Posted in Waggin' Tails

"Here we are, boys!" Paw-Paw waived a copy of the book towards Spot and Mickey.  "Just as I thought!  Here's a great book for Tad."

"What is it about, Paw-Paw?" Spot looked at the cover art and noticed that it had a swimming turtle on the cover.

"This is a book about a Malayan Box Turtle", Paw-Paw said, matter-of-factly.

"Is Tad a Mal... Malyay... Merl..." Spot struggled to repeat Paw-Paw's word.

"Malayan.   The Malayan Box Turtle is a more aquatic relative of Tad's."  Paw-Paw was stretching the boys' vocabulary.

"Agua... Aqua...?"

"It means that they live in water more than they're on land.  It's simply a story about turtles that love water, and I think it will be a great book for Tad to read.  Why don't we check it out and take it to him?  When he finishes his lesson today, we can give it to him."

"That's a great idea", Mickey agreed.  "Tad loves to read, so reading about a turtle that loves to swim might give him some confidence in his lessons."

When Paw-Paw and the boys arrived at the pond, Tad was sitting on the bank watching the other turtles play in the water.  He had been too afraid to join them today.

Tad was embarrassed as his friends approached.  "I am going to swim tomorrow", he assured them.  "The water is... uh... too cold today."

"Everyone else seems to have gotten used to it", Mickey observed.

"Well, I... uh... I have a bit of a... I think, uh...", Tad fumbled for an explanation. 

"Tad has got some reading to do, boys", Paw-Paw exclaimed as he extended the book to the young box turtle.  "He's going to learn a bit more about turtles and water so that when he decides to make a splash, it will be an informed decision.  Isn't that right, Tad?"

"Uh... yeah... uh... I'm studying", a look of great relief came across Tad's face.  "Study today.  Splash tomorrow.  Thanks, Paw-Paw." 

Content & Illustrations Copyright 2008

Posted in Waggin' Tails

Spot pushed Paw-Paw in his wheelchair down the sidewalk towards the pond.  Mickey skated alongside, dashing ahead every so often to skate a pirouette for their amusement.  During one of his turns he caught a crack in the sidewalk, and it sent him flying, skates over tail-feathers.

"Are you okay, Mickey?" Paw-Paw cried out.

"It didn't hurt", came Mickey's standard response.  He was quite experienced at taking spills while skating.  This time he jumped up and skated straight ahead, staying carefully to the right of the wheelchair with no more attempts at tricks.  "I am seeing stars, though.  They're beautiful!"

"Back to our conversation", Spot urged.  "Is it right for a turtle like Tad to prefer the library to the pond?  Is it right for his parents to force him into the water?"

"Well, first, let's consider what Tad's parents are doing - encouraging their son to get in the water and swim.  Tad's parents understand the importance of Tad knowing how to swim.  For his own good, they want him to learn.  Furthermore, they're turtles.  They understand turtle culture, and know how important it is for young turtles to know their identity.  Does that make sense to you, boys?"  Paw-Paw waited for either Spot or Mickey to answer, but both were hesitant to speak up.

"Think of it this way", Paw-Paw continued.  "In duck culture, Mickey, flying south for the winter is important.  Right?

"Well yeah, but..."  Mickey was going to go on and remind Paw-Paw that, because they lived in the south already, there was no reason for him, personally, to fly south.

Before he could finish that thought, Paw-Paw interrupted: "But some ducks don't need to fly south - is that what you were going to say?" 

"Yes... I think", Mickey said, finding it hard to concentrate.  His head was still spinning.

"Nevertheless, because you're a duck, it was important to your parents to teach you about flying for that reason.  Right?"  Again, Paw-Paw waited for an answer.  Mickey steadied his head with his left wing.

Paw-Paw continued, "You learned to fly, but you prefer to rollerskate.  My point is this: I don't think Tad's parents want him to stop reading.  No, I think they are wise for wanting him to learn more about being a turtle."  Suddenly, Paw-Paw shouted with excitement,  "I've got a great idea!  I've thought of something we might suggest to help Tad.  Let's quickly swing across the road and stop at the library on our way to the pond."

Content & Illustrations Copyright 2008

Posted in Waggin' Tails

A mutt being raised by his grandfather; a turtle who can’t swim but who loves to read; a duck who is afraid to try and fly but who gets around on roller-skates; a giraffe who is self-conscious about his height; and a boy who considers this strange menagerie his closest friends – these are the tales of Waggin’ Tails.

Spot is a mutt.  In doggy terms, that means he is a mixture of many breeds.  “All the best of ‘em”, his Paw-Paw assures him.  “There’s a little Norwich Terrier on your dad’s side and some Poodle on your mom’s.  There must be a little English Bulldog in there too, with that stubborn streak of yours.”  Spot was sure Paw-Paw was kidding about the Bulldog.

“Norwich Terrier and Poodle?  Let’s see… that means you’re a… a Noodle.”  Mickey joked.

“I’m not a Noodle!” Spot giggled with his friend.  Then he teased right back, “What about you?  Have you looked in a mirror lately?  You’re a duck.”

“Yes I am!” Mickey proudly fluttered his wings, rolling a shiver though his feathers, beak to tail.  “And what of it?  My parents named me after a mouse – is that where you’re going?  Well, he is quite a famous mouse.  People travel around the world to meet him.  Mickey is a fine name.  Say… while we’re on the subject, why did your parents name you Spot?”

“Okay boys”, Paw-Paw interrupted.  “It’s a beautiful day.  Why aren't you outside enjoying it with your friends?  Where is Tad today?”

“Tad has his big swimming test today down at the pond”, Spot replied.

“A turtle who can’t swim – now that’s different”, Paw-Paw observed.

“His parents have told him that he can’t go back to the library until he learns to hold his breath under water for a full 30 minutes like other box turtles his age”, Mickey shook his head.  “Paw-Paw, what do you think about that?  Is it wrong for a turtle to prefer the library to a pond?”

“That’s quite a question, Mickey.”  Paw-paw lifted a paw in the air, “I have an idea, boys!  Let’s stroll down to the pond to encourage Tad.  We’ll talk all this over along the way.”

Content & Illustrations Copyright 2008