CLINIC INTERIOR LOBBY - DAY
A SMALL WOMAN IS HOLDING THE HAND OF A LITTLE BOY STANDING AT THE COUNTER. ESTRELLA IS TALKING TO THEM.
ROBBIE ENTERS, PICKS UP A CHART, EXITS.
WOMAN
Please, how’s Molly doing? This is her first litter. Is she okay?
BOY
Mommy? Is Molly sick?
WOMAN
No, Josh, she’s having puppies.
BOY
(TO ESTRELLA) She’s going to be a mommy, and I’m going to be a daddy.
WOMAN
Something like that.
ESTRELLA
Molly’s doing just fine. She acts like a veteran.
ROBBIE ENTERS WITH A BOX FULL OF PUPPIES.
ROBBIE
Whose puppies are these? Are these your puppies?
BOY
(LOOKING INTO BOX) Nope.
ROBBIE
No?
BOY
My dog is Molly.
ROBBIE
Well, what if we let Molly tell us whose puppies these are? Is that okay?
BOY
Okay.
ROBBIE AND THE BOY EXIT.
MAN WITH A SMALL DOG APPROACHES THE COUNTER.
PHONE RINGS.
A. MICHAEL ENTERS.
ESTRELLA
(ON THE PHONE) Mayfield Veterinary Clinic, could you hold a moment? … Me, too, hon, but I can’t do a thing about it. Give me just a second and I’ll be right back.
WOMAN
I’ll get the car ready.
ESTRELLA
Go out the back door, honey, and they’ll be right behind you. Cynthia, would you pick up line two, please?
WOMAN EXITS.
CYNTHIA
(OFFSTAGE) Can’t. We’re doing Murphy.
MAN
So, Estrella, when can the doc neuter Brutus?
A. MICHAEL STEPS TO THE COUNTER BESIDE THE MAN.
ESTRELLA
(TO MAN) I’ll be with you and Brutus in just a minute. (ON THE PHONE) Thanks for hanging in there. Whatcha need?
A. MICHAEL
I’m here to see the doctor.
ESTRELLA IGNORES A. MICHAEL, MOTIONS MAN TO WAIT. SHE’S STILL TALKING ON THE PHONE AS SHE LOOKS ON THE COMPUTER SCREEN.
ESTRELLA
Let’s see, Dr. Em could see Boodles, um, Mrs. Cardwell, she doesn’t have an opening ‘til Thursday morning. … Well, if you tell me this is an emergency annual checkup I guess I could work you in. (LAUGHS) How’s 9:30? Tell Boodles we’ll see him Thursday. … You, too, hon. (TO MAN) We could schedule Brutus for Wednesday. Brutus can’t have any food or water after —
A. MICHAEL
I’m here to see Dr. Mayfield.
ESTRELLA
Wednesday we’ll be doing the big job.
SHE MAKES SCISSORS WITH HER FINGERS WHILE LOOKING AT A. MICHAEL. SHE TURNS BACK TO THE MAN.
ESTRELLA
No food or water after midnight. Bring Brutus in by —
A. MICHAEL
The doctor is expecting me and I’m ready to see her now.
ESTRELLA
Well, I’m not ready to let you see the doctor – NOW. (CONTINUES TO MAN) 7:30 Wednesday morning. He’ll be ready to —
A. MICHAEL
I’m sure she’s expecting me.
ESTRELLA
Mr. Schmeddlapp, Brutus will be ready to go home Wednesday afternoon around 4:00. (TO A. MICHAEL) Now you, sir, if you’ll sign in, I’ll be happy to read your signature and tell Dr. Mayfield you’re here.
A. MICHAEL
I am a doctor and Dr. Mayfield is expecting me.
ESTRELLA
Well, sir, if you’ll sign in on the sheet, I’ll be happy to read your signature and find out exactly who you are, doctor.
