.

Kim: I'm keeping the lower branches bare so that Nina won't walk into them. (to Nina) You're mostly blind you know. And short.

Nina: How dare you.

Kim: You walked into a wall twice today!

Nina: (perturbed) That was not my fault! That was a new wall!

Kim: The same wall last week!

Carrie Bradshaw: And the week before that. (to Kim) She stopped before any damage was done.

Nina: Shut. Up.

Kim: Now that you can't see as well, I have to "see" things from your perspective and make adjustments here and there.

Nina: (sulking but humbly) Thanks. I think.

Kim: Count your blessings. You still manage to amble along and you still have your appetite and you still chew on stuffed toys. You snuggle.... You're happy.

Carrie Bradshaw: AND you still have seashores! (licks Nina's face)

Nina: (sputters) "Seizures!" "Seizures!" Ew!

Kim: Alright, now the tree's done. It's cold- here let me-

Scoops up Nina and starts to put her sweater on. Nina squirms. 

Nina: No no no! Have I mentioned no??

Kim: Stop it. Hold still.

Carrie Bradshaw: Yeah. You don't want to catch ammonia!

Kim: There. Now you won't catch pneumonia.

Nina sits. Sulking. Carrie Bradshaw stares at her friend for a moment then licks her face once more.

Nina: (sputters) Dammit!

Blackout

©2013

*Please refer to the introduction post in this blog for explanation and inspiration behind this blog. Basically, as Nina gets older, she develops various medical problems; the more carefully I listen to what she tries to tell me, the more I can explain to the vet what is happening. Of course, this would carry over to any medical situation. And Carrie Bradshaw simply goes by her full name.

Turn Left at the First Hallway...

Characters: 
Kim: The girl
Carrie Bradshaw: Bichon frise/poodle mix. 6 years old. Rather "Fluffy." 
Nina: 16 year old Jack Russell. Rather senile.

Setting: During the Dodger game on TV. 


Kim and dogs watching game on TV...

Nina: (tries to hop off couch, fumbles a bit) Dodgers are losing. I'll be in the backroom if you need me.

Nina ambles off...

Carrie Bradshaw: (stays on couch) Um, um... jack russell? The back room is THAT way.

Nina: (stops; looks around) Where's the hallway? (turns to look at Kim) Where'd you put the hallway?(looks around) I could have sworn it was here earlier.

Carrie Bradshaw: (looks at Kim) She's gone to"the Nile"again.

Kim: (laughs; gets up off couch and turns Nina to face the right direction.) There, you little senile old thing. That way.

Nina: (seems relieved) Thanks. (stops again; turns to look at Kim) Wait- where?

Kim: Would you rather stay here on the couch? (starts to pick up Nina)

Nina: (squirming) Put me down this instant!

Kim: (sigh; replaced Nina facing the right direction again) There.

Nina: (relieved, toddles off to the back room) Good grief. Stop and ask directions, you get accosted around here.

Nina stops at the end of hallway once more-

Nina: Wait- Where am I?

Kim and Carrie Bradshaw sigh....Nina simply decides to sit where she is at....

Fade as Nina stays at the end of hallways, deciding which route to take while Kim and Carrie Bradshaw watch the end of the game on TV....

©2013

*Please refer to the introduction post in this blog for explanation and inspiration behind this blog. Basically, as Nina gets older, she develops various medical problems; the more carefully I listen to what she tries to tell me, the more I can explain to the vet what is happening. Or I simply try and figure out what she is trying to tell me, since that is what any pet deserves. And Carrie Bradshaw simply goes by her full name.

Mirror Mirror

Setting: Somewhere in the greater Los Angeles area

Characters: 
Kim: The Girl.
Carrie Bradshaw: Bichon/Poodle mix. 6 years old. Knows it. 
Nina: 16 year old jack russell. Knows it all. 

Nina stares at herself in the mirror. Sort of.

Nina: (admiringly) That jack russell in the window is pretty. What's it's name?

Kim: (amused) Nina, that's not a window, that's a mirror (shaking her head smiling); you're almost completely blind...or have you forgotten?

Carrie Bradshaw: (joins Nina) The other dog is pretty too.

Nina: (perturbed)  Great. Just great. Now there's TWO "Fluffies."

Kim: That's your reflection.

Carrie Bradshaw: (to Nina) Yes. Please keep your opinions to your self.

Kim: Not that kind of reflection.

Carrie Bradshaw: (looks at Kim through mirror) We were just reflecting out loud.

Kim: (sits with the dogs in front of the mirror) A reflection can mean different things. A point of view OR a view of your self in the mirror.

Nina: (ears perked) Fluffy LOOK! There's TWO Girls! (starts to peck at mirror) The other jack russell is poking back! (continues to peck at mirror)

Kim: (sigh; gets up to leave) I'll be over here if you need me.

Nina: (cocks head to the left) The other Girl went away.

Carrie Bradshaw: (over her shoulder) Hey Girl! It's safe now! You can come back!

Fade as the two pups stick around to admire themselves in the mirror....

