The Shamus Chronicles: More About Shamus

by Betty Poole

Being of a sociable turn of mind, Shamus likes lots of action. Every morning he checks out what I am wearing and then plans his day.
If I am wearing something other than sloppy old work clothes he looks questioningly at me in an animated manner until I assure him that yes, he is coming too. From that moment on his anticipation grows, until at last, he barks his impatience at me.

If on the other hand it is evident to him that the day will be spent around home, he gives me an hour of peace and quiet in which to have breakfast and make the bed. Then it is time for a ball game on the lawn. When he is sufficiently exercised he reposes on the mat at the front door, from where he deeps an eye on the road and on my daughter, Tracey's driveway across the way. He evidently feels that all visible territory falls within his jurisdiction and supervision. Anyone who dares to walk past our cul-de-sac is sternly reprimanded from the safety of our side of the fence. If another dog ambles by, the objections are quite intense and prolonged. However, if the passing canine comes to the fence with an assured and questioning stare, brave Shamus drops his tail, turns back toward the house, and quietly tip-toes away.

Promptly at 3 PM he comes to me looking anxious. If I happen to be engaged in reading a book, he places himself in front of me and sits up in a begging position. When he catches my attention, he stares intently and licks his chops, an indication, in case I had forgotten, that it is his dinner time.

We had a thunder storm recently which caused Shamus great fear and anguish. As a result, his nerves were so bad he couldn't sleep by himself in his usual place in the living-room. Every night since the storm he sleeps on a mat next to my bed. Since the cool weather has set in, I cover him with a nice warm blanket, and he remains under it all night long, only stirring when I get up.

When the telephone rings he runs to it and waits expectantly. I think he is able to hear the voice on the other end of the line, because if the caller is Veronica he becomes very animated. He associates Veronica with a lovely walk either down to the beach or out in the field which adjoins her home. In all cases he is a confirmed eavesdropper, and identifies and reacts to many words in conversations.

Once in a while, when I am going to a tea or to a place where dogs are not welcome I am compelled to tell him that he will be staying at home. His reaction is immediate. The action stops, the tail drops and the expression turns to sadness. He makes no further attempt to ingratiate himself. But when I arrive home again the welcome is joyous. The tail is a curled banner and once again all is right with the world.

Life is never dull for or with Shamus. He is a positive force for the maintenance of an optimistic and cheery outlook in all around him.