(The Blue Sky Press, 2006)
There are many splendidly trained pooches. Ones that sit, stay, heel and vacuum the
living room. These dogs have never been
raised by me. Or, presumably, by David
Shannon. The author/illustrator of the
popular “David” books (e.g., No, David!; David
Goes to School) has a West Highland terrier named Fergus who is as
challenged by rules and expectations as dear David.
At the outset, Fergus charges out the door, in hot pursuit
of a cat. Fergus can’t get the cat and
the owner can’t get Fergus. Calling and
coaxing do not work.
Okay, Fergie, time to
go in. Come here, Ferg. C’mon boy.
FERGUS, COME! Here Fergie,
Fergie, Fergie! FERGUS MacLAGGAN! YOU COME HERE RIGHT NOW! Please, Ferg.
Come on. Let’s go, boy!
Whoo boy, you know someone’s going to be in the
doghouse. No treat for you, Ferg. But, of course, charmer that little Fergus
is, he gets the treat and the prime spot on the sofa. Some dogs just know how to rule rather than
follow rules. Let the “smart” border
collies dazzle with their obedience. And
let Good Boy, Fergus! Impress and
reassure all the failed dog trainers out there.
My son was totally a "No, David" kind of kid when he was younger, and I suspect our dog is a Fergus kind of dog.
ReplyDeleteWe need to celebrate the Davids and Ferguses of the world. They make life a lot more entertaining!
ReplyDelete