Wednesday, September 23, 2009

UNDERDOG

A brave guard dog who always displays protective courage. One who charges at danger with the speed of lighting and roar of thunder. A fighting canine who will chase away those who rob and plunder. A dog who makes any frail farm chick feel warm and all fuzzily safe just known' her trusty companion is near. These traits may describe Underdog but Tiger the Wonder Dog....... they are NOT!

Several years ago shortly after our beloved Scampy passed of old age a tiny stray showed up timidly cowering under the cottage gardens' walkway. I wanted to find another home for this scraggly hungry pup and pick out a 'real' dog but Hubby had other ideas. I can still hear his words, "ya need a dog for protection when I am out on the truck." Yes, I had to agree. I spent much time alone with me, myself and I. We enjoyed each others company while Hubby was away. I did need a good aggressive watch dog. Hubby went on to state what a good cow dog this puppy would make. I was used to Scampy who would stand between me and the stranger who stopped by. Scampy who always barked when someone drove in or walked toward my door. Scampy who we could judge our daughters young courtiers by. She had bit through cowboy boots and even chewed at the tires of their pick-up trucks if she didn't trust the young gents with our sweet girl. Oh, that dog was a marvelous judge of character! Scampy often singed her mouth and fur saving us from our blazing fireworks by grabbing the lit explosive and running through the field with it to prevent her family from harm. Finally, I surrendered naming the little stray Tiger in hopes he would live up to his boldly ferocious name.

Tiger grew up morphing into a fine looking dog. He looks very strong and mighty. He looks like he would be the territorial protector of his home and family. Well folks, let me tell ya...looks could not be more deceiving. It's quite embarrassing to admit how very wimpy this dog is. Tiger is not a cow dog, so not a worker of the cattle. In fact he chases them along with cars. He rarely barks when we have someone come but we can always count on him barking as they leave. If a stray dog visits you can find Tiger shaking like a paint mixer under the car watching the visitor devour his kibbles. Wildlife in our yard is not chased away by our brave pup as he chooses to let them dine also. We have everything from armadillos to cougars and bears 'round these parts. In the mix of all these critters trembles Tiger the Wonder Dog.

I must brag a little. May I? I'm throwing out my chest poppin' my buttons here. Enjoy this, bragging rarely happens when it comes to my beloved pet. There was one time last summer when I was going to burn trash Tiger showed his one and only burst of boldness. As I opened the gate to walk to the trash barrel, Tiger bolted by me with mighty speed almost knocking this chick off her feet. He boldly streaked past me around the barrel gabbing a raccoon who was obviously ill by the neck carrying it away from me. Tiger made sure the 'coon was demised before he returned for praise and a pat on the head. The sick raccoon probably was rabid. Uncharacteristically he saved me that warm summer day. One bout of bravery our Tiger the Wonder Dog has on his resume but no one will ever mistake him for the fearless "Underdog!"
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38 comments:

  1. Tiger is just like my Sam, a quiet storm. You know that he may not show the ferociousness on the outside but when the need arises, I'm sure Tiger is going to be one hero!! He's so cute!

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  2. I'd say tiger earned his keep with the raccoon. You've gotta love the dogs that choose you and that sounds like what tiger did, just when you lost Scampy. Seems like you both made a good choice.

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  3. He came through when he was really needed! He sounds pretty heroic to me! :)

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  4. Awww....pat him on the head for me. Dang coons, they are a pain! That coon probably did have rabies...so scary. It is so common for them to get it.

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  5. It's so wonderful when us, animal lovers, find each other, in life and on line. The love of our pets is so wonderful that we can't stop ourselves from talking about it.
    Thank you for the beautiful story.

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  6. Hi Nezzy--

    Good to see a post from you! Tiger the Wonder Dog must be the type to save the best for the worst times. Good Boy!

    Melinda

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  7. Thanks for the laugh! My dog is much the same but I try not to tell anyone because she at least looks big and intimidating. She does have this strange way of greeting people with kind of a half howl, half growl sound. Call me bad, but I love seeing the looks on their faces.

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  8. Pets are so very wonderful. And there aren't two alike in the entire world-even if they are related.

