A Bedtime Story at The Black Rose Ranch
Once upon a time ago there were 7 dogs and 2 cats. Four of the dogs and the cats lived in the house with their owner. The other three dogs lived outside because they prefered to. Once in a while the owner let them in for a few minutes to reaquaint them with the other animals. Then out they went because they were happier out there.
The dogs who lived inside were Colly, a 16 year old female Boxer. Charlie, a female
Beagle. Gloria, a 6 month old female Catahula, who thought she was a pug, and Bobo, a
two and a half year old female Pug, who thought she was a Catahoula. Gloria was so large
at 6 months that when she sprawled lengthwise on the couch, her paws and head touched
either end. Bobo, however, at only 17 pounds, and one quarter the size of Gloria, was a
terror, having learned the ways of the extremely intelligent, and aggressive ways of Gloria.
But they were inseparable. There was never a peacful moment in the house whenever Gloria
and Bobo were there. Either playfighting, playing or tormenting the other two dogs and
sometimes the owner. Yet they were lovable. Bobo, whenever chance she had would jump
upon her masters lap, and ask to either be petted or played with. Gloria, tried this but was
not too successful. She’d get halfway upon a lap, but would fit no further.
Colly, the old boxer, was, in her heyday quite a fine example of a beautiful dog, shiny brown
and tan coat, playful, and a loyal pet. Now, at nearly 17 years of age, she no longer had the
same agility. However, although she was burdened with arthritis, deaf, and a number of
other ails, she never the less, was the same loyal dog that she was many years ago.
Charlie, the beagle, and the favorite of the owner, was a grumpy and spoiled, seldom playing
with the other dogs, she however tolerated them, and they did the same. It was known that
Charlie’s former owner beat her and treated her mercilessly, thus she was frightened of
strangers untill she got to know them better
Bear, a huge two and a half year old monster of a catahoula was the leader of the outside
pack, which consists of his twin sister Elizabeth, and a 17 year old female golden retriever.
All these dogs were docile during the daylight hours, greeting all strangers with tails
wagging, and begging for any petting that was offered. The was no hint of a mean streak in
any of their bodies, during the daytime. But, it was not the same at night, where the dogs
would probably turn into killers of anyone who dared to enter their domain without
persmission.
Cinderella, was a 17 year old Tortoise Shell, shy, but in wonderful shape for her age.
Thimble a young black and white bobtail manx, beautiful cat, was a bit more aggressive. All
the dogs tolerated the cats and the cats tolerated all the dogs, except for one, Colly, the boxer.
She didn’t like, or maybe didn’t understand what a cat was. Never seen one until she moved
to this location. So maybe? The cats and the dogs, except for Colly occasionally played with
each other and slept near one other, but not Colly, The cats would have to sneak around and
make sure the way was clear if they wanted to go from one room to another or just do some
exploring. Bobo and the cats never fought each other. It was simply a matter of a hiss or a
growl, and thats the way it was.
to be continued