Liquorice always becomes overly excited whenever I take our wheelie bins (for garbage and recycling) from her home to the road, some 200 yards away. Or return with them!
They make a loud “drumming” sound as they are dragged along our rough track. That unusual sound sends my little darling into rare displays of energetic frenzy, racing around in huge circles! And each circuit is completed with Liquorice returning to “attack” the wheels of the bin, yet again, lifting a wheel and dragging with me, or simply toppling the bin over. Fortunately we generate little garbage so the bin is rarely more than half full, therefore spills are rare. Liquorice’s excitement rouses Keaton who tries to keep up with Liquorice, and these days he can do it too!
For Liquorice those noisy wheelie bins are serious business!
Keaton sees only an occasion for play!
Forgetting previous failed attempts and waiting his opportunity he will leap into the path of the charging Liquorice! Now Liquorice is a big girl, and powers along with all the unstoppable might of a locomotive. The result inevitably is that Keaton bounces off Liquorice who continues on regardless, unmoved and probably unaware of the young master’s efforts. Other times he will grab a mouthful of Liquorice’s coat, as she flies past, and hangs on until his legs can no longer keep pace with the speeding Liquorice! Keaton usually ends up on his side or back, dignity lost, but ever eager to try again!
And try again he does!
This morning, while bringing the bins in, Keaton again lost his dignity and with even greater flair than usual.
Liquorice was powering about the place in her customary fashion on these occasions when Keaton, coming from her left, gave a little leap in the air raising his front half apparently to avoid the collision. Almost worked too! Only our no-longer-little boy came down across Liquorice’s shoulders! Did that stop my little darling? No! Liquorice powered on for several more yards with Keaton see-sawing one way then back the other as alternatively his front paws touched ground on one side of Liquorice and his back paws the other side as my little darling continued to stride out! Nothing Keaton could do except look foolish and enjoy the passing scenery! Liquorice appeared not to notice her unauthorized passenger however after a few yards she stopped suddenly, lowering her head at the same time! Keaton was unceremoniously dumped forward, down my little darling’s neck and sprawled out before her! Liquorice barely broke her stride during this procedure simply bounding over Keaton’s bewildered body and continuing on her way!
Poor Keaton, he did not have a clue what had gone wrong, however he will not be trying that tactic again!
Arthur Witten
Liquorice – Fares please!
Keaton – People are right, she does needs a saddle!