Mackie "John Wayne" Fikes

My sweet, lovable, adorable, TRUSTWORTHY, precious, loyal Westie boy, Mackie!

When we traveled deep into Arkansas to pick up Jenny B, the new ray of sunshine in our family. I somehow managed to bring only one toy with me, Mackie's beloved Louisiana Lou.

It was THE little squeaky toy, part of a set, that Mackie fell in love with when he lived with Westie Foster Mom Vickie Claflin in Louisiana, before he came to the farm to be my Big Boy! Vickie sent Louisiana Lou to live with Mackie forever on the farm.

Now, two-and-a-half years later, you may remember that we spent a week washing dog toys and preparing for that trip to pick up Jenny B. Somehow the clean dog toys did not make it into the van, but Mackie's one toy that I try very hard to keep just for him, DID make it into the van. (I can't remember if I have ever blogged about and Louisiana Lou and Mississippi Miss. If not, I'll try to get around to it soon.)

The poor little tyke probably thought we were taking him to give him away. In hindsight, I feel terrible about causing him one nanosecond of concern!

Mackie had a last minute shower with me that morning because Gordon finally said "yes" to letting him come with us, thanks to the wise words of Westie Foster Mom Martha Beck in Alabama. My requests had fallen on deaf ears, but Martha apparently said some magic words that Gordon heeded, and Mackie made our trip much more enjoyable, sitting on my lap, in the front passenger seat, the full 4.5 hour trip, one way.

Anyway, back to my Big Brave Boy!  Mackie's demeanor changed into this "John Wayne" character when we started home with Jenny B.  You remember how John Wayne was always a bit put out at silly females? A bit irritated, definitely grumpy and crusty?  Underneath it all, though he respected women and felt a strong sense of duty for protecting them.

Mackie turned into Mackie "John Wayne" Fikes the minute we pulled out of Judy Young's driveway with Jenny B, Mackie and me in the back of the van! He was a bit irritated and grumpy, but not vocal about it. He let the little frisky lass try to play with him, but he just avoided her where possible.

I could just feel him asking in exasperation, "MOM! WHY do we need ANOTHER female? Could you not have gotten me another guy to help protect this pack of girls?"

Now, a week-plus later, Mackie is
romping and playing with little Jenny B. He is showing her the little mole holes and field mouse sites in the back yard.

Gone is John Wayne Mackie, and gone, too, is any lingering doubt that this farm is home forever for my Big Boy!

Oh, and Louisiana Lou is in a very special place that only Mackie and I know. She will stay there just for Mackie and me to play with.

Comments

[Susan]

Major Mackie, good to get a full report on how you are doing. Things here in the "north" are under control. Keep looking after the ladies. I have one who requires close attention too!!!

Capt Mackie