Paws & Tales

Joel: Okay, Ned, we're rolling in three, two, one.

Ned: I'm sorry, Joel, I just don't feel the inspiration today. Sorry.

Joel: Ned, we've got to get these recorded.

Ned: I'm an artist, not a vending machine. I lack my muse.

Joel: Start with the one about the free Wildwood map anyone can download.

Ned: What's my motivation? I feel untethered.

Joel: Okay, then do the one for the character coloring sheets, also a free download. Come on, Ned, I want to go home.

Ned: Where is my atomizer? My throat is dry. It's really parched. I can't do it.

Joel: The last one, Ned. Just read the last one.

Ned: This one? This one? The "find it all at pawsandtales.org" script? That's the one?

Joel: Yes, Ned, that's the one.

Ned: I need a pumpkin spice something or other. I need it right now, please. Who's in charge of this craft table? I'm the talent here and I am in need of refreshment.

Insight for Living: Welcome to the world of Paws & Tales. Wildwood Mountain can be a pretty dangerous place. If you stay on the trails and stick with me, there's adventure to be had there too. Insight for Living is proud to present Paws & Tales.

Rockler: There is an incredible amount of risk here on the part of my company, a risk that we are in no way extending to the town of Wildwood.

Insight for Living: Howdy, and welcome to Wildwood. We're sitting in on a town council meeting. Mr. Rockler, that's him talking right now. He has his attorneys, Franklin O. Peterson and Theo Brown. Of course, that's C.J.'s dad. Rockler's presenting his vision for the future of Wildwood.

Rockler: And it begins with the old Collins mine. That mine shaft goes more than one-third of the way into the mountain. I will blast and dig the rest of the way through.

When it is completed, we will have a train line that will go through the base of the mountain, getting to the rest of the region in two hours instead of going around the mountain and taking two days. With my tunnel, Wildwood will become the best shipping and transportation center on the coast. We will become bigger than Fonterra.

Mayor Boggs: Thank you very much, Mr. Rockler. You and your associates have painted a very bright picture for us. And I'm sure I speak for the rest of the council when I say thank you for choosing our town.

Officer Hunt: I wouldn't be so quick to speak for the rest of the council on that particular matter, Mayor Boggs.

Mayor Boggs: You have an objection, Officer Hunt?

Officer Hunt: Not an objection so much as a concern. A concern that the people of Wildwood don't realize what these changes will mean for their community.

Peterson: Boggs, I can answer that, if you please.

Mayor Boggs: Go ahead, Mr. Peterson.

Peterson: In this case, the changes will mean progress and economic opportunity. Now who in their right mind could be against that?

Officer Hunt: Well, Mr. Peterson, you and I both know there's two sides to every coin. Progress and opportunity can be wonderful things, but they also have their own kind of risks. And the people of the town, they can't be for or against something if they don't know what's going on.

Rockler: Meaning?

Officer Hunt: Meaning more folks probably would have been at this public meeting today if they'd have known what was going to be discussed.

Peterson: Officer Hunt, are you implying that we purposely kept the agenda of this meeting a secret?

Officer Hunt: If what's going on in these plans just starts happening, people, voters might just think that you all pulled a fast one on them behind their backs.

Theo: Gentlemen, I think there's a simple solution to this. We'll call a town meeting. We'll make sure it's well-publicized so that everyone will know that what's going to be discussed will affect them. Mr. Rockler, Mr. Peterson, and myself will lay out our plans at the meeting and we'll address any concerns the town may have.

Mayor Boggs: That sounds like a reasonable compromise, Theo. What do you say, Mr. Rockler?

Peterson: I can answer.

Rockler: Hold on, Peterson. I think Theo has come up with a reasonable compromise. I agree.

Mayor Boggs: Very well. The town meeting will take place in three weeks. This meeting is adjourned.

Peterson: Brown, what is wrong with you?

Theo: I beg your pardon?

Peterson: A town meeting? You're here to oversee contracts. When I want your input, I'll ask for it. Don't do anything like this again.

Theo: Mr. Peterson, making the town hate us won't do anybody any good.

Peterson: Listen, Brown.