    Until later -Ruff- Ruff - sorry I couldn't resist. -Teresa

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  9. Tiger sounds like a dog you'd want to scoop up and give a cuddle to. :)

    By the way, instead of writing down here all about mooncakes, I'd direct you to a link on a fellow blogger's site where she explained all about the story behind mooncakes. Here it is:

    http://ofmiceandramen.blogspot.com/2009/08/moon-cake-festival.html

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  10. I suppose Tiger could be trained to do whatever you expect him to. I've seen a retired gym teacher training her quite ordinary looking dog into being her partner in ball games. He runs after the ball, throws it back to her and barks at passers by as a warning not to interfere with the game.

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  11. See...he was just saving up for when he knew you REALLY needed him!! Cute pup is he!!!

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  12. LOL! I'll gladly trade one of my barking dogs for your Tiger at the moment! Honestly, they bark at US driving into the yard, silly pooches....

    Blessings,
    Tammy ~@~

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  13. Arghhh he sounds like a doll. I want one!

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  14. roscoe wasn't a terrific guard dog, either. he barked at the foxes in the woods who tormented him and the neighbors yippy little dog, but at nothing else.

    i think tiger redeemed himself, though, by saving you from the raccoon. i'll never forget the time david got chased by a rabid skunk when we lived in the country...

    (okay, i'm going to attempt to post a comment on my school computer...)

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  15. He's a pretty little thing even if he is skittish. My grandma is doing better, thank you. The first few days she went back and forth, but I talked to her yesterday and the swelling due to her congestive heart failure had gone down quite a bit. I really appreciate you asking, though! Have a beautiful, blessed day!

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  16. Enjoyed the visit and the post!!

    Happy Fall! Hope to see you soon.

    Diana

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  17. Hey Nezzy! I accidently commented from my photog blog last night - Addicted to the Click...

    Just wanted you to know it was me!! Hugs to you and many, many sweet, peaceful blessings!

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  18. Chuckle! Reminds me of our Doberman, the fearless guard dog ... NOT!!!! If you said BOO he'd stand there & shake like a leaf with his fur leaving mounds on the floor. Go figure ...

    Love your story, Nezzy.

    Have a great weekend. TTFN ~Marydon
    PS TY for the nice words today.

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  19. What a great story -- He earned his keep that day!

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  20. Sounds like a sweet pup. Did you ever get him a companion (cow) dog? Loved your paint mixer simile...

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  21. How darling! What a wonderful (and cute) doggie you have!

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  22. Adorable story! Looks like a great dog. xoxo

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  23. LOL!! Oh, Nezzy how real! I'm puppysitting for my son's girlfriend, and what a sad whimpy pup. Don't have to worry about territorial attitude though:)

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  24. Awww poor Tiger! (I do love that pic of him though, just adorable!)

    Our Ringo barks when someone pulls in our drive (the UPS guy or FedEx guy) BUT he runs away with his tail between his legs!! Thanks Ringo, that really scares off intruders! NOT.

    But he's really good at keeping the wildlife away, I will give him that. He is constantly killing rats and mice (I think the cats taught him this trick) and he's even damaged a few opossums that probably tried to steal his dog food!

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  25. Wonderful story of Tiger! Your four footed friend has become a hero after all.

    Cheers!
    Julie
    Julie Magers Soulen Photography
    Blog of Note

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  26. Hi Nezzy,
    That little dog is exactly the kind of dog my hubby would pick! Such a cutie and he does have a brave streak after all! Have a great week-end, and look out for those critters! Hugs, Cindy

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  27. Ahhhh....I adore your sweet dog..he does have some hero qualities after all! I so enjoy your stories...they are the best!

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  28. ....and then there is my little dog that tries to fight every man and beast that comes into the yard~~~your dog sounds much more pleasant!
    count your blessings. :)

    very funny and well-written post nezzie!

    i sure could have used you on deep clean friday...my little ones pitched in to help though.

    have a wonderful weekend.

    chas

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  29. I'm glad he saved you from the racoon :)

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  30. Your story about Tiger and comparing him to Scampy is very cute and made me smile.
    Thanks for the upbeat tale.

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  31. Give Tiger a big dog treat from me! I always have a soft spot for a good dog. Sounds like he's a keeper. Traci

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  32. Tiger the Wonder Dog - this is a story that will stick with me for a long, long time. You've got yourself a winner, there, Nezzy. Long live Tiger the Wonder Dog!

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  33. I think Tiger is saving it all up for special occasions.

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  34. Hi Nezzy! Thank you for the visit on my site. Looks like Tiger and Megs would make a great pair. There is just something about strays that are soooo special. Blessings your way Nezzy

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