Clear Tales For Dementia Listeners

Circus Jack - Chapter 7. The Hippodrome

Hi, this is Richard London, and you're listening to Circus Jack on Clear Tales Podcast. Clear Tales is a podcast of narrated stories written and produced for adult listeners that have mild to moderate dementia.
To follow along with the narrated books on this podcast, I suggest you download the book of the same name, Circus Jack. You can find Circus Jack on Apple Books. It's available globally as a download or as a printed book. In the U.S., this is only $2.49. That's a great price. For you folks in the UK who have been listening to this podcast, the e-book can be downloaded for only £1.99. That's good too. Please like this podcast and subscribe. New episodes come out weekly. Now let's get back to Circus Jack.
 
Chapter 7. The Hippodrome
With his new home, Peppy was confused and disoriented. Just ten days ago, joyful on a loving farm with loving people, his world made sense. Then dognapped, he plunged into darkness on a cart and nearly escaped from two bad men. Now here, ten days later, in a strange place with a woman who says she is his new best friend. He didn't know what to think. But Sweetie, a professional animal trainer, knew the first steps to make a bond with this new dog and let him acclimate to a new place while setting boundaries and expectations.
Peppy, I will earn your trust through my actions, she said, and we will create a partnership here at the circus that will make history. Peppy peered up at her smiling face from his chicken crate. Today will be your first day, she said in a high voice, triggering Peppy's tail to wag. Sweetie opened Peppy's crate and stepped back six feet, making room for his hard-earned freedom. His crate, with its wood bars of dull gray, glistened from the dew in the morning light. He hesitated to exit on the slick ramp leading to the ground.
That's a good boy, she said, holding out a treat that caught his eye. He shook himself, tossing any remaining droplets of dew off his fur. He then came out of his crate and walked to Sweetie for his treat. There you are. That's a good dog. We will be best buddies. Her words sent a second bolt of energy to his tail sweeping side to side. Peppy's body, stiff from the long trip of confinement, also had a belly that growled for food. Now let's have a great first meal and take a look around so you can see your new home and extended family.
Sweetie said, slipping a leashed. Collar loosely around his neck and giving him another morsel of meat. He focused his attention on Sweetie as she led him through the encampment toward an area where animals grazed and slept. The smell of freshly cooked meats and vegetables wafted through the air, fueling his excitement. Workers looked up from smoking fires and smiled at Peppy, who wagged his tail in response.
Bobby, can you set up a good first meal for our next big act? I sure will, Bobby responded, turning to his camp kitchen. He grabbed a bowl from a tall, small wooden field pantry, scooped out a helping of beef kibble, piled it high enough to satisfy a small dog, added water, and set it down. Peppy ate like a wolf in the wild. If a dog could sit it at a table and push back his plate with a belch fully satisfied, he would have done so when he finished moments later. He lay down in the grass with satisfaction.
After some rest, sweetie led him down the main walkways of the camp the circus grounds seemed vast like a small town with colorful trailers parked behind the big tent and signs to guide people each trailer had its own unique design and theme pots and pans hung out in the air and clothing put out to dry in the sun busy human activity was everywhere cooks worked over hot stoves in their field kitchen preparing preparing meals for the performers, while show mechanics maintained equipment for upcoming shows.
The animal quarters were a short walk, as Sweetie led him past stables filled with animals he had never seen before. The massive stamping of feet from these animals rippled through the ground and traveled straight up through his paws to his chest. These must be new animals for you. I bet you've never seen these before, she said, looking down at him, his eyes wide and tail stiff.
Then she brought him to a creature the size of a house. Massive, gray, slow-moving and weathered, with a long, flexible hose hooked up to its face, sweeping side to side. Feet as large as a dinner plate, and lidded eyes with long, black lashes looked down at Peppy, while its flexible snout extended down to him, touching and smelling the fur on his face. This is Bumble's our circus elephant, said Sweetie.
As they made their way down the concourse of fields adjacent to the creek, Peppy recognized horses similar to those from his farm home. They didn't appear as muscular as those back home, but more beautiful, graceful, and taller, with flawless white hair groomed to perfection. Their large black eyes and black mane stood in sharp contrast. A roar shattered his thoughts and set his bones to shaking. His eyes darted about to find the source of this foreign sound.
An animal in a vibrant orange coat adorned with bold black stripes and a mouth full of sharp teeth stared at him. The magnificent creature moved with a calculated grace, its muscles rippling beneath the sleek fur. His eyes, pools of amber intensity, surveyed the surroundings with a mix of curiosity and a touch of longing for the wild.
Finally, Sweetie walked Peppy to a large area where dogs of all shapes and sizes played together free from humans and protected from other animals. Welcome to canine camp, Sweetie announced with a grin, unsnapping the leash from his neck and gesturing for him to enter of his own free will. This is where all the dogs stay when they're not performing. You'll have plenty of new friends here, she said, closing the gate behind her. Peppy ran in and didn't look back.
Thanks for listening to Circus Jack. We look forward to seeing you in the next episode. And remember that whether it's a cloudy day or a sunny day, it's always a good day. Make it yours. See you soon.

