Bobtail Wilcox
We have two dogs. They are both mostly black and weigh between 60 and 65 pounds. Which one is heavier depends on which day you weigh them. Even with that being true they are as different as night and day. I’ll leave it to you to determine which one earns his keep as I want to keep peace in the house. There are some important distinctions. Last weekend we went out of town and some photos we got from the boarding facility moved me to write this story. Hope you enjoy.
Indiana Jones Wilcox
This is Indy. Mama and Lettie came up with that name. It is short for Indiana Jones Wilcox. Ahhh yes. He is the adventuresome type. I can just see him now battling WW2 Nazi’s like his namesake or swinging across a canyon on a rope. Never mind. The name sticks and it was shortened to Indy of necessity. Each of us can probably remember his mom using all of your names and it was seldom at a good time. There were a lot of those sort of times in Indy’s early life and the name is long.
Indy was represented to be a mix of Rott and Lab. Rottweilers are excellent animals and so are Labs. I cannot see the lab in him so I don’t intend to refer to it again. The Rott was a dog that herded cattle, pulled carts, and was generally useful. The need for military dogs in WW1 established the breed. Wikipedia has a generally useful description here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rottweiler . Indy resembles the dogs in the article just like Paris Hilton does her grandfather Conrad.
To say that this dog is pampered would be an understatement. To fully appreciate such a description one must have something to contrast. The contrast in this case is named Bob.
Indy was represented to be a mix of Rott and Lab. Rottweilers are excellent animals and so are Labs. I cannot see the lab in him so I don’t intend to refer to it again. The Rott was a dog that herded cattle, pulled carts, and was generally useful. The need for military dogs in WW1 established the breed. Wikipedia has a generally useful description here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rottweiler . Indy resembles the dogs in the article just like Paris Hilton does her grandfather Conrad.
To say that this dog is pampered would be an understatement. To fully appreciate such a description one must have something to contrast. The contrast in this case is named Bob.
Bob with his (and our) favorite groomer. Our daughter Lettie.
The counselor at New Caney High School found Bob in a discarded tire alongside community drive.
We have sort of a loose agreement at our house. Mama gets her dog who is primarily content with eating and sleeping or other hedonist ventures. I get my dog that normally stays outdoors and perhaps guards the animals. I had been without a dog since someone shot my old dog Red. Really didn't want another.
This little guy appealed to me as he gave me a demonstration of his good taste as a (possibly) six week old puppy. Whatever - the counselor was sitting there with a puppy and a towel on her lap. The puppy was the reason for the towel. That same puppy reached out and licked my face. It was love but to no good end. Somebody had already claimed him. The next day that somebody returned him because he was too active for her two year old. They just don’t make two year olds like they used to.
I took him home and started researching to see if there was a breed involved or if he was just a mutt. Thick long hair, missing tail, and a couple other things led me to look harder at the Australian Shepard. Other traits since then have confirmed that in my mind. He would be classified as a bi-color but sometimes when the sun is just right the red shines through and he is, just barely, a tri-color. You can take a look for yourself at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Shepherd . You won’t get an argument here is you say he is a mutt but really, all Australian Shepards seem to be.
His full name is Bobtail Wilcox. I think he was born that way which is another Aussie characteristic. He had no scar on the stub at six weeks. I named him bobtail, bob for short for good reason. I knew my wife would hang a moniker on him that just wouldn’t fit. He probably would have been named Wyoming Smith or something if I had let her. If Lettie had chimed in I would have lost for sure.
Andy Wilcox circa 1950
I admit that I may have been predisposed to like this little guy. This is not an antiqued picture of Bob (the tail is probably the only clue).
My older sister and I were sitting on a blanket in the front yard under the shade of a tree when my brother snuck up and dropped a puppy on the blanket with us. She was surprised and screamed. I was only a few months old so naturally I cried and so did the puppy. He put up with me for about 13 years if I recall correctly. His name was Andy. I've often wondered if my folks would have chosen him or me in a pinch. He was a pretty special dog but I (just barely) had seniority.