A. MICHAEL
As a doctor, I feel obligated tell a woman your age that you are repeating yourself.
CYNTHIA ENTERS TO GET A CHART, JUST IN TIME TO OVERHEAR THE LAST REMARK.
CYNTHIA
I don’t know who you are, mister, but you are in bi-i-ig trouble.
ESTRELLA
(TO CYNTHIA) I can take care of this guy, thank you.
A. MICHAEL
(TO CYNTHIA) I don’t know who you are, MISS, but I don’t need anyone’s help on how to handle women.
CYNTHIA
Yeah, I would say you were pretty much beyond help.
ROBBIE ENTERS.
ROBBIE
(TO CYNTHIA) Have you finished Murphy’s x-rays yet?
CYNTHIA
I can do my job just fine without directions from you!
CYNTHIA EXITS.
ROBBIE
Cyn?
ROBBIE EXITS.
OFFSTAGE SOUND OF A CRATE DOOR SLAMMING AND ROBBIE CRYING OUT.
ROBBIE ENTERS, HOLDING HIS HAND OUT TO ESTRELLA.
ROBBIE
I think I need a Band-Aid.
ESTRELLA
Ay, niño, what happened?
A. MICHAEL
Nothing has happened. I’ve been waiting and waiting to see the doctor, but nothing has happened.
ROBBIE
Cynthia yelled at me and I caught my hand in the door of the big crate.
ESTRELLA GLARES AT A. MICHAEL.
ESTRELLA
(MUTTERS CURSES IN SPANISH)
EMILY
(OFFSTAGE) Estrella, what in the world is going on?
ESTRELLA
There’s a doctor here that needs neutering on Wednesday.
EMILY ENTERS.
EMILY
A. Michael!
(CONTINUED)
Monday, May 17, 2010
Friday, May 14, 2010
Family Plus One: SCENE ONE
MAYFIELD VETERINARY CLINIC, INTERIOR TREATMENT ARENA - DAY
EMILY IS PERFORMING A CAESARIAN OPERATION ON A DOG. WE SEE ONLY THE PUPPIES AS THEY ARE BROUGHT FROM THE MOTHER. CYNTHIA IS HELPING BY WEIGHING THE PUPPIES AND CLEANING THEM UP.
ROBBIE ENTERS HOLDING A LARGISH TABBY CAT WRAPPED IN A THICK TOWEL.
ROBBIE
Murphy jumped out the window again. He
may have broken his leg.
EMILY
Not Murphy again. Let me take a look. Molly, hold on a minute. (TURNS TO LOOK AT CAT) Cynthia, you’re going to have to take his vitals.
CYNTHIA
Can’t put this one down yet, Dr. Em.
EMILY
Robbie, keep Murphy calm. I need a couple of minutes here. Then I can take a look. (LOOKS AT DOG) You’re doing fine, Molly. Just a few more minutes, sweet girl, we’re almost done.
ROBBIE
Dr. Em —
EMILY
It’s okay, Robbie. Just keep him still.
EMILY RETURNS TO THE DOG AND BRINGS OUT THE LAST PUPPY AND WEIGHS IT.
EMILY
Molly is a class act, aren’t you, sweetheart? Let me get you stitched together before someone else needs me. I swear, we could use another pair of hands in here.
ESTRELLA ENTERS
ESTRELLA
Dr. Em, you have a phone call.
EMILY
Not now, Estrella. Get a number.
ESTRELLA
It’s Stuart MacGregor, and he said it’s
important.
EMILY
Fine. See if you can get that phone
under my chin while I finish this.
ESTRELLA BALANCES A PHONE PRECARIOUSLY UNDER EMILY’S LEFT EAR.
EMILY
Stuart, how nice and how inconvenient. I don’t have time. I’m in the midst of puppies … No, tell me you have another nephew. Not ‘A-for-arrogant’ Michael. He is not coming here. … No, Stuart, not today.
