The Shamus Chronicles: Shamus Again

By Betty Poole

Shamus' talents and know-how will never cease!

The utility room in my little cottage is at the far end of the house and is somewhat isolated. When the phone rings or when someone comes to the door, and I am putting on a wash or excavating in the freezer, I am completely oblivious to anything going on in the rest of the house.

Just yesterday Tracey, my youngest daughter, came looking for me. Shamus greeted her at the front door. As I was nowhere to be seen, Tracey asked Shamus "Where's Mom?" Shamus led her to the utility room.

And this evening while we were out on the lawn having a ball game, Shamus missed a stray pitch and the ball went through the fence and into the St. Johns Wort on the boulevard. I told him he would have to go out the gate to find it. He ran to the side gate which leads into my neighbour's property. I corrected him and told him "No, the other gate". He immediately ran over to the driveway and down to the big double gate which leads to the road and the boulevard. He had the ball in a matter of seconds.

I am considering teaching him the names of the garden tools - like rake, hoe and spade. Of course he may know them already - I haven't thought to test him. If he can't wield them, at least he can bring them to me on command.

I will keep you posted.