When Daisey came into heat, two small scruffy males took station around my place, one a black cockapoo, the other a black terrier derivative. Pippin, 'Pip' for short is the former and Jake is his buddy. Both had that long-time neglected look, Jake being the less sociable of the two. Daisey passed through her season and Pip still hung around expressing a desire to join the family. Coworkers teased me about gaining one or two more dogs (Jake was a constant companion at this point), but I denied any intent of taking them in. The county rule is, if you allow a stray to hang around and feed it for three days running, you become the official overseer of that animal. Well, after Pip submitted his application, I took to providing him food, water, and a place to rest/sleep/roost. Daisey tolerated him, so I added her endorsement to his folder. His name came from a line from "The Longest Day", which I happened to be watching around the 6th of June, "Pips, alte junge! [Pips, old boy]".
The processing of applicants includes a good washing and grooming, which Pip badly needed. His coat was so matted it appeared he was wearing pants. He wasn't entirely happy about that part, but he tolerated it well and continnued to hang around. In fact, he took up station within 3' of my person. This has been both a bit amusing and embarassing. I'd gone down to a travelling tool sale to seek a couple of items I wanted [okay, guy thing] and Pip took up position as scout, point and skirmisher. When we reached the site of the sale, he assumed he could accompany me inside. We tried, in vain, to explain since he had no money and no use for tools, he should reain outside so as to avoid getting tromped upon by other customers. Well, his perserverance paid off, and he was allowed to stay with me. We picked out the tools and items I wanted, paid and continued our shopping venture. He was balked at my next stop, as this store had a door that wouldn't peermit entrance to four-footed critters, so he amused himself outside while I picked up the other items on my wantlist. All of this was done without benefit of a leash, relying strictly on his desire to hang out with me. In fact, I've only had a leash on him once.
Pip has become a regular on my walks to and from work, staying around the store while I work inside. Apparently, a citizen made comment to the local authorities who passed word to me that Pip should be on a leash. In dutiful compliance, I put a leash on him, wrapping it around his body, harness fashion, to prevent him from getting caught up on something. This satisfied the officer, since Pip is not an aggressive dog. He's a happy little fellow who appreciates the attention his adopted master gives him. He's still not fond of baths, but it doesn't interfer with his coming in to visit when I take one. I keep asking him if he'd like one, but he politely declines then lies down beside the tub.
I've observed the contrast between Daisey's and Pip's chartacters. Daisey had been abandoned and abused, shy and terribly reserved around strangers, whereas Pip had only been neglected. To date, Daisey still holds herself aloof, allowing only select individuals the priviledge of petting her. Pip, on the other hand, has never met a stranger, greeting each with, "Hi, I'm Pip!" in his most cheerful expression. Daisey is the grand lady of the house, secure in her tenure. Pip has assumed a more active post, assisting me with household chores and standing guard against vicious squirrel invaders and the occasional predatory robin or sparrow. When I sweep the floor, he pitches in, rolling in the swept up pile, exhibiting little faith in my dustpan and brush.
So, we are a peaceful family of three, content in our roles as a household should be.
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