Mischief arrived due to an email I received in June 2003, subject line 'little gray fella'. It seems he was found near Enmore dog park playing with a German Short Haired Pointer. He was very lucky he didn't become dinner!
Mischief arrived due to an email I received in June 2003, subject line 'little gray fella'. It seems he was found
near Enmore dog park playing with a German Short Haired Pointer. He was very lucky he didn't become dinner!
When he arrived I was struck by his colouring and his size. I couldn't believe something this small would have the audacity to play with a dog. After Cath left I brought him inside to get to know him better. We sat on the couch together and I wondered if I was doing the right thing taking in another little life to care for. No matter how much we want to help, we need to acknowledge our limitations, both financially and in time otherwise there are no benefits. We aren't helping if we can't afford to care for our animal companions properly. As these thoughts were running around my mind, this little guy licked my hand, kicked his legs sideways and flopped out on my chest. He, apparently, had no doubts!
That moment basically set the tone for what life was going to be like now that he had arrived. I didn't name him, it is
basically a tag he earned. He's full of contrary behaviour and lots of attitude. When he sits on my lap, he digs, bunches,
pushes and nips until everything is to his liking. He's the first in line for nose rubs and the first to give me
a sharp nudge if I'm not doing it right. If the gate is left open for a second he's gone, yet he'll sit next to you for
hours while you watch TV. Even his gender is yet to be sorted. At first we thought he was male, then female, then male. I took
him to the vet to see if she could sort it out. Three different vets have examined him and we're still not sure. The problem
is he's so small and as of September 2003 there are still no sign of testicles. During the 'I think he's female' stage he
earned his name. It's actually Miss Chief Trouble. That has been shortened to Mischief until we can sort out just whether
he's a she or she's a he. For arguments sake, we'll just call her a 'he' for now. Confused yet???
Mischief has settled into the group with Whisper and Mouse very well. He and Mouse hit it off straight away, Whisper was
happy to treat him with the disdain a small bun deserves. It didn't take Mischief long to win Whisper over (guess Whisper
is really an old softie) and he can often be found squashed into a corner with Whisper lounging all over him. When
Mouse joins the huddle as well I wonder how the poor little guy can breath. Of course he doesn't seem to mind in the least. I've
actually seen him wander up to Mouse and Whisper as they're lounging in the bottom of the condo and worm his way into the most
cramped spot he can find. It must be feel very secure to have those two big buns between you and any passing tigers. Maybe there's
a method in his madness after all.
I know life with Mischief is always going to be interesting. He's self confident, mischievious, fearless and very loving.
He is never bossy or pushy with Mouse or Whisper and very secure regarding his place with the group. In that respect he reminds
me very much of Sultan. I wonder if that's because as far as he's concerned he's boss!