Border Collies Just Want to Have Fun

Stumbling upon the dog agility competition on TV was a delightful surprise. I was captivated by the event from start to finish, as it evoked fond memories of our beloved border collies. We had the privilege of caring for two remarkable dogs – a tri-color male that we raised from a pup, and a red and white female who had already experienced the joys of motherhood many times when she joined our family.

The dog’s coat was a deep, reddish-brown hue, though it was often referred to simply as “red.” While not as swift as many border collies, the dog had endured numerous challenging years. Despite these differences, the dog was still a quintessential border collie in many ways.

We used to take both of them out on the street, and my wife would get about fifty feet away from me under the pretense of a race. The idea was for me to say, “1, 2, 3, go.” However, the moment I said “1,” the old girl would take off. She cheated, and she knew it.

The young tri-colored dog patiently waited for the signal, even though he suspected his opponent was getting an unfair advantage. Undeterred, he quickly surpassed her once the race began. She always had a confident smile, knowing she had gained an early lead. However, the determined dog smiled back, satisfied that he had ultimately overtaken her.

Molly, the shorter of the two friends, would playfully dart ahead of her taller companion when entering through the front door, slipping underneath with a mischievous grin. Despite their physical differences, the two remained the closest of friends, their bond unshaken by such lighthearted antics.

The one thing of the competition that reminded us of our dogs was the border collies in the competition. Every one of them had big smiles on their faces as they went through the weave poles. They knew they were doing it right and they were having fun doing it.

If nothing else, may it ever be said, border collies just want to have fun, even if they cheat to do it.

I would get two more border collies if I could, but for two reasons. At our age, we would not be able to keep up with them. And they would likely outlive us, which would leave them orphaned.

HOT DOG!

It is not a mistake that people use the term to express that something good just happened. I mean, any kid, when something good happens, they will exclaim, “HOT DOG!”

However, let us go back to the source of the interjection. We need to face it. Hot dogs are one of a child’s favorite form of sustenance. I guess, in a way, that makes me one of the oldest ever kids. Love hot dogs in almost any form. Incidentally, drop that hot dog in corn meal and deep fry it, and it all gets more so. I mean, who in their right mind can resist a corn dog. Bad thing is, the Kristal’s nearby has stopped serving them. That is not fair.

When I was just a little lad, a hot dog was a hot dog. I could eat them plain; with mustard, ketchup and mustard. My favorite, which will offend some, the works which included mayonnaise. Immediately after posting this, I am sure there will be those who will want to raise their indignations. However, as much as I have a freedom of speech, I also have a freedom of how I eat hot dogs.

However, it is more, far more than that. I would guess there are close to a dozen ways of cooking them. When a kid at home, the way we cooked them, it usually just meant tossing them in boiling hot water for a while. However, they can be roasted over an open flame. I think that is my favorite. Then there are those machines with multiple rollers that cook them slow and very evenly. Yeah. I like that kind too.

My mouth waters as I think of it. There is the lazy man’s way. I cut them in half and heat them in a frying pan, fist insides then outside. If I can, I will put them on a bun. On the other hand, if all I have is sliced bread, I make a sandwich out of them. Not as good, but still good.

Did you know that you can heat them in a microwave very quickly. Maybe not the best tasting, but, you know, some of us kids get impatient. Incidentally, good for when you have a crowd of kids around. Let’s face it. Unlike us older kids, they aren’t so picky.

Then, I guess there have to be dozens of types of hot dogs. If you don’t believe me, just take a gander through them at your supermarket. There are beef, turkey, sausages of various types and the list goes on. Moreover, there are places that actually specialize in various hot dogs. There used to be one in Memphis, which the family and I went frequented. When we went to the mall, it was the first place we went. The four of us always looked forward to it. The problem was that we all ate so fast that they never lasted nearly long enough.

Now, you might wonder, just why it is I am writing this. I have this really strong longing for a couple of hot dogs, yes with mayonnaise and the works and we’ve run out of them. It will have to wait until the stores open, a little longer. As a kid, I can’t wait. You know. No kid can ever wait, you know.

Whistles

The Dog Whistle?

I don’t know exactly when they started using the term but it would seem that it was used far more commonly by the dems. I don’t know exactly know what is meant by it, other than that what I have extracted from context.

Well, actually, I do know what a dog whistle is. I learned about them while in junior high, which was a while or two ago. Truth be told, there are two types. One is cylindrical and when you blow on it, only the dogs, and I guess other animals, can hear it. I suppose they can be used for training but mostly it is used for beckoning. When the owner blows on it, the dog comes running.