Circus Jack - Chapter 8. LV Spectavelli

Welcome back to the story of Circus Jack, where our hero, Peppy, prepares for his grand debut! In this episode, we delve into Chapter 8, featuring the relentless L.V. Spectavelli and his anticipation for Peppy's performance.
Amidst the tension of Spectavelli's office, Sweetie Magnolia faces the challenge of training Peppy under tight deadlines. Watch as Pepe quickly learns new tricks, from simple commands to impressive acrobatics that leave Sweetie in awe.
With a final goal of having Pepe ride a horse, this episode captures the excitement and pressure of preparing for a circus show. Will Pepe be ready to wow the audience? Join us to find out!

Circus Jack - Chapter 9. Into The Ring

Welcome back to the enchanting world of Circus Jack! In Chapter 9, titled "Into the Ring," the LV Spectavelli Circus is buzzing with excitement as the weekend crowds gather under the massive blue and white tent. The air is filled with the scent of buttery popcorn and the joyful sounds of families ready to be amazed.As the jugglers mesmerize the audience with their precise and colorful performance, backstage, Sweetie and Peppy prepare for their debut. Dressed in a sleek black tailcoat, Sweetie and Peppy, the Wonder Dog, enter the ring to a polite applause, ready to dazzle the crowd.From somersaults through hoops to riding a white stallion, Peppy wows the audience with his agility and charm. The climax of the performance features Peppy playing basketball against the towering stallion, leaving the crowd in awe and cheering for more.Join us for this heartwarming and thrilling chapter as Peppy the Wonder Dog steals the show and wins the hearts of all in attendance. It's a night of laughter, amazement, and unforgettable moments under the circus tent!

Circus Jack - Chapter 10. Peppy the Wonder Dog

Welcome to another enchanting episode of Circus Jack on the Clear Tales podcast, where we bring you narrated stories specially crafted for individuals with mild to moderate dementia. This episode, "Peppy the Wonder Dog," follows the incredible journey of Peppy, a dog from Pennsylvania who becomes the star of L.V. Spectavelli's circus.
Peppy captivates audiences with his remarkable tricks and charming personality, bringing smiles to both children and adults alike. As his fame grows, Peppy becomes a symbol of hope and inspiration, touching the hearts of everyone who sees him perform. Join us as we explore this heartwarming story of dedication, friendship, and the magic of the circus.
Don't forget to subscribe and share this podcast to help us reach more people within the dementia community.  Download Circus Jack from Apple Books and follow along with the narration. It will enhance the experience. Enjoy the episode!

Circus Jack - Chapter 11. Illusion or Reality?

