Ask a Terrier: Semper Canis!
Hey Budleigh!
How cool is it that a new line of postage stamps will honor the military’s working canines? Have you seen them? They feature four breeds often used as military working dogs: German shepherd, Dutch shepherd, Labrador retriever, and Belgian Malinois.
And what about terriers? Are you jealous?
Stay frosty!
Kevin B. and West Point Cadet hopeful Loki
Dear Kevin and Loki,
Jealous? More like envious. Proud, brave, and uncomplaining despite having to wear harnesses, our fearless military warriors are trained in narcotics and explosives detection, search and rescue, security, and tracking.
I can steal socks from the laundry basket, but there seems little call for that skill set. Nonetheless, when I was young, I seriously considered a career in the military. As a shelter dog, I yearned to belong to something bigger than myself. Or at least bigger than my cage.
But while I demonstrated to the recruiter what I thought was appropriate aggressiveness, I lacked the stature, the sheer physical size required. I mean, I was in good shape. But look at those stamps! I’d never be as huge as a German or Dutch shepherd, Labrador retriever, or Belgian Malinois—a breed that is less a canine than a large piece of earthmoving equipment.
Also, I failed the psych tests. Twice.
Though humbled, I’m a steadfast supporter of military working dogs. And surprisingly, so is the U.S. Postal Service whose angry mail carriers would be within their rights to stuff dog-stamped mail down a sewer rather than deliver.
Respect, mail carriers! For now…
Loki, I won’t dissuade you from pursuing a military career. War is unpredictable. Someday enemy skies might be filled with paratrooper Chihuahua peacekeeping forces. I hope world conflict never comes to that. But if it does, post on YouTube!
Meanwhile, take solace and pride in defending the home front. Field mice are implacable adversaries. As are cicadas, voles, and, under certain conditions, sprinkler heads.
And while we must admire the U.S. Postal Service, their actions might just be a feint. Keep your eyes on the mail slot!
Budleigh
My jack russell/beagle mix, Lincoln, protects us from squirrels and lizards on the domestic front. This is his duty and he is proud of his service to his country. Soldier on, dogs!
Wait, Lori! You have a jack russell/beagle mix? Does he wear an ankle monitor? Four ankle monitors? Does he have access to your computer? Bank accounts? Most important, do you ever stop laughing at his antics? Give your little tough guy an extra pat from me and Budleigh. Then make sure to count your fingers. Thanks for reading! dj
He chewed through the ankle monitors. And no, we NEVER stop laughing. He would love to meet Budleigh one day.
Totally amusing (laugh-out-loud funny) and badly needed for these late summer doldrums. You and Budleigh rock!
-failed the psych tests, twice.
-paratrooper Chihuahua peacekeeping forces.
-field mice are implacable adversaries.
Stay frosty!
Thanks for reading, Algteacher! Glad to make you laugh the way Budleigh makes me laugh. dj
Budleigh, don’t feel bad about failing the psych test twice. Heck, I know many humans who have studied all night for a personality test and they still failed. As dogs, I think we are more likely to pass psycho tests than psych tests, anyway. But, don’t lose hope, if military strategies for defeating the enemy ever include “killing them with kindness,” you’re a shoo in.
You pal,
Harper, the lab mix
Big enough to fight, too lazy to care
Budleigh sez:
“Big enough to fight, too lazy to care.” That’s a powerful credo, Harper. As is mine: “Live free, and gimme your toast!”
Stay strong!
B