CATCH AS CATCH CAN
This past autumn, I housesat. On the roster- two dogs, one cat, a bunny, a bird, and a beta. Here! This is Raskey, he made like glue, and Annie, she wasn’t far behind. I was never cold with these two around. I just love hot dogs.
Everyone should know their own name, yes? And fine feathered friends should be no different. I’d sit right up against the bird’s cage, peering in and calling out “casa,” fully expecting a “blanca” in response from the lovely little creature, appropriately white with a smattering of Crayola Sky Blue feathers. Though apparently, she didn’t wanna play it again. Ate up the attention, at least. As well as a strand of my hair.
So, I’d done my duty, wrapped up my time sitting, and was all set to head out on the last day. It was a rainy one, and I’d stopped in over lunch with takeout chicken in tow. Hungry doggy eyes followed my every bite with laser precision to the very last. Tied up the bag of leftovers for disposal in the outdoor can. After saying “goodbyes” to my animal troupe and double checking this and that, I headed to the front door, unprepared to greet betrayal. I set the alarm, opened the door a tad, and- VWOOM, THEY WERE GONE! Nothing like double dachshunds bolting through your legs to make you feel completely powerless.
Standing in the driveway, attempting to assess the situation, the rain came down, and the dogs circled ever farther into the sprawling neighborhood beyond. I could see and hear the highway a short ways away. Calling them increased the frolic- walking towards, walking away, darting attempts- nothing was working. Then, they’re gone. Whatever to do … there’s rustling, plastic … wonderful wind rustled plastic! I untied the bag, began to bend down and outta nowhere run the pups straight at me. At the chicken! God bless chicken remnants! Suckers. Gotcha. Slippery wet little devils followed their noses and that bag right back into the house where they went on to nap with visions of chicken thumbs dancing in their heads, I’m sure. There’s a protein-based lesson here about hotdogs (all beef) and chicken, I just know it.