Rosco's New Pal

The other day, while taking during our afternoon outing on the high school green, the dogs' sniff-about was suddenly interrupted by a high speed intruder who came darting over from nowhere: George, a black miniature schnauzer with floppy ears and fluffy paws.

After a formal get-a-scent sniff, Fips wanted little to do with George and instead went over to say hi to George's steward. Rosco though was doggieelated and couldn't get enough of ducking and pouncing, until he was left exhuasted and panting.

Once again, today, George came charging at Fips from out of nowhere, nearly knocking the ol' boy over. "Hey Rosci....! Your pal is here." Rosco came trotting over and after an initial change of sniffs started up the duck n' pounce with George, until he was once again breathing hard and hanging tongue.

Of course, George could go on forever with only boredom to stop him. I'm glad that Rosco still thinks he's a pup, even if he isn't, and maybe more of these play sessions will help loose some more weight. He seems to enjoy them and when they are over trots away with that "match-well-met" air.

Poor lil' Rosco. He was always such a gregarious dog.... a true gallant with the girls and good fellow with the guys. I sometimes get the impression that Fips thinks other dogs are dumb mutts. But I've always felt bad that Middletown did not have much of a doggie social life for Rosco.

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Leadership

The pack took its afternoon walk before the sun set while it was cool and dusk. We headed across the large athletic field as the doggies scampered toward the four-leaf cluster of baseball diamonds at the centre. The dogs sniffed around the bleachers and cans as I continued on across the open field toward the gate that opens onto the 4 H center.

I had gone quite a ways before sensing that I was not being diligently followed. I turned around and off in the distance behind me saw two motionless doggies. Fips was sitting on his haunchies while Rosco, 15 yards off to his right was in full plop. Both doggies were staring intently at me. Across an expanse of green,

I stopped, stood still and stared back.

They stared back, motionless

I stared

They stared.

No one moved.

At length I made a quiver of a motion in their direction. Both pups immediately bounded up and started scampering back toward the school buildings which is what they evidently had their doggies hearts set upon doing. Clinch the deal. Carpe Diem!

I laughed and, being the good leader that I am, followed.

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