Rockler: That's enough, Peterson. Theo did the right thing. We do want to be friends with the town. Besides, when they see what we've planned, who could be against it? Walk with me, Theo.

Theo: Yes, sir.

Peterson: Well, what do you want, Yousef?

Guest (Male): This is an unexpected turn of events.

Peterson: Not to worry. Everything is under control.

Guest (Male): I certainly hope so, Mr. Peterson, for your sake.

Insight for Living: The town council wasn't the only group having a meeting that day. The club also met at the fortress by the special request of Staci. She had a very important issue to bring up before the group.

Goose: Shoestring licorice! Yes, it's tasty, but the things you can do with it! Now I've got a licorice necklace. Now I've got a bracelet.

Staci: I'm sorry I'm late, everyone.

C.J.: Finally.

Ned: Hey, Stace.

C.J.: What's this all about, Staci?

Staci: It's about someone we all know and don't love: Hugh McLaw.

Goose: What's he done now?

Staci: Nothing yet.

Goose: What does that mean?

Staci: A while back, Hugh slipped me a note in class. It said he wanted to talk to me after school in private.

Hugh McLaw: I don't know how to start.

Staci: Start what, Hugh? What do you want?

Hugh McLaw: I want to turn over a new leaf. I want to be good.

Staci: You want to be good?

Hugh McLaw: Yeah, I know. I know it's hard to believe, but I've been thinking about it. And I'm really sorry for all the rotten things I've done to you and the club.

Staci: Well, no offense, Hugh, but I'm a little confused here.

Hugh McLaw: No offense taken. I don't blame you. And I also know it'll be tough for everybody to accept at first.

Staci: But you're going to be good from now on?

Hugh McLaw: Yeah, I am.

Staci: Actions speak louder than words, Hugh. You'll have to prove it.

Hugh McLaw: I know, and I will.

Staci: We talked like that for a while longer. He seemed very repentant. I think he's had a change of heart, a real change of heart.

C.J.: Yeah, right.

Ned: I think Hugh's up to something.

Goose: Yeah, he's been mean and nasty all this time, and yesterday he decides to be nice?

Ned: Yeah, this is very suspicious.

Goose: Hey, look! I can eat licorice upside down!

Staci: I know, but I really believe this time it's different.

C.J.: Okay, say it is. What's the point?

Staci: This is the point. You can come in now.

Hugh McLaw: Hey, guys.

Goose: It's you! Hugh McLaw! You better...

Hugh McLaw: Don't ever eat licorice upside down.

Ned: You better get out of here.

Staci: Calm down, everyone. Calm down. I asked him to come. Hugh, tell them what you told me.

Hugh McLaw: I want to join your club.

Goose: No way! No! What are you talking about? Joining the club? I can't believe it!

Staci: Calm down, everyone. Calm down.

C.J.: What are you trying to pull, Hugh?

Hugh McLaw: Nothing, honest. I really want to join.

Ned: Sure you do. Are Yousef and Mousie hiding out there somewhere ready to jump out?

Hugh McLaw: No, they don't even know I'm here. I know it seems crazy, but it's true. I want to change. I want to join the club, if you'll let me.

Ned: This is really weird.

C.J.: No, you can't. You've bullied us, you've lied, and you beat us up before. You just think you can wander in and say sorry? I don't think so.

Goose: What if he means it?

C.J.: No, you can leave now.

Staci: C.J.

Hugh McLaw: It's alright, Staci. I know I've got a lot to make up for.

Marsha: Hugh, does this mean you've become a Christian?

Ned: Yeah, Hugh, does it?

Hugh McLaw: Well, no. I haven't gone that far yet. Is that like a requirement for club membership?

Staci: We've never made it a rule or anything. C.J. Hugh, could you wait outside, please?

Hugh McLaw: Oh, yeah, sure.

Staci: C.J., I can't believe you. You're the one who wanted to make peace with Hugh and his thugs.

C.J.: Yes, I wanted to make peace, but not invite them to join the club. Two totally different things.

Staci: What if, just what if he means it? If he's asking for forgiveness, don't we need to forgive him? I mean, isn't that why we're here?