Join Richard Carlton London as he narrates the enchanting tale of Pepe, the hero of Circus Jack, in Chapter 11: "Illusion or Reality?". In this episode, Sweetie and Pepe's bond deepens with each passing town and feat they accomplish together. Sweetie helps Pepe unlock his hidden potential, leading to breathtaking performances that blur the line between illusion and reality.
Witness the duo's stunning acts, from Pepe's seamless portrayal of various fairy tale characters to their awe-inspiring metaphysical illusions. The climax of their performance leaves audiences gasping as Pepe levitates and even vanishes, only to reappear in the most surprising of places.
As word of their incredible shows spreads, Sweetie and Pepe become international stars, captivating audiences everywhere. Dive into this magical episode and discover whether their feats are mere illusions or something far more extraordinary.

Circus Jack - Chapter 12. Unwanted Attention

Chapter 12, titled "Unwanted Attention," introduces a new twist as Violet Python, the formidable rival of L.V. Spectavelli, takes an unsettling interest in Pepe. A mysterious, gaunt man enters her office, bringing with him tales of the Wonder Dog's extraordinary abilities and the financial success he's brought to Spectavelli's circus.
As Violet Python's piercing gaze and relentless questioning reveal, the rivalry between the two circus owners is about to intensify. With secrets unfolding and ambitions clashing, the stage is set for a dramatic confrontation. Tune in to find out more about the high-stakes world of competitive circus entertainment.
Thanks for listening to "Circus Jack." We look forward to seeing you in the next episode. And remember, whether it's a cloudy day or a sunny day, it's always a good day. Make it yours. See you soon.

Circus Jack - Chapter 13. Python Comes Calling

The man hired by Python meticulously plans the abduction of Pepe, the beloved dog. He faces formidable obstacles in the form of two fierce guard dogs, Romulus and Remus. Witness the tense confrontation as he battles these guardians, ultimately succeeding in his mission but not without a cost.
The dawn brings chaos and heartbreak to the circus, with the discovery of the fallen protectors and Pepe's disappearance. Emotions run high as the circus community reels from the loss and searches desperately for answers. Tune in to experience the suspense and drama of "The Python's Midnight Heist."

Circus Jack - Chapter 14. The Chicken Crate

News of Pepe's extraordinary talents spreads quickly, catching the attention of the infamous Violet Python, a rival circus owner. Driven by envy and disdain for Spectavelli, she hires a dog-napper to steal Pepe once again, setting the stage for a dramatic turn of events.
In Chapter 14, "The Chicken Crate," Peppy wakes up feeling nauseous and disoriented, surrounded by the musty smells of wood and chicken. As he realizes he's been stolen, his heart races with fear. However, a compassionate woman with piercing blue eyes and a gentle voice appears, offering him a glimmer of hope.
Despite the dog-napper's protests and a wounded arm, the woman stands firm in her resolve to protect Peppy, setting the stage for a tense and thrilling journey back north. Will Peppy find his way back to Sweetie and the beloved Spectavelli Circus?

Circus Jack - Chapter 15. Freaks of Nature

Violet Python, the sinister ringmaster, revels in her success of abducting Pepe, ensuring he will never perform again. Amidst the tension, we learn about Python's troubling relationship with her assistant, Scarlet, and her calculated plans to deprive her rival, Spectadelli, of his prized wonder dog.
Tune in to discover the dark underbelly of the circus world and the fate of Pepe in this suspenseful episode of "Circus Jack."
Thanks for listening to Circus Jack. We look forward to seeing you in the next episode. And remember that whether it's a cloudy day or a sunny day, it's always a good day. Make it yours. See you soon.

Circus Jack - Chapter 16. The Pack is Formed

Hi, this is Richard Carlton from London. You're listening to the story Circus Jack. In Chapter 16, we continue the tale of Peppy, the hero of Circus Jack, as he forms a pack with his fellow canines under the big top of the mean and nasty Violet Python. 
Determined to escape their miserable existence, Pepy rallies the pack, and they begin to meticulously plan their breakout.
To read along with the episodes on this podcast, head over to Apple Books and download the ebook.