The Shamus Chronicles: Shamus' Clothes Sense

by Betty Poole

As is the case with so many males of the species, Shamus has developed a very strong taste in clothing. This trait has become particularly noticeable since the Allans moved in next door.

As a matter of course every morning Shamus checks me over from head to foot when I emerge from dressing in the bedroom. I am continually surprised by the extent of his observations, because I am definitely not a clothes horse and as a result, the difference between work scrubbies and going-to-Ganges garb is minimal. But Shamus can tell the difference. If a trip to town is in the wind his reaction is instantaneous in that he leaps to his feet, executes some leaps and circles and joyously heads for the door. From that moment until our departure his impatience to be on the way is raucous and bossy.

But, back to the Allans. Margaret and Geoff are the owners of Bess, a young female sheep dog who would dearly love to be on our side of the fence herding Shamus and his tennis ball. As it is, she is constantly on the alert for a game and accompanies Shamus from her side. Shamus spends much of his day out on our porch scanning the neighborhood for any sign of activity--especially human activity--whether or not it is any of his business. Anyone who happens to stroll along Samuel Crescent is severely reprimanded from the safety of our side of the fence. Bess joins in the chorus. This reaction is understandable if slightly annoying to the innocent walker.

However, when Margaret Allan, whom Shamus knows well, emerges from her house to do a little gardening, Shamus invariably erupts in a storm of barking. Again, later in the day, Margaret is subjected to the same unreasonable treatment.

The reason for Shamus's behavior has finally dawned on me. Margaret, unlike me, is a clothes horse. Even to my unobservant eye, I have been increasingly impressed by the fact that every time Margaret appears upon the scene she is wearing something different. Shamus, being of such an acutely observant nature, thinks that Margaret is all sorts of different strangers encroaching on the property next door, and acts accordingly.

I am grateful that Margaret is of an understanding and forgiving nature and gracefully accepts my apologies for Shamus's rudeness. If she wants peace and quiet she will have to cut back on her taste for variety.