Goose: Maybe. Or maybe we could put Hugh through a testing period.

Ned: Testing?

Goose: If he's changed, we'll see it.

Ned: If he's tamed, we'll free it?

Goose: No. If he's changed, we'll see it. Don't let him join now. He has to prove himself first. Licorice?

C.J.: Thank you, no. And your tongue is black. That's so disgusting.

Staci: That's a great idea, Goose.

Marsha: Sounds pretty good to me.

Ned: Well, I don't see why not. If he hasn't changed, we don't let him in.

C.J.: Alright then, but I'll be watching Hugh like a hawk.

Insight for Living: C.J. was as good as his word. During the next week, he could have given Officer Hunt lessons in shadowing. But to C.J.'s utter amazement, Hugh's behavior was pertinent, impeccable, right as rain. He opened doors for the little ones.

Hugh McLaw: Can I get that for you?

Guest (Female): Thanks, Hugh.

Goose: Yeah, thanks.

Insight for Living: He complimented the girls.

Hugh McLaw: You look lovely, ladies. Marsha, that necklace really brings out your eyes.

Marsha: Why, Hugh! What a nice thing to say.

Hugh McLaw: It's the truth. And Goose, that ribbon is perfect for your hair.

Goose: Well, you just... why, Hugh?

Insight for Living: He even impressed Miss Harbor.

Miss Harbor: Oh, before you all go to lunch, I need a volunteer to clean the erasers out back.

Hugh McLaw: I'll do it, Miss Harbor.

Miss Harbor: You? You will?

Hugh McLaw: Be happy to.

Miss Harbor: Okay, who are you and what have you done with Hugh?

Hugh McLaw: It's the new me.

Miss Harbor: Well, I must say I like him. And I hope to see more of him.

Hugh McLaw: Oh, you will, Miss Harbor. Okay, you're dismissed for lunch.

Hugh McLaw: Hey, Stace. So what do you think? Are they going to let me into the club?

Staci: It's a tough sell, Hugh. I think they're warming up to the idea, but it'll take some time.

Hugh McLaw: Well, how much time? I mean, my dad's birthday is next Friday, and I kind of wanted to tell him on his birthday that I was in the club. He'd probably just pass out.

Staci: I don't know, Hugh. I'll ask. No promises.

Hugh McLaw: Well, thanks, Stace.

Goose: Hey, Ned, trade you a cupcake for your cookie?

Ned: You're kidding, right? My cookies?

Goose: I love those cookies.

Staci: Hey, Goose, Ned.

Ned: What did Hugh want?

Staci: He really wants to become a member.

Ned: I don't like it. It doesn't feel right.

Goose: If you ask me, he's up to something. Cheese! I keep telling Mom, "No cheese." It gets warm. I hate warm cheese. Cheese sandwich, anyone?

Marsha: Yeah, I love cheese.

Ned: You want a warm, sweaty cheese sandwich?

Marsha: I'll trade you for peanut butter.

Ned: Deal! Marsha, you're not quite normal.

Staci: Hugh says his dad's birthday is Friday. He wants to tell his dad he's in the club for a present. What do you think?

C.J.: I think he should get his dad a necktie instead.

Goose: I don't think Hugh's dad even wears ties.

Ned: No, Goose, the tie was just... oh, never mind.

Marsha: Well, he has been very nice to everyone. And I think he is gaining a real sense of fashion.

Ned: Oh, brother.

Staci: He has been very nice to everyone. Maybe we should let him in. This could be where Hugh changes course.

Ned: I don't know.

C.J.: I say no. What's in this cupcake?

Goose: Wheat germ, cornmeal.

C.J.: My mom's on a health kick at home. That's not right. I want my cookies back!

Insight for Living: That night after dinner, C.J. decided to seek a little advice on the matter from his dad.

C.J.: Hey, Dad, got a minute?

Theo: A few, then I've got to deliver these papers to Mr. Rockler for the town meeting. What's on your mind?

C.J.: Well, how can you tell if someone has really changed?

Theo: Changed what?