The other has something of a flat shape to it, almost with the appearance of a small shape of a bird. The sound it makes can be heard by most everyone and is almost totally used for training, especially for herding dogs.

Then too, I have seen people use noting more than their thumb and forefinger and it works just as good, maybe a little better as the dog gets used the his owners pitch.

The whistling saves a lot of yelling. The shepherd can tell the dog what to do from, easily a quarter mile away. One shepherd and a couple of dogs can control hundreds of sheep this way. And guess what? The dogs love it. Border collies, German shepherds, and many other dogs love the work. I have heard some say that it is cruel to expose a border collie to sheep and then never let them work. It is akin to torture. Don’t know. Just been told.

If you have never had the chance to see a shepherd work with his dog(s), you might take a few minutes to watch it once, maybe three times. If you see it enough, you might even decide to take it up. If you do, you will make a dog very happy. If you keep your eyes open, occasionally, you will see a competition advertised. Bring your camera.

So, getting back to what the dems mean by a dog whistle. I would guess this refers to how the controllers in the democrat party control their people. It does seem a bad way to refer to people, as dogs. They can’t possibly be referring to the leadership in the Republican party as using dog whistles. First, they don’t try to use whistles to control the members of the party. Second, it wouldn’t work. The republicans are not mindless robots as are the dems. They actually have minds of their own and do what they believe to be right. From time to time it is a problem. We simply refuse to march in lockstep as the dems do so it does become a problem from time to time to get a good bill passed.

On the other hand, the dems have no problem passing one of their bad bills. All they need to do is use a little threat, a little enticement and they will all fall into the place they are assigned. Anyone that doesn’t, will not ever be in the good graces of the dems again, which means they will never again receive any of that lovely campaign money. Moreover, they will likely get primaried the election.

So, I would say, if anyone is familiar with the use of dog whistles, it would be the dems. Then, I don’t need to tell you. I don’t need to convince you. All you need do is keep your eyes open.

One thing I do know. I do not answer to dog whistles. I would hope you don’t either. I mean, God did give you a mind with which to think.

Both

No problem making a decision there. My two big dogs might have saved my life when someone broke into my house while armed with a .45. It is a shame they are no longer with us. Both had cancer really bad.

If you are having problems with mice, get a cat. Betterer and fasterer than any mouse trap. I guess, on the other hand, you can call an exterminator. However, they cost money and they aren’t as effective. Since we got our cat, the mice all play somewhere else. Besides, it’s fun to watch cats chase lasers.

There is one problem with the cat. The instant I sit at the computer, she wants to jump up in my lap. It does make it a little difficult to get any work done. Ironically, I noticed the other day, she likes to chase the mouse… pointer on the screen. When I move the pointer around, she can get vicious with the screen. I have tried to explain that it wasn’t a real mouse, but, as with most cats, she isn’t much good at listening unless she wants to.

If I had a few million dollars, I would have a large yard and at least 4 dogs and 4 cats. Plain old house cats are fine, but I would want the dogs to be border collies. There would be a little problem with the border collies. I would have to hire someone just to keep them busy. I’m getting too old to do it myself.

Still, they are a joy to watch and they are just so smart.

Daily writing prompt
Dogs or cats?

I Suppose it is a Matter of Time

As with most, I like dogs, especially border collies. Then again there are those who get angry when you group border collies with dogs.

Regardless, it is something about timing. Had I been born a century earlier I’m sure I would prefer a horse. Walking is no fun.

I know it’s not a direct answer. Still, I guess things do very. A border collie would be pretty handy if I hearded sheep. Not only that, I would have a happy dog. Nothing makes a border collies happier than a few sheep.

Thing is, being 76, it would be a bad idea to get any animals. I could drop over and orphan them at any time.

Even so, we have a few felines. They keep me from floating up off my recliner while I’m napping. I guess that serves an important purpose.

Bloganuary writing prompt
What is your favorite animal?

I Like Pizza

That in itself won’t surprise many. What might confuse a few is that one of my most favorite places to get pizza is Subway. About every 10th visit, I will order one of the personal size pizzas.

Certainly, the biggest advantage is that if there are 10 of you, each can have their pizza made to order, or of course, a Subway sandwich. The pizza will be burn your tongue hot. In my youth, I would have enjoyed two of them. These days I do well to finish one.

My wife hates onions and bell peppers. At Subway, I get to have both on my pizza while she need only tolerate the aroma.

Oh, did I mention. Hardly any wait. Far less than a Big Mac.

Incidentally, sometimes I enjoy a good tuna salad. It does more than look good.

My aapologies if I’ve made you hungry. Just figured you should know.