The Shamus Chronicles: An Uninvited Guest

by Betty Poole

There is a new family in our neighborhood. We haven't had the pleasure of making their acquaintance yet--they seem to keep pretty much to themselves--but they do have a dog, and he doesn't have any inhibitions about meeting the neighbours.

This bundle of action arrived uninvited at our front door yesterday as Shamus and I were having a combined ball game and Fall cleanup in the garden. In spite of the fact that we are fully fenced and gated this brash newcomer, because of his miniature proportions and wiggling abilities, has no problem at all in going where he wants to go. Evidently he wanted to meet Shamus.

He looks like a smooth haired fox terrier--white with black markings, a stubby tail and sharp little features. He has absolutely no respect for people, flower beds or newly turned soil. He just wants to party, and to hell with the consequences.

I wonder what his name is. If I were to make a guess I would choose James. James just seems to suit him.

Shamus surveyed this enthusiastic stranger with interest, his tail curled up tighter over his back and kind of quivered. That was about the extent of his reaction, except of course for the routine mutual sniffing of the nether regions. After all, Shamus has reached middle age and has become quite sophisticated. Mad dashing about is beneath him.

In the meantime, Bess, the athletic sheep dog next door, was watching with great interest through the fence. She barked her approval and encouragement from time to time until "James" gave up on Shamus, squeezed under the bottom wire of the fence and streaked off with Bess at his side.

Today, out of the blue, "James" turned up again and we went through the same performance. I guess hope springs eternal.