It was about two weeks ago that the young master had the singularly rare pleasure of observing some apparently senseless behavior concerning the dignified Liquorice; rather than displaying his usual talent of being the one observed at such times! It happened when I let Liquorice and Keaton outside one afternoon. They turned completely around on the back verandah to ensure that I too was following them out. Standing parallel to each other Liquorice shook herself, and it was one of those really huge rapturous shakes that Newfoundlands do so well! As she finished Liquorice must have contacted a nearby lightweight plastic chair sending it noisily across the floor, startling Liquorice sending her jumping away in the opposite direction and straight into the placid immovable form of Keaton! Yes Keaton relished that brief moment when his dignity remained intact while Liquorice’s crumbled.
However Keaton’s gentlemanly innocence had the young master restored to his rightful position of reluctant court jester, and in a style most embarrassing and worthy of the “old master”, Buster Keaton, himself!
I was sitting at the computer this afternoon when I heard Keaton disturb. I turned around to see my little man slowly arise from his snooze and enjoy stretching his neck. He had been asleep on the cool tiles of the vestibule floor enjoying the air-conditioning and far removed from the searing heat of the Australian summer. Keaton then looked back at me through the open double doors that lead to my home-office and yawned with all the exuberance of one who thoroughly enjoys such an occupation! The young master then stood up, took a few sleepy steps toward me only to find his path effectively blocked. Stretched out before him on the tiles was slumbering form of Liquorice, her back to Keaton, tummy and legs in my direction. These days Liquorice is a big, big girl, and can no longer accurately be described as a little ball of puppy fluff, except to my eyes, for that is how I still see Liquorice and always will. Keaton surveyed the best way through to receive a deserved ear massage and some assorted hugs, etc. Liquorice was not actually in the doorway however she still managed to block Keaton’s path. Keaton went to Liquorice’s head however there were only a couple of inches to spare, certainly not sufficient to avoid waking his big “sister”. Next he walked lazily to the tail end of gently snoring Liquorice. A little more room however a leafy foliage plant in a large pot hung low over Liquorice’s rear end blocking the young master’s passing once more. He retraced his steps stopping at the middle of Liquorice’s back. Keaton watched intently as Liquorice’s front paws made erratic staccato movements as if in delighted response to some agreeable dream. Now I could easily have solved the young master’s dilemma by simply stepping over Liquorice and delivering his desired cuddles but his thought processes were intriguing me. Clearly Keaton was trying to solve this problem, and without disturbing his “sleeping beauty”. You could see the wheels slowly turning in his mind as he obviously dismissed trying to step over the slumbering Liquorice. Next it was clear that he was measuring height and distances for a possible leap, clearing Liquorice and thus receive his just reward. However the erratic movement of Liquorice’s paws seemed to destroy any thoughts of leaping without risk of disturbing her. Not to be put off he went once more to study the space available between Liquorice’s head and the doorjamb. Not nearly enough, judging by the disappointment on his face. He surveyed her long body spread out before him, then, as if someone flicked on a switch, enlightenment came to the young master! Keaton started off, confident he had found the solution. Keaton had decided to walk between the wall and that foliage plant. Even though it meant navigating a corner behind that pot plant he at least would not step on his ladylove! And that is exactly what Keaton did, crouched down a little to get his huge frame more easily under the foliage, he carefully made his way through the unexplored territory of his private jungle.
And his considerate nature would have been well pleased with the result but for one unexpected flaw in his plans. As he moved under the foliage, the leaves rustled.
Now my little darling Liquorice can sleep through all the standard noises that reach her ears while sleeping inside. Voices, the rattling of dishes, the radio or TV set, telephones, etc, these are all regular and “expected” sounds that fail to disturb my little darling’s slumbers. Some sounds that her subconscious detects, inaudible to the human ear, have Liquorice springing to life full of anticipation. Such sounds as a knife slicing through cheese, or a spoon shallowly scrapping ice cream into curls have the power to draw Liquorice from the deepest of sleeps to be at your side in an instant. Or an unexpected, worrisome sound will have my little darling alert and ready to take on the world in defense of her realm. And one such noise was found to be the unique sound of leaves rustling “inside” her home. So as Keaton, smiling broadly, was about to emerge from the foliage after having awkwardly navigated that corner, Liquorice sprung around. Her sleepy reddened eyes alert for any sign of danger. Her every muscle taut and at the ready to engage evil foe. Her mouth and throat readying to explode in a torrent of her mightiest warning barks! But all Liquorice saw was Keaton. Liquorice froze, motionless for the briefest of time, as her eyes settled on the young master. Keaton shrank from that brief withering stare! Liquorice’s brain quickly digested all the detail of the scene before her. Then, as in disgust, she flopped back down from whence she came. Keaton, for his all his gentlemanly efforts to be considerate of his own sweet girl, was left totally dispirited. You can imagine his emotions. With great ingenuity he devised a way to visit his Dad without stepping on his ladylove. With stealth and agility he maneuvered his hulking body around the obstacle posed by that foliage plant in the corner all for the purpose of allowing Liquorice to slumber peacefully on. Not only had he awakened her, but had done so almost violently! And worse, being sandwiched irrationally between the wall and that pot plant, he had looked a fool in her eyes! All Keaton’s careful plans, kindly intentions and gallant hopes were shattered by the peaceful and gentle rustling of leaves.
It was a despondent Keaton that received his richly deserved cuddles, tummy-rubs and ear-massages. His Dad certainly appreciated his thoughtful effort, even if Liquorice saw the young master still as a foolish pup!
Keaton’s noble intentions could never be explained……….
Arthur Witten
Liquorice – I suppose boys will be boys, but it hardly seems worth the effort!
Keaton – Life can be hard at times.