Monday, November 24, 2008

Stealing Tug

So, for whatever reason, I was missing not just Oz yesterday, but Oz's friends. I got accustomed to going for W's in order to see these specific dogs. So…yesterday I went to see Jackson. I filled my pockets with bones and walked his way. However, I had forgotten that since it was a Sunday, his younger pack member Tug might be off leash. (He's usually not because he's so young and ready to run.)

I called Jacks once from three houses away—and Tug burst out of his garage like a cartoon race horse. Everything was flopping and he was insanely eager to see me. He skidded to a stop, big paws at my toes, nose on my ankles, hands, then in the left pocket left pocket left pocket HEY!

I got him back and down and pulled out the bag o treats. He sat immediately, if not neatly. (No one sits neatly with paws that size.)

Tug always acts starved. He's not. He gets fed well, gets real bones from the butcher, and can scam the neighbors half the time. But he does a good "God, I haven't eaten in days!" scam. When he catches a biscuit in mid-air, his jaws make an audible snapping sound.

So, I fed him for a while, then tried to take him home…only to find that his kids were on the front lawn crying (normal family squabble). But that meant that I either had to intrude on that or sneak away. I tried to sneak away…and Tug came with me.

I led him as far back as I could without getting involved. He came with. I gestured him on. He suddenly doesn't speak English. Or gesture. I try to sneak away. He's with me. I go back. He's with me. I gesture, miming throwing a biscuit. He fixed on the hand, and besides, knows there are more in the pocket.

He kept trying to lead me back to my house (he doesn't know Oz is gone) or into the woods, where we had a good run one time with Oz. Finally a neighbor helped us out, taking Tug home, but it was so tempting. And I have to say, he was being…understandably bad. Go home…to crying kids and being tied up? Or come with me, for W and maybe a run and the rest of the treats? Hmm. I know which one I'd choose.

Greg

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