Comment from zlp22

Exceptional

Anything about dogs I love. Everything that you wrote is very true. Good luck. The story is perfect in how it goes from one dog to the next.

 Comment Written 08-Apr-2009

---

reply by the author on 09-Apr-2009

Thank you so much for reading and reviewint this piece and for you nice comments.
Beth

Comment from Writewoman

Good

I feel this is more a nostalgia ramble that a true short story. You have had interesting animal experiences with repeating, for sure, but a short story must have certain elements which are missing here.

Cut down the length of some sentences like this example:

Of course, it's possible, by some cosmic coincidence, all the lesser life forms that found their way into our lives were hopelessly retarded and therefore can't be held responsible for their strange behavior, thereby excusing us as well.


This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.

 Comment Written 08-Apr-2009

---

reply by the author on 08-Apr-2009

Thanks for reading and commenting. If you checked how it was listed you would realize it was never meant to be a short story. I billed it as a non-fiction essay. I didn't enter it as a short sroty and I'm not sure why FanStory chose it as a story of the month. I assume it that contest is no just for short stories.
Beth

reply by Writewoman on 08-Apr-2009

Gee, I made the same "not really a short-story" judgement to several in this competition. I didn't know these were chosen for entry by fanstory and therefore must apologize to each.

Fiction isn't necessarily the criteria for a short-story. However, there must be a protagonist, an antagonist, a problem between them which builds to a climax in the story and which results in a profound change in one or the other. The conflict need not be between people -- "The Old Man and the Sea", for instance (Hemingway).

This isn't the first time I've had cause to wonder about the literary knowledgeability of the folks who run this site.

reply by the author on 09-Apr-2009

I think they need to list as short works rather than short story. It isn't exactly listed right. I was shocked that they chose it.

I know how to write a short story. I have written a number of them and I have had several published but hadn't put any on fanstory yet. I have put a number of these short works on FanStory and they are just basically humorous rambling sort of like Erma Bombeck and other columnist write. A lot of people seem to like them.

Beth

Comment from Diversion

Excellent

What a great story. It makes me feel like less of a failure in the pet area. I think Kokomo lives next door to us! It was a fun read.

 Comment Written 07-Apr-2009

---

reply by the author on 07-Apr-2009

Thank you, I appreciate your review. I think a lot of Spitz dogs have personalities like Kokomo. I remember once my daughter was over and he got in the house and ran and jumped in her lap. She was scared to death and every time she moved he snarled at her. LOL. I wrote the story some time ago and Kokomo is dead now but he lived to be 18 years old.

Comment from LexieMannix

Excellent

I'm going through the Story of the Month entries--congrats on being selected, that's great. Your story is as interesting and lively as ever, and wonderfully written. I always seem to come late to your work (read it, though)--me, always the bridesmaid--but this is a comp, so I don't feel like such a dork leaving comment this late. I think the thing I like about this piece the most is how your love of animals shines so brightly. Wonderful read. Good luck in the comp, this is a top contender. All the best.

Lexie

 Comment Written 07-Apr-2009

---

reply by the author on 07-Apr-2009

Thank you LexieMannix, It is never to late to review and comment, you just don't get as many member cents. Thank you so much for you nice comments. I am an animal lover but I had one reader who was perturbed because we had to give up some of the animals. This was written some time ago. Kokomo lived to be 18 years old and he did settle down as he got older.

Comment from joan marie

Excellent

Well, at least you are giving him a safe place to live and food and clean water. I have two cats from the shelter, brothers. One ran from me for two years, I was so frustrated. But someone said they adopted one who still after years was scared but she knew he was safe and loved regardless and maybe someday... Well my someday came and he belly crawled up my bed and let me rub his belly I cried I was so happy that I had kept him even if for his safety. You did a wonderful thing keeping him. Or he would have live his life in a cage or put to sleep for something he couldn't help. Kudos to your family. joan marie

 Comment Written 06-Apr-2009

---

reply by the author on 06-Apr-2009

Joan Marie, Thank you for your kind words and for your review. Many of my pets have brought me a lot of pleasure but the good things about aren't that funny.
Beth

reply by joan marie on 06-Apr-2009

I had just read a poem about someone who gave a dog away because he chewed the furniture. Trying really hard to be polite, should have just read something else, I said I had friends who took theirs to a trainer. It was hard for me to understand how you give up a pet. Then I told them about Dabney. I guess I am the kind of person who makes a commitment to an animal and keeps it. My last cat lived until she was 19 and was found as a kitten in the woods. Just think they depend so much on us. Guess I am just to adamant about commiting to things especially if they are alive. jm

reply by the author on 06-Apr-2009

Joan Marie, I know what you are saying. My dog that chewed on my daughter's furniture did so because he was frustrated and bored. She was in school all day and the my husband and I worked. The life in the country where he was free to roam and had people who were able to spend time with him was far superior to the life he had with us. All this happened a long ago. Since my husband and I have retired, we have more time to be the kind of animal owners that animals deserve. We should never have owned those earlier pets.

