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The sleepy little
town of Tonkawa, Oklahoma seemed to come alive on days like today when an
event was planned. The parade promised excitement for the children and
adults as well. Taking their pets for a march down main street while the
high school band played promised to be great fun.
Folks lined both
sides of the street in anticipation of the morning activities. The town
was at the edge of a wheat farming community so it was common to see the
farmers. Their bib overalls, clean soft plaid shirts gave them an
identity. Strong country women with sparkling teeth and rosy cheeks were
their wives. They also welcomed a pleasant morning away from their
non-ending, demanding, chores.
Other folks from the
town enjoyed seeing a neighbor or someone with whom they did not often get
to visit.
“Hey George!
Haven't seen you in a coon's age!” The two men would be shaking each
other's hand while they laughed like boys in their youth when they
attended school in town class rooms together.
“Why Millie
MacCombs! Where have you been a keepin' herself? I'll swanny to Johnny,
you never show yer face aroun' here atoll.” Another woman might slip
easily into the country vernacular they all knew.
The children were
excited too. Their pets were in place and ready for the parade to be
followed by the judging. Prizes were to be given for the biggest,
smallest, most well mannered, best dressed, shortest hair, longest hair,
and so on.
Veda was in for a
surprise when the high school band struck up a rhythmic marching beat.
Sadie was immediately in a show mode. Decked out with only a large red
bow on her neck she was holding her head high. Her nose was in the air
and her feet picked up to the beat. She was prancing. That beautiful black
and white spotted fireman's dog was up to the occasion and was performing.
The children were so
surprised. Little Brother was riding his bicycle which had been decorated
with crepe paper. The girls were making every effort to keep up with the
high-stepping dog. Sadie vigorously marched all the way down main street
to the very end where the judges were standing. She was the center of
attention and she seemed to know it. Her demeanor was impeccably snooty
seeming to call attention to her well bred ways. If no one knew they were
only recently achieved what did it matter?
Veda breathed a sigh
of relief when they finally arrived at their destination in front of the
judges. Sadie had done so well. She was a winner too. For her efforts she
was given two ribbons. A blue ribbon for her conduct and a second prize
for the most beautiful dog in the show.
All had gone well
up to this point. Sadie was resting on her haunches gracefully wearing her
blue ribbon which was pinned to her red bow. Oh my! The pride everyone had
in her.
As always every
ointment can have a fly. Beside Sadie was a prize winner also. The little
yappy Scotty was dressed in a farmer's garb. His overall's even sported a
complimentary soft plaid shirt. The owner must have sewn the garment since
they were small enough to fit the little dog. Where she had found a hat to
fit the dog was up for question. He was given an award for being the best
dressed dog in the show.
For a good while
Sadie ignored the barking nemesis. And then, all at once, with one easy
motion she reached down to the tiny dog. How she so gingerly took the
overalls in her mouth was like an unbelievable happening. In an instant
the pants were off the dog. The small dog was at a loss and confused. He
then began tearing at the shirt too. It was like he was in agreement with
Sadie. “I really do hate this.” He seemed to be saying. Somehow or
another, the hat stayed on its head.
The farm woman in
her self-controlled way with hands folded in front of her simply stood
looking at her undressed dog.
Sadie remained in
position still sitting on her haunches. The act had been easily achieved
with the dog turning her head to one side and down toward the smaller dog
while she so quickly slipped its pants off.
Veda and her
sister-in-law were desperately trying to redress the little dog.
Later on when they
were at home they laughed long and hard about how silly they felt about
trying to get clothes on the woman's dog in such a hurry there in front of
the whole town of Tonkawa. |
