Moses Goes for an Overnight

Moses and I were invited, as weekend guests, to friends home on the South Shore. The truth is this was my dog, Moe's, first invitation, anywhere.

I figured the same road that took us there could always take us home again, if all did not go well.

All went well.

We were greeted at the farm, by five cats, five horses, one small dog with attitude, and two wonderful human beings.  Given the option of sleeping in an apartment, in the horse barn or a bedroom in the house, I chose the barn for us. I was thinking thoughts of Mickey Rooney's bed in National Velvet, or my long ago Scots ancestors in the crofts of the Highlands. Perhaps I was thinking of a re-enactment of the Christmas Story, Moses having the starring role.

It was no surprise that our accommodations were most gracious. It was also clear that we were sleeping in a barn. On a cold winters night, as we snuggled in a cozy bed, the horses stamped their feet, rattled chains and made impressive horse noises. Although I am nervous around big animals without strong boundaries between us, I slept comfortably in their nearby presence. Moses to my surprise didn't acknowledge the sounds of their presence.

When we went up to the house, his behaviour was exemplary. He behaved in a most respectful manner with the cats. To be honest, he was a little intimidated by the sweet things. The little dog's proprietary rights were respected and he even ate a big, bloody bone on the sheet provided.

While exploring the great outdoors, he found himself in a paddock, as the horses were entering it from the barn. A very large grey didn't want him there and took off after him in a most ungracious way. Moses fled into the woods. I was with him in the paddock and was just about as welcome. Thinking, "don't run, don't run, don't run", I made haste to the closest exit.

In time Moses returned from the woods, as we called him with our sweet voices offering all sorts of delights.

When  our visit was over, before he fell fast asleep in the back seat of the car, the big old dog let me know he would be happy to come back;  but, was there anything they could do about the horses?