CUT TO:
INTERIOR AIRPORT — DAY
A. MICHAEL HAS A CARRY-ON IN HIS HAND. HE IS AT THE COUNTER WITH A SMALL LINE BEHIND HIM. THE LINE GETS LONGER AS AN ANIMATED CONVERSATION BETWEEN A. MICHAEL AND THE AIRLINE REPRESENTATIVE GOES ON … AND ON.
CUT TO:
CLINIC INTERIOR TREATMENT ARENA – DAY
ESTRELLA CONTINUES TO BALANCE A PHONE PRECARIOUSLY UNDER EMILY’S LEFT EAR.
EMILY
Why? … What do you think you’re doing, sending your nephew to my clinic uninvited … Yes, I know he was first in his class … It doesn’t matter. I don’t have time. … No, Stuart, not even for you. … Look, we’ll talk about this later. … After puppies, Stuart. (TO ESTRELLA) Estrella, take this phone, will you? Thanks.
(CONTINUED)
EMILY IS PERFORMING A CAESARIAN OPERATION ON A DOG. WE SEE ONLY THE PUPPIES AS THEY ARE BROUGHT FROM THE MOTHER. CYNTHIA IS HELPING BY WEIGHING THE PUPPIES AND CLEANING THEM UP.
ROBBIE ENTERS HOLDING A LARGISH TABBY CAT WRAPPED IN A THICK TOWEL.
ROBBIE
Murphy jumped out the window again. He
may have broken his leg.
EMILY
Not Murphy again. Let me take a look. Molly, hold on a minute. (TURNS TO LOOK AT CAT) Cynthia, you’re going to have to take his vitals.
CYNTHIA
Can’t put this one down yet, Dr. Em.
EMILY
Robbie, keep Murphy calm. I need a couple of minutes here. Then I can take a look. (LOOKS AT DOG) You’re doing fine, Molly. Just a few more minutes, sweet girl, we’re almost done.
ROBBIE
Dr. Em —
EMILY
It’s okay, Robbie. Just keep him still.
EMILY RETURNS TO THE DOG AND BRINGS OUT THE LAST PUPPY AND WEIGHS IT.
EMILY
Molly is a class act, aren’t you, sweetheart? Let me get you stitched together before someone else needs me. I swear, we could use another pair of hands in here.
ESTRELLA ENTERS
ESTRELLA
Dr. Em, you have a phone call.
EMILY
Not now, Estrella. Get a number.
ESTRELLA
It’s Stuart MacGregor, and he said it’s
important.
EMILY
Fine. See if you can get that phone
under my chin while I finish this.
ESTRELLA BALANCES A PHONE PRECARIOUSLY UNDER EMILY’S LEFT EAR.
EMILY
Stuart, how nice and how inconvenient. I don’t have time. I’m in the midst of puppies … No, tell me you have another nephew. Not ‘A-for-arrogant’ Michael. He is not coming here. … No, Stuart, not today.
CUT TO:
INTERIOR AIRPORT — DAY
A. MICHAEL HAS A CARRY-ON IN HIS HAND. HE IS AT THE COUNTER WITH A SMALL LINE BEHIND HIM. THE LINE GETS LONGER AS AN ANIMATED CONVERSATION BETWEEN A. MICHAEL AND THE AIRLINE REPRESENTATIVE GOES ON … AND ON.
CUT TO:
CLINIC INTERIOR TREATMENT ARENA – DAY
ESTRELLA CONTINUES TO BALANCE A PHONE PRECARIOUSLY UNDER EMILY’S LEFT EAR.
EMILY
Why? … What do you think you’re doing, sending your nephew to my clinic uninvited … Yes, I know he was first in his class … It doesn’t matter. I don’t have time. … No, Stuart, not even for you. … Look, we’ll talk about this later. … After puppies, Stuart. (TO ESTRELLA) Estrella, take this phone, will you? Thanks.