reply by joan marie on 06-Apr-2009

I never should have said what I said. There are so many reasons why someome must relinquish there animals. I had a friend take in a dog to keep while a friend got settled in another state. I called and asked about the little guy that was rescued from a dump. The man lied to me. He knew I would take him if I had to and pay to board him. But he chose to lie. I did a lot of things out of the goodness of my heart because he had been operated on. I ran and picked up meds. Got him to doctors appts and never asked for anything. When the owner said his son was ready to get the dog and bring him home to him I found out they had dumped him at the pound. By then it was too late. He was gone. Such a good dog after such a terrible life. I had to call the owner and tell him. It was hard. I was so angry at that man for lying and after all I had done to help him expecting nothing in return except to let me know if he couldn't have the dog anymore. I guess I get emotional. Please accept my deepest apologizes for my unwarranted remarks. joan marie

reply by the author on 06-Apr-2009

Please don't apologize for anything you said. I totally understant. You are so like one of my daughters. She takes in all strays and has spent thousands of dollars on other peoples animals. To her, they are like people and she loves all of them and it breaks her heart to see any animal mistreated..

reply by joan marie on 07-Apr-2009

Thank you for understanding. I just went to a neighbor across the lake who ties his dog on a ten foot tether all day. In the afternoon it can reach 80 or more degrees. No shade no water or food. and he barks to come in all day. Man wasn't happy said he's not out all day. Said I have been watching for 3 weeks that dog bark and I knew someone was home because they did take him in when it rained. As I left one of his boys opened the door and yelled fuck you. I better not see that dog suffering in the sun. Animal services will be there in a heart beat. We have watched this dog for at least 3 weeks bark all day. No shade. And I will call. I have done it in the past. Wanted to go back and ask him if that is how he raised his children to talk to people. but decided not to. A few minutes later the dog was inside. I haven't seen him since. Now I am worried for the dog's safety. The man was rough looking and I don't think his children have much discipline. If I have to call animal services I will go with them and tell him why. I will give him the benefit of not knowing. I think the kids don't want to be bothered and just leave him out there 8 hours a day. jm

Comment from Carol D Parker

Excellent

This is incredible. I can hardluy put up with one certifiablre cat. Your story is very humoous and uplifting till that last dog. Your writing is alwways good. In this story it shines. Good work
Delora

 Comment Written 05-Apr-2009

---

reply by the author on 05-Apr-2009

Thank you delora, I so glad you like it. I have owned some extremely strage petss.
Beth

Comment from Susanne M. Psyris

Excellent

You have really has your fair share of bad luck with animals....I thought my mother was the only one living under a black cloud!!! I laughed my tail off at your description of Kokomo's behavior...good, solid writing which kept me interested to read the entire piece. Good luck in the contest. Hugs and smiles, Susanne

 Comment Written 04-Apr-2009

---

reply by the author on 04-Apr-2009

Thank you Susanne, I'm glad you enjoyed it. I've had a few good ones sense but they are all a little quirky.
Beth

Comment from Adri7enne

Excellent

Every pet owner is anxious to hear about other people's experiences with their furry creatures. Having had a series of dogs and cats in my lifetime, I can sympathize with your dissapointments and frustrations. I've had my share of mentally challenged dogs. You described your adventures in humorous fashion. I enjoyed reading you.

 Comment Written 03-Apr-2009

---

reply by the author on 03-Apr-2009

Thank you so much for reading that one. It isn't even listed any more. I'm so glad you enjoyed it.
Beth

reply by Adri7enne on 03-Apr-2009

It's up for story of the month. You know that, of course. Congratulations.

Comment from words

Excellent

Another delightful tale from your life and times!

I too had high hopes for you with the dogs--being a long time dog owner myself--- I mean,I could easily understand the problems with the gerbils---hand similar problems with hampsters...had my doubts about you when you got into the cats---my cats have all been noble creatures--but perhaps there are lesser felines out there. But, dogs...not this was just too much!!!

Thank you for all of the laughs!

 Comment Written 24-Mar-2009

---

reply by the author on 24-Mar-2009

Thank you, I have had a bit better luck since that piece was written, although not a lot. I appreciate your review and comments.
Beth

Comment from WRITER1

Excellent

A very good story, we have owned some really good dogs and some really terrible ones. We have decided that Beagles are our niche in life. Good job on this.

 Comment Written 23-Mar-2009

---

reply by the author on 23-Mar-2009

Thank You, I appreciate your review and comments. I haven't owned a Beagle but they do seem nice.
Beth