The Pug Who Could Fly

Nigel was an international hit in rock and roll music.  He was well known for his expertise with the electric guitar and drums.  His specialty was the electric guitar, though.  He played with the classic rock band - The Andrew Brothers (ironically none of whom were related).  After ten years together, the band dissolved peacefully.  Nigel is now pursuing a solo music career with three roles in one - singer, guitarist, and drummer.  For now, Nigel is recording albums.  He has not played before an audience yet...but global interest wants him to.

When The Andrew Brothers performed in concert, they always took a tour bus from venue to venue.  They never had a reason to fly.  This was perfectly fine with Nigel.

There is something you should know about Nigel - he is terrified of flying.

There is something else you should know about Nigel - his adopted Pug, Charlie, is also afraid to fly.  How does Nigel know this?  The Humane Society he adopted Charlie from informed him that Charlie's last family frequently traveled the country and he always became ill in turbulence.  And so he was surrendered to the Humane Society, which worked out best for both Nigel and Charlie who love each other very much.

One day, Nigel brought Charlie to the recording studio when his agent stopped by.

"Hi Tom!  What brings you here today?"

"Hey Nigel.  I got a request this morning from the talk show, Morning Coffee.  They want to meet with you as a guest.  They know you're still recording, so you don't have to perform."

"Morning Coffee.  But that is on the west coast and we're in the Midwest!  I don't have a tour bus.  I'll have to fly!  No, Tom, no.  Tell them I am honored, but respectfully decline."

"Nigel, this is a perfect opportunity for you.  I mean, your publicity so far has been limited to local radio stations.  Morning Coffee...well, you know their ratings."

Nigel sighed and said,

"Yeah I do.  Morning Coffee is a great show, especially when they host summer concert Fridays.  I just..."

"You deserve this chance."

Nigel looked to Charlie, who seemed nervous already.

"Okay.  Tell them I said okay.

"One condition, Tom.  I have to bring Charlie.  You know how inseparable we are."

Now Tom sighed and said,

"Okay."

The next day was filled with sunshine and beautiful blue sky...and a bundle of upset nerves.

When they boarded the plane and were instructed to his window seat and Charlie's permitted seat next to him, Nigel began to panic.  What would happen if he fell ill in mid-flight?  How would Charlie react to his emotions?  What about Charlie?  Oh my goodness, worst case scenario.

I have to get off this plane, Nigel frantically thought to himself.

Too late.  The plane was racing down the runway and ascending.

The in-the-event flight instructions did not ease Nigel's mind.

He glanced out the window to see just how high up they were and found...something soothing - shining sun and a beautiful layer of clouds.  Every so often he could see far to the ground.

Nigel looked to Charlie, who was sleeping in a calm manner.  He smiled.  The trip wasn't so bad after all.

If Nigel could fly, so too could Charlie - the Pug who could fly.