(CONTINUED)
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Opening Credits
EXTERIOR MAIN STREET CLEARWATER FLORIDA – DAY
P.O.V. DRIVER OF VEHICLE- ESTRELLA
She parks the car in front of Mayfield Veterinary Clinic. As she walks to front door she waves to Gordon next door at the Chipper Clipper. She unlocks the front door and walks over and uncovers the parrot and we see Estrella with the parrot. She turns the light on the fish. She goes to the reception desk and tosses the keys and a man’s hand catches the keys and unlocks the medicine cabinet for the prescription drugs for the animals. The man with the hands goes back to take care of the animals and we see tennis shoes and gentle hands feeding and stroking and we see Robbie when he picks up a bunny. He throws keys back to Estella when she whistles for them as he is taking the clinic dog (a rescued racing greyhound) out to the exercise area. Estrella opens Emily’s office and we meet Emily through her office—picture of three kids and a horse (Emily and her two older brothers), a picture of teen-aged Emily holding baby brother Jerry, and a picture of a group of college graduates in caps and gowns. There are diplomas on the wall behind the credenza. Sweep counterclockwise to see old, masculine, massive desk cluttered with files, x-rays, computer, jar of dog treats, tennis ball and other dog toys, and a smaller jar of mints. Sweep further to include coat rack and old boots and a heavily used dog bed on the floor. Sweep past bookcases with piles of books, some open, and to wall with more photos tacked to aging grass cloth. Photos are of sundry animals, people, both, color, black and white and none of them are framed. We focus on a photo of a woman (Emily) with an Irish Wolfhound (O’Howleran). Camera follows Estrella out of Emily’s office and into the hall. She goes past the cat “bed” (a basket on top of a card table with a computer on it) and pets the cat.
(CUT TO SCENE ONE)
P.O.V. DRIVER OF VEHICLE- ESTRELLA
She parks the car in front of Mayfield Veterinary Clinic. As she walks to front door she waves to Gordon next door at the Chipper Clipper. She unlocks the front door and walks over and uncovers the parrot and we see Estrella with the parrot. She turns the light on the fish. She goes to the reception desk and tosses the keys and a man’s hand catches the keys and unlocks the medicine cabinet for the prescription drugs for the animals. The man with the hands goes back to take care of the animals and we see tennis shoes and gentle hands feeding and stroking and we see Robbie when he picks up a bunny. He throws keys back to Estella when she whistles for them as he is taking the clinic dog (a rescued racing greyhound) out to the exercise area. Estrella opens Emily’s office and we meet Emily through her office—picture of three kids and a horse (Emily and her two older brothers), a picture of teen-aged Emily holding baby brother Jerry, and a picture of a group of college graduates in caps and gowns. There are diplomas on the wall behind the credenza. Sweep counterclockwise to see old, masculine, massive desk cluttered with files, x-rays, computer, jar of dog treats, tennis ball and other dog toys, and a smaller jar of mints. Sweep further to include coat rack and old boots and a heavily used dog bed on the floor. Sweep past bookcases with piles of books, some open, and to wall with more photos tacked to aging grass cloth. Photos are of sundry animals, people, both, color, black and white and none of them are framed. We focus on a photo of a woman (Emily) with an Irish Wolfhound (O’Howleran). Camera follows Estrella out of Emily’s office and into the hall. She goes past the cat “bed” (a basket on top of a card table with a computer on it) and pets the cat.
(CUT TO SCENE ONE)
Sunday, May 9, 2010
A Note from the Writers
We’re involved with animals. Between us we have 4 cats and 4 dogs, all but one of which is a rescue. We’ve both been certified by Delta Society as Pet Partners – Jean with cats and Rusty with dogs for a total of nineteen years.
We worked as volunteers with Therapy Partners, Inc., an autonomous agency providing animal assisted therapy with all handlers and partners certified as Delta Society Pet Partners.
