Dogs in My Life

by Jim Pascoe (b.1932 d.2022), Cranbrook Station, Dubbo NSW

Most men have one, though others have more
I’ve heard of some had three or four.
Now as you know I’ve not gone plural
And I’ve been happy mid scenes rural.
So if I’ve missed with just one wife
I’ll tell you now, of

How clearly I recall when I was just a boy
The pack of hunting dogs we kept,
The rabbits, to destroy
Their breeds and shapes were many
And their speeds and skills did vary
But woe betide all creatures moving,
Especially if their hides were furry.

With Spring and Blue and Dargo,
And Ninety-nine and Spot
Old Black and White was really great at
Catching in the squat.

When chasing Spring would turn them,
Soon the skin would be on wire
Old Kelly straggling up would fight
His prize he’d soon acquire.

I could tell more of hunting dogs
Though here I’ll draw the rein
I now will speak of sheep dogs
The marvels I did train.
It’s much the same as teaching kids
You don’t need too much boot
The only difference seems to be
Your failures you may shoot.

My first was Floss – a chocolate brown
We did the Shows from town to town
The ribbons won would make a rug
Though work the sheep
“Not me you mug’!

Now Floss had pups, some three no less
Old Bill, and Trix and dear old Bess.
The all had style, would cast a mile
Could work all day, and still they’d smile.

I’ll not forget my Red dog’s reign,
To catch a sheep was his domain.
A lambing ewe, those fly-struck too,
He’d hold them fast and wait for you.

Most people keep a Lab for gun,
Though our one Josie worked sheep for fun.
When catching seep that had the fly,
She waited till she heard the cry,
“GO GET THE STUFF”, and off she’d trip
Come waddling back with can of dip.

“Please Jim we hope you’ll try;
Extend yourself and you can buy,
From Tom and Joan a lovely pup”,
One dollar to a worthy group.
Of all my dogs she’s been the best,
We call her Lass, you would have guessed.
Through all these years so loyal and keen;
What just rewards at seventeen?

As each dog goes a chapter ends,
It’s part of life, some straights; some bends;
Yet I’m quite sure where ‘ere I go,
I’ll have good pals in heat or snow.