My older sister and I were sitting on a blanket in the front yard under the shade of a tree when my brother snuck up and dropped a puppy on the blanket with us. She was surprised and screamed. I was only a few months old so naturally I cried and so did the puppy. He put up with me for about 13 years if I recall correctly. His name was Andy. I've often wondered if my folks would have chosen him or me in a pinch. He was a pretty special dog but I (just barely) had seniority.
Bob on duty with part of his flock.
When we moved to Dodge City in 1947 Andy owned the neighborhood. Bob is certainly not a mauler but some characteristic besides a strikingly similar appearance remind me of Andy. Bob was pretty much grounded as a yearling for chewing up a neighbor's swimming pool. Since then he has been charged with Ranch Security. In the summer he spends the heat of the day inside with me but I cannot keep him inside in the winter.
Snow. Who would have thought?
Yes. This is our porch in Conroe and no, he does not have dandruff. It really does snow here sometimes. When it does you just can't get Bob to stay indoors.
Indy on guard.
I appreciate Indy guarding this couch. It is expensive and a recliner couch which is high on my list of things I like. Who knows what would have happened to it without Indy’s constant vigilance. This is his real calling and this is his watch station. If I am outside he is almost sure to be here guarding his post.
I don’t want you to think that Indy does not have some attributes. He will lick you to death if you let him and rumor has it that he absolutely freaks out two pit bulls that reside at the end of the street. One of our family was walking with her chihuahua when the Pits threatened and Indy simply wouldn’t be frightened. Sort of the resident Scoobie Doo. They retreated in frustration. He chased off a very large white dog that had the livestock all in a tizzie. We let him out to run most mornings and that was one of those times. In all honesty I am not sure if either of our dogs know the meaning of fear. I have not seen it.
Deputy Elvis
I hate to have you think that Bob does all the security work by himself. This is Elvis and he is the junior Deputy. When we have to leave for a few days I do not want Bob to face it all alone.
There is now a second Elvis. I can only tell the difference because the second Elvis has a crooked leg. This is the original straight legged deputy Elvis.
Elvis is less effective now. When we first got the ducks Elvis would fight the males. When the geese arrived he became less aggressive. He is older and they are comparatively quite large. He is still vocal when things threaten. You hear him till the geese drown him out. All of the birds back away from the geese.
There is now a second Elvis. I can only tell the difference because the second Elvis has a crooked leg. This is the original straight legged deputy Elvis.
Elvis is less effective now. When we first got the ducks Elvis would fight the males. When the geese arrived he became less aggressive. He is older and they are comparatively quite large. He is still vocal when things threaten. You hear him till the geese drown him out. All of the birds back away from the geese.
Oh Indy, how do you do it?
On the other hand Indy carries the full responsibility for the interior of the house. Just not on extended absences. Here Indy is seen on watch against intruders. He hides like this in a darkened bedroom. I am sure that should a threat present itself that he would pounce like a tiger.... or something. The slightest click of the front door and he is up like a flash.
Bob and the two main security assistants, Mr. and Mrs. Goose.
This is the best addition we made to the security force (other than Bob). You have to look carefully to see Mrs. Goose standing behind Mr. Goose. Sometimes we refer to them as Knothead 1 and 2 or Thing 1 and 2.
When these two became adults we virtually stopped losing chickens in our yard. Chickens still go wandering and not come back but formerly they were abducted during the night. Raccoons and snakes now pretty much stay out of the yard. Somewhere there are a couple pictures of Mr. and Mrs. Goose alerting on a cat who (conveniently) was in a cage. They are fierce. The advantage they have over Bob is that they are not on a leash. Some family members wish they were.
My granddaughters hate them but I just tell them that's tough. When they are willing to sleep in the yard and guard all night they have a chance to dump the geese. If they are willing to work for chicken feed.