Nina: (starts to peck at glass again; to the "other" jack russell) Your nose is cold- kinda like glass... (peck, peck, peck)

Carrie Bradshaw: (unconvinced; to other "Fluffy" in mirror) I'm cuter....

Blackout

©2013

*Please refer to the introduction post in this blog for explanation and inspiration behind this blog. Basically, as Nina gets older, she develops various medical problems; the more carefully I listen to what she tries to tell me, the more I can explain to the vet what is happening. Or I simply try and figure out what she is trying to tell me, since that is what any pet deserves. And Carrie Bradshaw simply goes by her full name.

Cough it up

Setting: Backyard. Today.

Characters: 
Kim: The Girl.
Carrie Bradshaw: 6 year old bichon poodle mix.
Nina: 16 year old jack russell. 

Dogs lazing about the backyard... sitting on a blanket in the backyard, nibbling treats...

Nina: (gasps) Uh-oh...! Girl!... Girl! ACK! GIRL!! (starts walking crookedly...)

Carrie Bradshaw: (unconcerned) Girl could you come here a minute? The old one is being dramatic!

Kim: (hurries outside) Nina!

Carrie Bradshaw: (calmly chewing her rawhide) She might be having another seashore.

Kim: (hurries to Nina) I don't think this is another seizure Nina...

Nina: Tell "Fluffy" I- ACK!- that I -ACK!... ACK!

Kim: It's okay, Nina,.. I'm right here... (grabs Nina and calmly stabilizes her between knees and holds her gently by the neck)

Nina: Tell "Fluffy" that I- ACK!- that... ACK!... that I -ACK!

Kim gently applies a Heimlich maneuver with two fingers under Nina's rib cage. Nina coughs up a treat. The 16 year old jack russell instantly relaxes.

Carrie Bradshaw: (looks over) Did she just spit up a perfectly good treat?

Kim: (petting Nina) You're ok.. shh... you're ok...

Nina: (trembling) What just happened?

Kim: You were choking. I gave you the Heimlich maneuver.

Carrie Bradshaw: (mouth full of rawhide) You gave her BEER?

Nina: (sputtering) NOT Heineken! HEIMLICH! The Heimlich maneuver!

Nina see Carrie still chewing ...

Nina: Seriously??  (to Kim) She just SAT there?

Carrie Bradshaw: (eyes the rejected treat on the grass) Can I have that? (prances over)

Kim swiftly picks up the rejected treat, and the still trembling Nina...

Kim: Come on.... That's enough excitement for one day.

Carrie Bradshaw: (following) I'll say... who knew beer could help....

Nina: (still in Kim's arms) For the last time- not Heineken! Heimlich! (to Kim) Seriously, I thank you and I blame you. (glances at Carrie Bradshaw)

Carrie Bradshaw: She's gonna write about this, you know.

Nina: (sputters) Ooooh!.... Dammit!


©2013

*Please refer to the introduction post in this blog for explanation and inspiration behind this blog. Basically, as Nina gets older, she develops various medical problems; the more carefully I listen to what she tries to tell me, the more I can explain to the vet what is happening. Of course, this would carry over to any medical situation. And Carrie Bradshaw simply goes by her full name.

Senor C. Nile.... or a dog named Nina

Setting: Backyard.
Characters:
Kim: The Girl.
Nina: Jack russell. 16 and a half years old.
Carrie Bradshaw: 6 years old and loving it.

Dogs sniffing around... a lazy Saturday...

Nina: (suddenly stops) Where am I?

Carrie Bradshaw: You're the jack russell.

Nina: (sputters) Not WHO. Where! Where! I'm having a senior moment....!

Carrie Bradshaw: Well have it over there please. I'm busy.

Nina: (pleadingly) C'mon, Fluffy. Help me. I'm senile.

Carrie Bradshaw: Uh-oh. (urgently) Girl... um... Girl! Can you come out here a minute? The old one is gonna have another seashore!

Nina: It's not not a "seizure" this time- SENILE! Ooooh! (wanders off toward vegetable garden)

Kim: (comes outside) What are you two up to?

Carrie Bradshaw: (prances over to Kim) The old one is having a Senor moment. You know, like an old man. I didn't know she could speak Spanish.

Nina: (stumbling among the broccoli) Shut. Up.

Carrie Bradshaw: (continuing) She told me she was C. Nile. See? She doesn't even know her own name anymore! (sits) I'm concerned.

Kim: (lifting Nina out of the tomatoes) Come on old lady. Let's take you inside.

Nina: (relieved) Thanks. Not gonna lie, I felt a little lost. When did we plant radishes?

Carrie Bradshaw: (following inside; thoughtfully) If she's an old man in Spanish, and we all know she has "seashores"-

Nina: (trembling in Kim's arms) SEIZURES!

Carrie Bradshaw: - then what does a Senor named C. Nile sell by the seashore? (gets comfortable by window as door closes)

Nina: (recovering from her senior moment now on dog bed inside-looks at Kim) You couldn't let the little "Fluffy" stray just keep walking that one day?