We know first-hand the importance of the human-animal bond, and that’s the genesis of our work on this series. It is what informs us, makes us whole, makes us human. We’re tickled pink to be "Going to the Dogs".
"Going to the Dogs" is enhanced by the advice of trusted consultants, the veterinarians who have attended our four-legged family members for decades.
We worked as volunteers with Therapy Partners, Inc., an autonomous agency providing animal assisted therapy with all handlers and partners certified as Delta Society Pet Partners.
We know first-hand the importance of the human-animal bond, and that’s the genesis of our work on this series. It is what informs us, makes us whole, makes us human. We’re tickled pink to be "Going to the Dogs".
"Going to the Dogs" is enhanced by the advice of trusted consultants, the veterinarians who have attended our four-legged family members for decades.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Character List: Animal Companions
77.5 million dogs and 93.6 million cats reign supreme as companion animals in US homes. Other species win hearts with their companionship, too. Bird ownership is growing. Fish are an ever-popular presence. Rodents and reptiles have crept into our affections, as well, and their numbers are increasing steadily. Companion animals featured on the comedy Going to the Dogs range from the common to the curious.
Regulars at Mayfield Veterinary Clinic
Cat
Hobbes—the clinic cat who sleeps on the computer keyboard
Dogs
Paycheck — the clinic greyhound
O’Howloran—veterinarian Emily Mayfield’s Irish wolfhound
Bird
Captain Ahab — the clinic’s Scarlet Macaw
Fish
Poseidon – tank ruler, over other fish in the clinic’s freshwater tank
Other
Peter Bunny—lab tech Robbie’s bunny
Animal companions of the clinic’s staff members
Cats
Euclid – pet supply delivery man Rocko Troy’s Maine Coon Cat
Catway House—clinic administrator Estrella’s name for her home as a halfway house for cats who have been deserted at the clinic and are ultimately on their way to new homes
Dogs
Gideon—vet tech Cynthia’s standard poodle
PooDoo—Cynthia’s boyfriend Armando’s toy poodle
Malfeasance (“Malf” for short)— mix breed canine companion of a client, an attorney
Titania– groomer Gordon Tudor Patrick’s papillon
Other
A Michael’s prairie dogs: Darwin, Einstein, Marie Curie, and Sarah Bernhart—the unpredictable one who sleeps in his pocket
Regulars at Mayfield Veterinary Clinic
Cat
Hobbes—the clinic cat who sleeps on the computer keyboard
Dogs
Paycheck — the clinic greyhound
O’Howloran—veterinarian Emily Mayfield’s Irish wolfhound
Bird
Captain Ahab — the clinic’s Scarlet Macaw
Fish
Poseidon – tank ruler, over other fish in the clinic’s freshwater tank
Other
Peter Bunny—lab tech Robbie’s bunny
Animal companions of the clinic’s staff members
Cats
Euclid – pet supply delivery man Rocko Troy’s Maine Coon Cat
Catway House—clinic administrator Estrella’s name for her home as a halfway house for cats who have been deserted at the clinic and are ultimately on their way to new homes
Dogs
Gideon—vet tech Cynthia’s standard poodle
PooDoo—Cynthia’s boyfriend Armando’s toy poodle
Malfeasance (“Malf” for short)— mix breed canine companion of a client, an attorney
Titania– groomer Gordon Tudor Patrick’s papillon
Other
A Michael’s prairie dogs: Darwin, Einstein, Marie Curie, and Sarah Bernhart—the unpredictable one who sleeps in his pocket
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Gordon Tudor Patrick part 2: The Chipper Clipper
In Tampa, Gordon attends beauty school. He finds he is allergic to permanents and dyes. What to do? He graduates, but lasts in a shop only six months. One of his clients is a gay veterinarian who steals him away and has him apprentice as a groomer … and becomes his first serious love. Gordon’s apprenticeship is short because he already knows about hair and beauty. He just has to learn about flea dips, dogs, and breed specific cuts and temperament. He can’t deal with the aggressive breeds and enters counseling. The counselor gives him assertiveness training. It helps with the dogs but destroys his relationship with the veterinarian.
