A Hog a Day Part 9

Daddy took pride in being strict. Β β€œSpare the rod and spoil the child.” Β He was certainly never accused of spoiling the child. Β Many times I heard him say there wasn’t a kid or an animal he couldn’t conquer. Β During his hog-hunting days he acquired a hog-dog he was incredibly proud of. Β Sutter was a black lab/Catahoula Cur mix. Β When sicced on a herd of hogs, Sutter plunged in and fearlessly latched onto the hog’s ear not to be dislodged until the hunter dispatched the hog. Β The poor hog couldn’t slash Sutter as long as he hung on to the ear. Β The dog was in the greatest danger of being bitten as he rushed the hog. Β  Hog-hunting was dangerous for men and dogs. Β I’ve seen Daddy stitch his cut dogs a few times. Β He Β required stitches a time or two, but splurged on a doctor for himself.

Sutter worked cows with Daddy. One day, he chased a calf and pinned it to the ground where he held it by a mangled ear. Β Expecting a kill, he wouldn’t release it. Β Daddy pulled him off the calf, tied him off to a small sapling, and pulled off his belt to strap to him. Β He got a couple of licks in before Sutter changed his belief system. Β The enlarged dog ran Daddy up the sapling where he clung just out of the dog’s reach. Β  At six-foot three and two hundred forty pounds, Daddy was imposing on the tree. Β It dipped from one side to the other as Daddy bounced side-to-side just beyond the snarling dog’s jaws. Β I wondered if somebody would have to shoot Daddy if Sutter latched onto his ear. After a few minutes, Sutter’s temper cooled and he wagged his tail when Daddy spoke to him. Β Daddy climbed down when Sutter seemed to have forgiven him.

Sitter was a very valuable dog. Β Instead of shooting him as I expected, Daddy took the reasonable attitude that he’d handled things badly. Β He and Sutter worked it out and the dog concentrated on hogs from that time forward.

Maybe I should have run Daddy up a tree.

Dear Auntie Linda, August 19, 2015

Auntie Linda

Dear Auntie Linda, My neighbors have gone Down Shore for the summer. Β We have been helping ourselves to their tomatoes and berries since they were going to waste anyway, but their pool is starting to look mighty tempting. Β I don’t believe they have an alarm system set since I’ve tossed a ball over there a couple of times and retrieved it with no problems. Β I’m thinking of slipping over for a little dip after midnight. Β What could it hurt? Β Hot and Bothered

Dear Hot, Β  It sounds like a plan! Β Invite friends! Β Bring Alcohol! Β Make sure you do it on a stormy night. Maybe lightning will strike and enquiring minds will see these headlines in a supermarket rag. Β “Bunch of Bloated Bodies Found Bobbing in ‘Burbin Boil. Β Aliens Feared!” Β Auntie Linda

Dear Auntie Linda, My friends and I are divided over this. Β We enjoy meeting at a local watering hole, but some of us like our drinks a bit stronger than the bartender mixes. Β We’ve let management know. Β Otherwise, it a nice place to meet. Β We love the musicians, the ambiance, and it’s centrally located for everyone. Β We don’t want to move. Β Would it be wrong to discretely bring a little flask to top off weak drinks? Β Love Bar, Not Bartender

Dear Love, Β This will probably get me shot, but I’ve never hesitated to salt my food. If I had to get a packet of salt out of my purse, I would certainly do it. Β That being said, I am quite sure there is a regulation against bringing in a bottle, so I would NEVER encourage lawbreaking. Be sure to tip well! Β Auntie Linda