When these two became adults we virtually stopped losing chickens in our yard. Chickens still go wandering and not come back but formerly they were abducted during the night. Raccoons and snakes now pretty much stay out of the yard. Somewhere there are a couple pictures of Mr. and Mrs. Goose alerting on a cat who (conveniently) was in a cage. They are fierce. The advantage they have over Bob is that they are not on a leash. Some family members wish they were.
My granddaughters hate them but I just tell them that's tough. When they are willing to sleep in the yard and guard all night they have a chance to dump the geese. If they are willing to work for chicken feed.
Indy and Mr. Goose discussing the facts of life on the farm.
Indy, however, does not actually attempt to maintain a professional relationship with the geese. Here you see Mr. Goose explaining the security seniority system to Indy or some other matter of deep significance.
We tie him to this tree when we make short trips. Frequently when we return his rope is wrapped around the tree and the geese are still visiting to make sure that lessons have been learned. I sincerely wonder how long this situation can endure, however, Mama makes certain that longer trips result in Indy visitinng his friends at the leash and bridle boarding facilities.
We tie him to this tree when we make short trips. Frequently when we return his rope is wrapped around the tree and the geese are still visiting to make sure that lessons have been learned. I sincerely wonder how long this situation can endure, however, Mama makes certain that longer trips result in Indy visitinng his friends at the leash and bridle boarding facilities.
Sit Pretty!!!
Mama has taught him to "sit pretty" and I am certain that serves him in good stead when he is at the boarding facility. We normally get a report card on him that says he's great and his best friends were (list of six dogs). This time around we got pictures and I think I like them even better.
Bob might very well not have any best friends. At least on the first couple visits. Indy has never met a stranger. As you can see from the picture Indy is all about begging. Bob has to decide if he wants what we have to offer. When we were all discussing careers I warned Bob that security is not all that well paying. Indy said if I would make a cardboard sign for him, he would make a fine living on a corner. I think he just might be right.
Bob might very well not have any best friends. At least on the first couple visits. Indy has never met a stranger. As you can see from the picture Indy is all about begging. Bob has to decide if he wants what we have to offer. When we were all discussing careers I warned Bob that security is not all that well paying. Indy said if I would make a cardboard sign for him, he would make a fine living on a corner. I think he just might be right.
Playboy Indy and Leash and Bridle
Here is Indy swimming with some blond while mama and I were in Henderson. These are the two pictures I told you we got instead of a report card.
Same as above except dryer.
Same two critters. If this seems sort of playboy..ish to you, please know that I agree.
Indy investigating the scene of the crime?
As you can see Indy does have some investigatory techniques down pat. He is a dandy with his custom leash. Compare this leash to the blue collar leash Bob is wearing in the first picture.
Actually, if requested I can show how to make a custom leash in such a fashion. All you need is access to used hay bales. It's a bit fancy now with the blue and green threads but not as foppish as this leather job on Indy.
Actually, if requested I can show how to make a custom leash in such a fashion. All you need is access to used hay bales. It's a bit fancy now with the blue and green threads but not as foppish as this leather job on Indy.
A very stylish and shorn Bob.
Bob asked me not to show this picture but I just had too. Can’t have everyone thinking he is all business and no style.
Lettie just finished his annual haircut at the time of this picture, so I expect it was taken in April. It doesn’t stay smooth like this for long.
Lettie just finished his annual haircut at the time of this picture, so I expect it was taken in April. It doesn’t stay smooth like this for long.
Who has the bill of lading?
I tell you that his zest for duty is just insatiable. Here we have him guarding a very valuable cargo. A half ton of rock and two broken rakes. Waste not - want not.
With the immense popularity of the Nissan Cube as you can imagine the theft rate has soared. I wouldn’t think of parking in a strange lot without Bob guarding the car. Security is a very demanding business. When other duties occur I will update the blog.
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