Intro: Pounding bass note and a stirring fanfare of horns. Welcome to another edition of Things to Think about. Here's Stacy. The horns continue with a keyboard note held.
Relaxing piano music is in the background.
Welcome to the Things to Think About podcast, where we use fables and fairy tales to uncover deeper truths about our subconscious world. I'm Stacy Casson, and today's story deals with the challenges of staying focused. There are often pitfalls and distractions when we need to reach a goal. We will dive into the idea staying focused in a tale I call, “Good Dog”. And now, get comfortable and relax. Take a deep breath in. And exhale. A deep breath in and exhale. A deep breath in and exhale. And if you'd like, you can slowly close your eyes.
Once upon a time, there was a greyhound who wanted to be a “Good Dog!” Its human, Pietro, fondly patted the hound on its snout. Fenwick was very bright and had learned all sorts of tricks over the years. Its brother Godwin was enjoying helping to clean up little Paolo’s scraps of food from the floor. Fenwick was about to join Godwin when Pietro called out, “Fenwick!” The obedient dog cocked its head and awaited the instructions. “I forgot to bring my hammer to finish this shoe. Go fetch it for me, and you shall have a reward.” Fenwick could almost taste the scraps of meat but knew that Pietro was getting tired easily. With a short bark, Fenwick was off searching for the precious tool.
“It’s not fair. Why do I have to do all the fetching? Godwin knows how to fetch!” Nevertheless, Fenwick hurried along in the direction of the shed when the most delicious smell assaulted its nose. Fenwick could not stop the drool and inhaled the fragrant, smoky scent of a roasting pig. The kitchen was on the way to the shed. Surely it would not hurt to take a peek. Fenwick became mesmerized by the slow turn of the spit. The fat glistened on the crisp skin tempting Fenwick to taste. “Remember to save the tail for the night-spell!” one of the kitchen hands shouted. “The lady of the house has been having nightmares, and we need it for the potion.” This snapped Fenwick out of their reverie. They began running to the shed to make up lost time.
“The hammer, the hammer, gotta get the hammer.” Fenwick focused on the mission. “Alas, my beloved roast, you are dead to me.” What if Godwin got to the meat first? Fenwick was laser-focused on getting the hammer. This is so unfair! Why do I have to be a good dog? “Almost there!” The hammer lay in the doorway. Next to it was half of a sandwich. Fenwick’s stomach loudly made its presence known. “No, no, no! If I don’t get this hammer to Pietro, I will die of shame.” Fenwick gingerly picked up the hammer and started back to Pietro. “Just a taste. I’m so juicy and delicious,” the roast beckoned. “Godwin would stop for a taste, come on, just this once.” Fenwick kept Pietro’s kindly face in mind and the unwelcome memory of his labored breathing.
“Who’s a good dog?” Pietro beamed at Fenwick and ruffled their head. He immediately began to work on a dainty shoe. “Felipe, please give Fenwick what I promised. The lady desperately needs this shoe for tonight’s party. Sit Fenwick!” Fenwick sat, trying not to look dejected as Godwin continued to reap the rewards of Paolo’s messy table manners. Was it a dream? Suddenly a sublime and forbidden scent curled up and made a home in Fenwick’s nose. A silver bowl appeared filled with some of the choicest tidbits of the roast. Fenwick nearly howled with happiness and slowly savored the first bite. Godwin was nearly green with envy. That was the best seasoning of all. “Who’s a good dog? Me!”
It often takes less effort to gather the scraps from others. You eat a few and then you are hungry again. How can you stay focused and get the entire meal?
And now, you can take a deep breath and exhale. Deep breath in and exhale. Deep breath in and exhale. If you are enjoying this podcast, please subscribe and tell a friend.
Closing: Closing jazzy keyboard and thrumming bass. I hope you enjoyed today's segment. Tell a friend. See you next time. Music fades. "
