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!

Episode Transcript

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Music.

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Hi, this is Richard Carlton, London. You're listening to the story Circus Jack.
Now let's continue on our story about Pepe, the hero of Circus Jack.
Chapter 8 L.V. Spectovelli The constant tapping of L.V.
Spectovelli's foot echoed through the quiet drawing room with an incessant beat,

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a mixture of frustration and anticipation.
Each tap is slightly louder than the last, as his frustration grows,
the sound almost overwhelming in the quiet room.
The creak of floorboards beneath his restless movements adds to the tension.
Lorenzo Vittorio Spectabelli had learned early on in the business world that

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success is not achieved by waiting and being patient.
What's taking so long, he wondered, pulling the wet cigar stub from his mouth
and beating the remaining embers in his full ashtray until wisps of smoke disappeared.
Action breeds success in life. As soon as he learned his circus dog had arrived,

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he ordered Sweetie Magnolia to his study at the Baltimore Hotel.
Her heels clicked against the polished wood floors as Sweetie entered the drawing room.
Despite attention to her hair, a subtle blush applied to her cheeks and red
lipstick smoothed over her plump lips, Sweetie couldn't help but feel intimidated
by the grandeur of Spectivelli's office and his intensity.

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She eased herself into the overstuffed leather chair arranged opposite him at
his expansive oil-rubbed walnut desk.
She fidgeted nervously with her hands in her lap as she waited for him to speak,
feeling small in comparison to his imposing presence.
I understand my dog has arrived? Yes, sir, she said, crossing her legs and smoothing out her dress.

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I don't want to waste time in getting him in front of an audience, sweetie.
How soon can we see him perform?
Sir, he just arrived yesterday. So then by the end of the week,
his tone implied that only the answer yes was expected.
No wasting time, sweetie thought to herself.
She gave him a long, deep look. Sorry, sir, I can't promise that she said.

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That is a little ambitious.
You know how I love our animals, sweetie. I grew up in a family with dogs and
have always found a sentimental place for them in my heart, he said. But work is work.
Yes, sir. Did he come with a name? Spectivelli asked.
I am told his name is Pepe. Pepe. Spectavelli repeated the name rubbing his chin.

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Pepe. He leaned back in his chair, the leather creaking as he did so.
A broad smile began to grow on his face. That's a good name for the circus.
A name like Pepe will resonate with the audience, said Spectavelli.
It's got action. It's got zip. Something children will love.

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I agree, said Sweetie. He is a peppy little guy, and children will love talking
about Peppy the Circus Dog.
Just saying the name makes you smile.
Then it's done, Spectavelli said with a crooked smile. We'll see you in the ring with Peppy.
Returning to the camp, she felt the pressure of Spectavelli watching and waiting on her performance.

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Like a large, invisible pendulum clock counting down the hours,
its rhythmic arm clicked in her mind with every swing.
She bit her lip as she walked, wondering how to balance adjusting the cute little
guy to a new life while getting him reasonably trained and ready for the ring.
Let's get started, buddy, she said to Peppy as she returned to the canine camp.

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Her training commenced with a fundamental trick. Sitting.
On command, Peppy's hindquarters promptly met the ground as his head cocked
looking at her, anticipating a treat.
Great job, Peppy. sweetie delivered a treat with a smile the training progressed
to stand and then alternating between stand and sit on command she moved on

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with leading him by leash in a circle around her just as she had done with the
horses in the ring and then having him jump over two consecutive hurdles,
peppy did this with ease and received a reward then she took the leash off and
made a circular motion in the same pattern.
Let's see you do it on your own.
Peppy followed the motion, ran his circles, jumped the hurdles and sat in front

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of Sweetie with a wagging tail looking for his reward.
He got it. Peppy, you're a smart dog and love to entertain. What do you want
to show me, boy? Show me what you can do.
In a burst of energy, Peppy circled around Sweetie.
Gaining momentum, he planted his front legs on the ground and propelled himself

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three feet into the air, executed a perfect somersault mid-air,
and landed gracefully in a bow with his tail wagging behind him.
Sweetie looked wide-eyed. For a moment she found herself speechless.
Goodness, she said. That's incredible. What a showman.
I think we may be able to move on to a real circus trick. Would you like to do that? she asked.

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Peppy wagged his tail until his body wagged along with it.
Sweetie's first goal in their circus repertoire is to have Peppy ride a horse,
a classic performance on the East Coast, sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Sweetie placed a small decorative saddle on the back of Midnight,
a stunning black stallion.
With a careful lift, Peppy found himself perched on the saddle high above the ground.

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Take it slow, Peppy. Follow my lead, Sweetie advised.
She guided Midnight in a gentle walk by Leader while holding Peppy in the saddle.
Peppy adjusted naturally to the horse's movement, balancing his weight as the
horse swayed side to side.
Giddy up, sweetie exclaimed. And Peppy responded by tapping his paws against

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the saddle in rhythmic joy.
Laughter erupted from onlookers as the duo paraded around the training ring.
We'll put him in this weekend.
A man shouted from the rear of the ring.
Looking up, she followed the voice to Mr. Spectabelly,
standing with his hands crossed over his round belly and a stern look on his

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face yes sir sweetie responded then looking at peppy she said we better come
up with some more tricks buddy,
peppy spectavelli repeated the name rubbing his chin peppy spectavelli repeated
the name rubbing his chin.