Feargal and the Cow Ear
Unca Frankie came home for the long weekend bearing big treats for the puppies: big ol’ cow ears.
Fred Fred and Ferga Dog immediately got down to the hard business of eating theirs up. Feargal Butt had important rituals to perform first, however:
What can I say? Instinct rules.
Howling
Here’s what happens with Fergus almost every time a fire truck goes by the house (click to enlarge):
Rob Harrell’s «*Big Top*» is no longer published, but all the past strips are in UComics’ archive.
Early Personalities
As far as I can tell, Feargal has the dominant personality. He was the most adventurous, slightly bigger, and the most vocal of the five. His eyes were already opening, while none of his siblings were. He also has the most white in his fur, and was crawling around and over his siblings, and was sticking his tongue out the most. Our prediction is that he will be the alpha of the pack.
Fergus has a white “T” shape on the back of his neck. He and Fred spent the most time attached to Ginger mommy having their dinner. They are roughly the same size and seemed to be right next to each other the most. I have a feeling they will be a dynamic duo, making chaos in the background under the dignified gaze of their bigger brother. Of course, it’s early days—they’re only two-and-a-half weeks old—but that’s my prediction and I’m sticking with it. At least for now. We’ll see what we see at our next meet-up on Sunday.
It’s hard to get a read on the girls; since they’ll be leaving, possibly never to be seen again, in May, I’m trying not to get too attached. My impulse is to bring all five home and keep the family together. But if three beagles in the house is insane, well, five is practically criminal. What a handful that would be!
It was also very gracious of the family to allow us to come visit each Sunday evening. As long as they’re cool with it, I definitely appreciate it. It helps give us a much-needed beagle fix, soothing somewhat the hurt in the heart left by Bayley’s passing, as well as providing some much-needed, quality bonding time with the boys, which will help ease the transition to our house in May.
I’m sorely missing Bayley yesterday and today, since I brought his ashes home. And I can’t wait until the Beagle Boys get to come home. I know that somehow Bayley will be watching over them, aloof, slightly contemptuous, but guiding them along anyway.
Beagles are awesome.