C.J.: The way they are. I mean, if someone acts bad most of their life, and then they start acting good, does that mean you should trust them?

Theo: That's a difficult question to answer, son. May I ask who you're talking about?

C.J.: Hugh McLaw.

Theo: I see. He's building a case that he's changed.

C.J.: Yep, and a pretty good one so far.

Theo: Well, that's going to call for some real wisdom on your part. I'd suggest you watch for a while. Changing who you are is a tough job, son.

C.J.: Do you think Hugh can change?

Theo: There's always hope. Bible says "love hopes all things." If he's really changed, you'll want to be there to help him.

C.J.: What if he can't? We're taking a big chance here.

Theo: Well, the Bible also says "love endures all things." C.J., it won't be easy. There'll be disappointments along the way. If he's doing something deceitful, you'll need to be on your toes. You don't want to lose hope. But in the final analysis, only God knows what's in the heart of a person.

C.J.: Yep, that would be the problem.

Theo: Well, I've got to go, son. Hope that was helpful.

C.J.: It was. Thanks, Dad.

Insight for Living: Well, C.J. thought about Hugh all through the rest of the evening. In the morning, he started in at it again. It wasn't until he was on his way to school that he decided on his course of action. Before class started, he got the club together at the swing set and discussed the matter of Hugh.

C.J.: Okay, I know I've been one of the ones against this, but... Hi, Hugh. Hugh, got a minute?

Hugh McLaw: Sure, what's up?

C.J.: I was just telling the others that I'm voting that you be allowed to become a member of the club.

Hugh McLaw: What do you know? Really?

C.J.: You're going to be a good guy from now on, Hugh?

Hugh McLaw: Well, yes.

C.J.: All in favor?

Goose, Marsha, Ned, Staci: Aye!

C.J.: Hugh McLaw, you have been very mean and sneaky in the past. By letting you into our club, we are trusting you. This means we're forgiving you for all those rotten things you've done.

Hugh McLaw: Yeah.

Goose: Are you doing some sneaky thing here?

Hugh McLaw: Oh, no.

Staci: Goose, let her go. She knows what she's doing.

C.J.: We're talking about your joining our family. The club's about helping others. Is that what you want?

Hugh McLaw: Well, yes.

C.J.: I vote yes.

Ned: Oh, alright. Aye.

Hugh McLaw: That's it? You're really letting me in? You're forgiving me?

C.J.: Let's make it official on Friday. We'll have a party.

Marsha: Oh, that would be so fun!

C.J.: Friday, Hugh?

Hugh McLaw: Yeah, yeah. That would be great.

Goose: Dodgeball! Let's go!

Marsha: Dodgeball! Hugh, coming?

Hugh McLaw: Me? Oh, yeah, in a minute. They're really going to let me in. Wow. Who would have thunk?

Goose: Do you know what's the biggest problem?

Ned: I guess I don't.

Goose: What to wear. I get so excited about going to school that I don't plan stuff out very well. I wore my shirt on backwards last week, don't you know.

Ned: Here is one of our newly made Paws & Tales t-shirts. It has the Paws & Tales logo on the front so you'll never be confused and wear it backwards.

Goose: It would be so great if people could just go onto pawsandtales.org and order one.

Ned: Goose, I think you're a genius.

Insight for Living: Staci scheduled Hugh's "welcome to the club" party on the same day as Mr. Rockler's presentation to Wildwood. This time, Theo actually did most of the talking since he was from the town. A shrewd move by Mr. Rockler.

Theo: If you would reveal the drawings, please. Mr. Rockler intends on blasting a tunnel through the base of the mountain, beginning where the old Collins mine left off. Now this will allow a train to get to the outside world in less than two hours instead of several days as it is now.

Guest (Male): He's quite a fellow, your dad.

C.J.: Thanks.

Guest (Male): You know, I don't really understand all of what's being proposed here. But if your dad says it's okay, that's good enough for me.

Theo: It means opportunity, and it can mean a kind of prosperity that Wildwood will never know without that tunnel.

Mayor Boggs: Thank you, Theo Brown. As you can all see, the possibilities are limitless. Well, next I would like to ask Officer Hunt to come up. He has a few things to add, I believe.

