This afternoon we were watching Liquorice and Keaton at play on the back lawn. They were battling for possession of an old shoe that now belongs to them. Over recent months that once comfortable footwear has deteriorated to the point where it is hardly recognizable as a shoe, however it still provides my little darlings with hours of fun. They would chase each other around the lawn, sometimes both holding on to the “prize” as they ran. Other times they would play tug-o-war with it, hence the present unrecognizable form! No matter how hard the young master pulls he is no match for big Liquorice! But that does not stop Keaton from trying. He would pull his hardest and Liquorice would just stand there resisting his best efforts for a time. Then she would walk backwards with the shoe, dragging a poor and reluctant Keaton as she went! Sometimes she would permit him a “win”, and allow herself to be “dragged” along by Keaton. Very nice and considerate of her! However once there this afternoon Liquorice was lying comfortably on the grass, shoe in mouth. Attached to the shoe was Keaton, pulling with all his puppy might to wrest that “treasure” from Liquorice. He would move from side to side or shake his head to loosen her grip, but to no avail! With Liquorice lying like that, he had no chance at all! Keaton was his most determined self. And when the young master was pulling his hardest and leaning back for greater purchase, Liquorice simply opened her mouth! Keaton flopped back – straight down on his fluffy butt! He looked totally shocked and bewildered! Liquorice just looked at him. My little darling has a sense of humor!
And she has often caught me that way too!
Liquorice does not quite get it all her own way now that Keaton has developed a new “technique” for battling Liquorice during their romps and wrestles. He waits until Liquorice is excited and powering at speed in circuits about the lawn, and he stops, waiting for her to charge him. When she is almost upon him, Keaton does a little leap in the air, pirouetting 180 degrees at the same time. This enables him to use his considerable butt to slam into Liquorice sideways! His rear end “connects” harmlessly with Liquorice’s shoulders or ribs and Liquorice simply does another circle and comes at him again! He can be a cheeky little fellow at times!
Arthur Witten
Liquorice – My males are so dumb!
Keaton – At least I won that shoe!