Rusty
border terrier, age 2
Standing on the porch with a small, nondescript terrier at my feet, I scan the yard purposefully. My eyes spot a squirrel innocently crouching in the middle of the yard. Without moving, I whisper softly, “Go get it.” A red-grizzled streak shoots across the lawn, barking up a storm. The dog chases the squirrel up a tree and continues barking. I call out his name for ten full minutes before deciding it is useless. I walk out to the lawn, catch the still-barking dog under my arm, and take him into the house.
Motivated solely by food, love, and small vermin, my dog Rusty is a constant source of amusement. Within a few months of his arrival, he had eaten an entire lemon pie and a whole bag of chocolates. Needless to say, I have learned a lot since he arrived. I have learned to put all food away, to push the chairs in at the table, and, most importantly, never to leave a meal unattended for any length of time. I have also learned the location of every other dog in the neighborhood. I have discovered exactly what a dog’s idea of “helping” with homework is, and how comforting a squirrel-chasing, book-hogging, face-licking, pie-scarfing little terrier’s presence can be.
Rusty
border terrier, age 2