He has to leave Tampa. His parents provide the upfront money for his Beauty Beastro, and his mother names it the Chipper Clipper. His shop is located next door to Mayfield Veterinary Clinic and he’s thrilled with the arrangement. When he moves in he sends the vet’s office flowers. He yearns to do Estrella’s hair.
On the first anniversary of the Chipper Clipper, Emily has an intercom system installed between the clinic and Gordon’s shop. Gordon is always helpful and will furnish an extra pair of hands when they are needed and advice even if declined.
Gordon’s parents are still alive, but the spectre of aging parents hangs over him. He is still quite devoted to them. Theirs is the first number on his cell phone, and he talks with them several times a day. Gordon has a Papillon, a natural beauty named Titania.
(This completes Gordon Tudor Patrick.)
(Actually, this completes the backstories of all the human characters at Mayfield Veterinary Clinic. Stay tuned for the non-human characters.)
He has to leave Tampa. His parents provide the upfront money for his Beauty Beastro, and his mother names it the Chipper Clipper. His shop is located next door to Mayfield Veterinary Clinic and he’s thrilled with the arrangement. When he moves in he sends the vet’s office flowers. He yearns to do Estrella’s hair.
On the first anniversary of the Chipper Clipper, Emily has an intercom system installed between the clinic and Gordon’s shop. Gordon is always helpful and will furnish an extra pair of hands when they are needed and advice even if declined.
Gordon’s parents are still alive, but the spectre of aging parents hangs over him. He is still quite devoted to them. Theirs is the first number on his cell phone, and he talks with them several times a day. Gordon has a Papillon, a natural beauty named Titania.
(This completes Gordon Tudor Patrick.)
(Actually, this completes the backstories of all the human characters at Mayfield Veterinary Clinic. Stay tuned for the non-human characters.)
Monday, May 3, 2010
Gordon Tudor Patrick part 1: The Gay Blade
Gordon Tudor Patrick is a thirty-one-year-old white male. Gordon was born and raised in Sun City, Florida. He’s a change of life baby looked upon as a miracle not unlike Abraham and Sarah’s surprise baby. His parents don’t concern themselves with his sexuality, and it is never a problem for him. Actually, Gordon is brought up surrounded by old people who are as thrilled with his first steps as his parents are.
Gordon’s comfort with old, cranky, eccentric people has been well tested with some of his client’s human companions at his dog grooming parlour next door to Mayfield Veterinary Clinic. Gordon has seen enough silly women to last him a lifetime, but they all adore him. He always seems to understand just what they want for little FooFoo. He kisses the hand that pays him and sings to the dogs as he grooms them. Gordon sings show tunes and can be heard occasionally by Estrella at the clinic’s front desk. If concerned clients do not surround her, she will sing along.
Gordon has always known he is gay. It was a bit of a problem in high school because the school was small enough it was everyone’s business. So Gordon Tudor left Sun City and his multiplicity of doting parents for a bigger city--Tampa.
(continued)
Gordon’s comfort with old, cranky, eccentric people has been well tested with some of his client’s human companions at his dog grooming parlour next door to Mayfield Veterinary Clinic. Gordon has seen enough silly women to last him a lifetime, but they all adore him. He always seems to understand just what they want for little FooFoo. He kisses the hand that pays him and sings to the dogs as he grooms them. Gordon sings show tunes and can be heard occasionally by Estrella at the clinic’s front desk. If concerned clients do not surround her, she will sing along.
Gordon has always known he is gay. It was a bit of a problem in high school because the school was small enough it was everyone’s business. So Gordon Tudor left Sun City and his multiplicity of doting parents for a bigger city--Tampa.
(continued)
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