Keaton’s muscular young body transported me a great distance this afternoon. The journey was far though not one measured by miles. This journey was measured by decades for as I was wrestling with the young master, I became a small boy again, at play with his puppy! Several glances were cast at Liquorice inviting her to join in the rough and tumble, with her declining each time. Liquorice sat with quiet dignity, a few feet away, indulgently looking on with a maternal pride as her two boys enjoyed their afternoon romp. It was only minutes of childlike splendor, however what wonderful minutes they were! Then suddenly Keaton snuffled in preparation of a sneeze. Quickly I rolled the young master on his side facing away from me, for in that instant the decades returned along with many memories of being “spray-painted” by past Newfie sneezes! The young master harmlessly let fly in the other direction, then tried to regain his feet but Liquorice took the opportunity to pounce! They wrestled. Now that young Keaton is a year old and growing stronger by the day he was, in due course, able to regain his feet and flee, putting only a few yards between Liquorice and himself before stopping. Liquorice and Keaton faced each other. A standoff. Liquorice took a tentative step toward our Landseer boy. Keaton was having none of that and jauntily jogged off on a circuit of the back lawn. And this was no common ordinary jog for Keaton either! There was gaiety in his stride, a light-hearted cheerfulness took control of him resulting in the oddest gait imaginable! His front legs did not just move forward, they propelled his entire front end high in the air, almost leaping. And as his front came down, paws landing softly on the grass his rear end would suddenly spring high in the air. This movement was repeated over and over as Keaton made his way around the lawn, showing off like a some great Arab stallion, but appearing more like a black and white “see-saw” than anything else! Liquorice decided to sit to watch the young master’s display of athleticism. Eventually Keaton neared the end of his circuit passing in front of Liquorice. As he drew level with my little darling she raised a huge front paw and “swatted” the young master mid-stride! Keaton allowed himself to tumble down under the imagined weight of Liquorice’s paw. They playfully wrestled, and then wrestled some more. It was now my turn to look on indulgently, with “paternal” pride, at my two kids at play.
Arthur Witten
Liquorice – My turn now!
Keaton – Wow! Two playmates, no waiting!