Officer Hunt: Thank you, Mayor Boggs. I love this town of Wildwood. As you know, I'm one of the few left who were here in the early days. It was a very different place then: wild, dangerous, not a place you wanted to raise a family in.

It is now because things changed. Risks were taken and problems were dealt with. I'm not against change, and I think this plan of Mr. Rockler's may be a risk worth taking. But we need to do it with our eyes wide open.

Mr. Rockler's asking us to give him our trust. I think maybe we should, but we need to do it carefully. Mr. Rockler needs to continue to earn our trust, prove himself to us. Papa Chuck told me today that the Bible says to be "wise as serpents and gentle as doves." I say let's give Mr. Rockler our trust, but let's do it wisely and a little at a time. Thank you.

Mayor Boggs: Good things to say, Hunt. Well, I think all the talking's been done. Let's get to the voting! Everyone come up to the front table and get a ballot.

C.J.: Hunt, he's a good one too.

Ned: Yeah, he sure is. Hey, Hugh! Hugh!

Insight for Living: Through the crowd, C.J. saw Hugh walking under the bleachers. So he headed over there to catch up with him.

Guest (Male): You did not. That's impossible. This will require some proof.

Hugh McLaw: Well, it's true. You owe me 20 bucks.

Guest (Male): Oh, you're kidding! That's everything we have! I only made that bet because I knew you'd never get them to do it.

Hugh McLaw: Well, they did. I'm in. Now pay up.

Guest (Male): How did you do it? What made them change their minds?

Hugh McLaw: Goose asked me if I was doing something sneaky, I said no, and they said they forgive me. They voted me in.

Guest (Male): What a bunch of saps! I mean, really! I will require more proof. I think I know how to get it. Yeah, how are you going to...

Guest (Male): C.J.! C.J.! Did your club really vote Hugh in as a member? Oh, please tell me you didn't. We made a bet with Hugh to see if he could get us to accept him as a member. Exactly.

Hugh McLaw: What are you doing here?

C.J.: Came to get you. I was heading over to the fort, your party.

Hugh McLaw: Yeah, I know.

Guest (Male): You were going to get a party? Oh, this is too much!

Guest (Male): So it's true. Yep, he fooled us all.

Hugh McLaw: No! Do you know how long it took me to steal that... earn, earn all that money? Good job, Hugh. You really faked us out.

C.J.: Hugh, I've got to go break up a party.

Hugh McLaw: A party? Unbelievable! You are amazing! The amazing Hugh! You should be wearing a cape or something. Hugh, you've just won a lot and lost a lot. It's a moment of pathos.

Hugh McLaw: Well, just give me the money.

Guest (Male): Oh, alright. Here. That should do the job nicely. $20.

Hugh McLaw: Yeah! Yeah, that should get the best birthday present your dad's ever had. See you later.

Staci: I can't believe it. We trusted him. We made him cupcakes.

C.J.: I feel like an idiot. You all told me, but I believed him. I hoped he would really change.

Staci: No, Stace, we did the right thing here. You were right, Goose was right. Hugh just didn't... we forgave him. We let him in, we gave him a chance. He just didn't take it. We did the right thing.

Ned: What a waste! I'll never believe him again. How could he do this?

Goose: I think when you forgive and give someone a chance, it always makes a difference, even if you can't see it. I think there's still hope.

C.J.: Well, we got a lot of cupcakes here. Anyone want a cupcake?

Ned: Cupcakes! Finally!

Goose: Guess I'll just throw out the "Welcome Hugh" sign.

C.J.: Love hopes all things and endures all things. Maybe we should just save it for a while.

Ned: Now this is a cupcake: light, fluffy, no wheat germ, no cornmeal. The frosting is good.

Insight for Living: To order a copy of today's program, "Love Hopes," just log on to pawsandtales.org. "Love Hopes" was written by Phil Lollar and directed by David Carl. The song "Love Believes All Things" was written by Sandy Howell and Nick Brown. Music was by Tim Hosman and our sound designer was Eric Baesel. Paws & Tales is an Insight for Living production.