I first published IN WHICH PENELOPE LEARNS TO BARK on Sept. 2, 2016, as we awaited a hurricane. Her writing was not yet the model of perfection that it is now. Her bark was brand new. She barks more now, but I don't mind if the dogs bark. They let me know when strangers are near or if something is not right. If they bark a lot in the backyard, I call them in so they won't bother the neighbors, but I take a look around to make sure everything is okay.
I appreciate my pups.
Infinities of love,
Janie Junebug
Hello. It is I, Penelope.
Mom Mom and Human Brother say Hurricane might visit. Hurricane's name is Hermine. Mom Mom and Human Brother purchased treats for Hermine to eat. Perhaps I shall receive a treat?
Soon it will be a year since I got in Mom Mom's car and came to live with her and Nice Brother Franklin.
I smile more. I also learned to make noises. Mom Mom inquired of me, When will you start to bark, Penelope?
I thought, Bark? It is on trees. I am not a tree. I am a lady dog.
Then a few weeks ago, our daddy, Willy Dunne Wooters, came in the front door without announcing his presence. I was startled. A noise came out of my throat. Mom Mom said it sounded like a cough, but she thought I attempted a Bark.
I thought more about Bark and decided it is the noise my Nice Brother Franklin makes when he chats with Daisy the dog next door or when Jehovah's Witnesses ring the doorbell. I tried to make the same noise. It would not come out of me.
Human Brother came to our house when I did not expect him. (I do not understand all these uninvited guests: Daddy Wooters, Human Brother, Hermine. House is Mine with Mom Mom and Nice Brother Franklin.) Suddenly Bark came out of me and it grew and grew and before I knew it, Mom Mom said, Why, Penelope! You can Bark and Growl. You will scare away bad people if they come to our house.
I do not know how I make Bark and Growl but somehow I have learned to make Bark and Growl and Mom Mom is pleased. Human Brother does not understand. He thinks I do not like him. I love Human Brother. He helped rescue me when I came to live here and I did not know how to go inside House.
He startles me. Startle makes the Bark and Growl grow in me.
Perhaps I have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Dr. Psychiatrist should be consulted.
Now I choose to nap until Hermine goes gone.
Oh, I remember when Penelope learned how to bark! Was it that long ago?! Goodness. :)
ReplyDeleteChoosing to nap is an excellent idea Penelope.
ReplyDeleteI don't like startle either but tend to hiss and spit. Perhaps because cats share my home.
Hi Janie - lovely story of the 'new bark' ... and so glad you have your two dogs now ... enjoy - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeletePrecious girl. Our Zoey didn't bark for the longest time and then one day we were startled by her sudden big dog bark out of nowhere. She sounds very threatening, She has different barks for different situations and when a stranger is near a house, it gets pretty scary. We like it though because it's like an alarm system.
ReplyDeleteCharming story, Janie. Dogs are the greatest! ♥
ReplyDeleteDogs are friends of the heart like no others.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't reading in 2016 so I'm very glad you re-posted this. Poor Penelope, not being able to bark. I'm so glad she found her voice once she was with you. Scritches for both doggies :)
ReplyDeleteOh a great story, I liked it
ReplyDeleteI love this. Penelope is a cutie.
ReplyDeleteHer writing was pretty good back then, too.
ReplyDeleteWe had Coco for 7 years before she barked. And I think that it surprised her, too. Apparently, we didn't excite her much before then.
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I'm so glad you posted this! I hadn't read it before. How wonderful that Penelope found her voice.
ReplyDeleteOh, Penelope is so sweet! What a good girl.
ReplyDeleteI loved this sweet story of Penelope's! Sometimes sleeping is the best recourse to getting through a difficult event!
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