Fade as the three go about their Saturday inside where it's cooler and less senior moments are bound to happen....

©2013

*Please refer to the introduction post in this blog for explanation and inspiration behind this blog. Basically, as Nina gets older, she develops various medical problems; the more carefully I listen to what she tries to tell me, the more I can explain to the vet what is happening. And Carrie Bradshaw simply goes by her full name.

Senior Moment for a Senior Dog...

Setting: Backyard

Characters:
Kim: The Girl.
Nina: 16 year old jack russell.
Carrie Bradshaw: Yes. Carrie Bradshaw. You read that right. 6 year old poodle bichon "fluffy" mix.


Nina wandering around, sniffing. Carrie Bradshaw studying a squirrel doing a high-wire act on a power line.

Nina: (stops sniffing a moment; looks around) Where am I?

Carrie Bradshaw: (eyes still on the squirrel) You're the jack russell. Shhh...

Nina: (perturbed) Not "who!" WHERE! I'm having a senior moment....

Carrie Bradshaw: (glances at her) Well have it over there please. I've got this squirrel exactly where I want him... sshhh...

Nina: You're of no help. (looking around; wander towards back door) Hey Girl! Can you come out here a moment?

Kim: (affectionately) Come here Nina, old lady.

Nina: (relieved) Thanks. I got lost. This back yard is confusing.

Kim: Carrie Bradshaw, leave that squirrel alone.

Carrie Bradshaw: But-

Kim: Get inside.

Carrie Bradshaw: Aww geez. (chipper) Bye squirrel! (trotting back to  Kim) The old one had a senior movement. She said so herself.

Nina: Fluffy! (droops a bit in Kim's grasp) I am mortified.

Fade as Kim places Nina on dog bed and Nina watches Kim gets ready while Carrie Bradshaw watches the squirrel through the window....

©2013

*Please refer to the introduction post in this blog for explanation and inspiration behind this blog. Basically, as Nina gets older, she develops various medical problems; the more carefully I listen to what she tries to tell me, the more I can explain to the vet what is happening. And Carrie Bradshaw simply goes by her full name.

On the Eve of Carrie Bradshaw's birthday... (the DOG Carrie Bradshaw... the bichon frise poodle DOG...)

Setting: Home.

Characters: 
Kim: The Girl.          

Carrie Bradshaw: Bichon Frise/Poodle mix. Six years old. Or something like that.
Nina: Sixteen years old. Jack russell. Or something like that.

Kim:  Congratulations, Carrie Bradshaw. Tomorrow is your birthday.

Carrie Bradshaw:  (wags tail) Excellent. I want a chew toy and a new blanket and a charm for my collar and a new leash and a pony-

Kim: You'll be six.

Carrie Bradshaw: (horrified) I don't wanna be sick!

Kim: Six years.

Carrie Bradshaw: I don't wanna be sick for years and years!

Nina: (waking up startled) What-what-?? What's this about being sick? Who's sick? Leave the vet out of this- I feel fine!

Carrie Bradshaw: Tomorrow is my birthday! I'm gonna be sick!

Nina: (suspiciously) Who said?

Carrie Bradshaw: She did. The Girl.

Nina:  Oh. Well. Good luck with that. As long as it's not me. (starts to paw at blanket again on dog bed)

Carrie Bradshaw: I don't wanna have a seashore! I'm too cute to have seashores!

Nina: How dare you. I'm cute and I have seizures! (lies down)

Carrie Bradshaw: But you're old!

Nina: (dryly) I prefer to think of myself as aged. Like wine.

Kim: Come to think of it Carrie Bradshaw, you DO whine a lot...

Carrie Bradshaw: What. Ever. Tomorrow's my birthday and I refuse to grow old and be sick.

Fade as the "aged" jack russell and Kim watch Carrie Bradshaw chase a piece of fluff being blown by the fan....

Dogs say the darndest things...

Setting: 6:00 AM. Morning jog.

Characters: 
Kim: The Girl.
Carrie Bradshaw: Bichon/ Poodle. 6 yrs. old. Thinks she's all that.


Carrie Bradshaw: (slows down) Grrr... I got this one...

Kim: What the--??

Carrie Bradshaw: (low) Don't look now, but there's a large hairless rat... I'll take care of this.... Grrr...

Kim: Can it! That's a chihuahua. (to Owner) Good morning!

Owner: Good morning! This is Louie. He's all of three pounds.

Carrie Bradshaw: (to Kim; dryly) Seriously.

Kim: This is Carrie Bradshaw.

Carrie Bradshaw: Don't tell him- NOW he knows my name!

Louie: (shaking) I'm three pounds.

Carrie Bradshaw: (sniffs) You don't smell like three pounds.

Louie: Well, bye now.

Owner and Louie continue their walk in opposite direction...

Carrie Bradshaw: (stares after them) I suppose he was friendly enough. For a three pound hairless rat. On a leash.

Kim: And this is why you have no friends.

Carrie Bradshaw: You're gonna write about this, aren't you? Grrr...

Fade as Kim and Carrie Bradshaw continue their morning run...