Letter From Gunny to his Mom
July 8, 1996
Dear Mom,
I had to write to tell you about an adventure I had. Well, it wasn't like some of my other adventures. I mean I didn't get hit by a car and I didn't get stuck on a ceiling rafter but it was a little surprising.
I was out in the side yard with Skate, China, and Exis (she makes me breathless) over the 4th of July holiday. It was pretty hot out and I was tired of lying in the dirt under Dee's trailer and Mike's boat. I wanted to go in the house. Storey was there all by herself for the weekend 'cause Mike and Robby were off camping in the woods. I know the house was cool because when I looked in the dogroom window I could feel the rush of cool air. It felt really good, but the window was only cracked and I couldn't fit through it. Some kids in the neighborhood started popping off a few firecrackers. It hurt my ears. Exis didn't like it either.
I decided to try and get into the backyard. That way I could let Storey know we were unhappy out here -- of course that bully baby brother of mine, Skate, didn't care. Sometimes I think he's stupid, but then I think he's just so insensitive he acts stupid. China kept telling me I'd get in trouble, but she's always worried about that. I noticed the window to the room with my bathtub in it was open. That room opens up to the backyard! So I jumped through it! Darned if the door wasn't closed. And the ramp was put away so I couldn't get back up into the tub to get back out. Actually, the floor is concrete and it was a lot cooler than the dirt so I wasn't uncomfortable or anything, but Exis was still out in the side yard and I was stuck!
After a while Storey came out to check on us and to take Exis somewhere with her. Of course she noticed right away that I was gone. She called and called for me. I didn't bark because she doesn't like it when I do. Then she walked over to the window from outside and peeked in (I hid!). She closed the window! I heard her check the sheds and the yard gates. Then she came through the gate and opened the door. I was happy to see her. She was happy to see me too! She called me "Funny Gunny." Isn't she clever to have found me?! Exis thought the whole thing was pretty funny. And best of all Storey brought us all inside out of the heat. Then she took Exis somewhere with her. When they came back I heard her tell Exis she would never have to leave Black Rock again. I'm not quite sure what that means but I know it means I get to see Exis a lot!
Later, Storey gave us all a skin deep brushing out --you should have seen all the hair that came off that pig brother of mine! Opps, sorry Mom. I know I shouldn't talk like that about him but he so rough. And look how he treats you. He won't even lie still while Storey is brushing him. She has to put her leg over his head so she can work on his flanks. Not me! I just stretch out and make those little sighing sounds that let her know I'm very relaxed and enjoying her efforts.
I had to have another allergy shot last week. I don't like them, but man are they working good. I feel really good and the hair on my legs is almost as long as yours. No more ear-aches either.
We have an ASCA show coming up in two weeks. Storey says I might finish my second championship there.
Those puppies that were here before you left are still here. I think one of them is staying. It's getting a little boy crowded around here -- well, not exactly ALL boys -- not since Skate got whacked! Haha he deserved it! Say, I heard that Skate's Rottie girlfriend is going to have her puppies cut out of her. YUCK. She's OK though. Storey went to the vet with her and her owner to see the puppies on an ultrasound machine. There were about three of them and they were fine, but I guess they are having trouble getting born.
Well the backyard neighbor kids are coming out to play so I'd better go bark at them I'm working hard at taking over in your absence Mom, but don't forget me in all your travels.
Your loving son,
Gunny
