An
Old Dogs Tale
or
How to Run for President
Old Johnny was a neighborhood dog. He was one of those dogs that belonged to no one and everyone. He was a dog of questionable breed and even temperament, causing minor problems from time to time while harming no one. You could say that his worst trait was barking when no one was listening.
One day, Miss Margaret let her prize-winning poodle Fifi out into her back yard to do her business. As it turns out Fifi was in season and ripe for mating.
It was just as Miss Margaret was about to go back inside when she saw Old Johnny leap her fence start to smelling around Fifi.
Of course, Miss Margaret did not want Old Johnny mating with her prize-winning Fifi. So, she tried to chase Old Johnny away. Unfortunately, Old Johnny was determined and Miss Margaret did not have what it took to drive him away from her beloved Fifi.
As frustration was setting in and tears had begun to flow she saw a neighbor boy, George, riding by on his bicycle. As fast as she could she ran and flagged George down and filled him in on the terrible happenings in her back yard. And could he please get Old Johnny off of her Fifi?
Well, George, being about 10 years old and having had a sense of chivalry instilled in him by his parents, was quick to help.
“Don’t you worry Miss Margaret”, he said, “I’ll take care of it for you. You just stay right here and watch my bike for me.” And so, he hopped off of his bicycle and headed into the Miss Margaret’s back yard.
As Miss Margaret waited beside George's bicycle she watched him disappear into her back yard, hoping beyond hope that he could make Old Johnny get off her Fifi.
Almost immediately after George had disappeared she heard a loud yelp followed by the site of Old Johnny leaping her fence to run down the road, crying, tail between his legs.
Shortly, thereafter, she saw George emerge from her back yard, whistling satisfactorily.
“Oh George!” she exclaimed, “How on earth did you get Old Johnny off of my Fifi?”
George held up a short stick and grinned, “Old Johnny, he could dish the stick, but he sure couldn’t take it.”
