As Fortis sat at my feet today panting heavely under the stress of a hot and humid day here in Texas,  I had a most disturbing thought. Ears cropped, tail docked and now missing a rear leg just below the hip, my poor Fortis, not much left for me to take or for you to give. And the story goes……….

It was common for Fortis to go on short 5k jogs with me. He loved it. Sometimes he would wear his pack loaded with H20, treats, poop bags, and of course his favorite water toys. His best buddy back then was Ely a German Short hair that I'm sure convinced Fortis that he was a bird dog as well. We would jog at Town lake which has a trail system that runs along the riverbank. The trail can be very crowded with joggers, walkers, cyclist and the like. On this hot summer day as we made it to the half way point I stopped, as was customary, to allow Fortis to drink some water and take a dump if needed. Well, he needed and let me tell you when Fortis takes a dump it ain't no laughing matter. After scooping the pile up and before I was able to place it in his pack and return to the trail we were approached. Now I don't want to stereotype but seeing as I am a "redneck" I might come across that way. She was attractive, late thirties, wearing designer shorts, top, socks and shoes that I'm sure were made from the most technologically advance materials known to man. Did I notice what appeared to be make-up and maybe even hair spray? Oh, let's not forget about the jewelry. It's a must for a workout you know. Must be from Barton Creek I thought.

 I was always eager and happy to talk about my boy Fortis and yes he attracted much attention. Plus what else would a dressed for the run way jogger want with me! The comments and questions were the usual ones at first…. What a beautiful boy he is, will he bite, can I pet him, what breed is he. he so well trained etc…. Now remember I'm at a full sweat, my dog wants to go and I'm standing here holding a reeking poop bag that probably weighs 5lbs all the while talking with this  thirty something want-to-be prom queen. Don't take me the wrong way. I love most all people but there was just something about this lady that was rubbing me the wrong way. I just couldn't put my finger on it. And then it happened and in an instant I knew what it was. She was NOSEY and playing me like a cheep fiddle. I don't like to be played.

Now comfortable that she had me right where she wanted, she revealed her true agenda. Why do his ears look like that she ask? And his tail, where is his tail? Oh you poor boy trying to gain Fortis' approval. Not happening lady, I thought. I knew where this conversation was headed. This wasn't the first time this had happened. I live in  Austin after all. In any case I did my best to educate her on the breed and why Fortis had his tail docked and his ears cropped. I told her it was for hunting purposes and the safety of the dog. She asked me if I was a hunter and I  said no.  I couldn't kill a flea. Damn why did I say that. I was trying to tell her that I didn't care what Fortis' ears and tail looked like. It's just the way he came to me from the  breeder I said. When she suddenly blurted out you just want him to look mean and scary. Ok, now I'm pissed off! I want to get back to my jog. Fortis is tired of standing here and this lady won't shut up. I ask Ma'am, is there anything more you would like to add. She thinks for a minute and says no but (but, but what i thought )  I want you to know I don't approve.  Did you ask him if he minded if you chopped his ears and tail off. Lastly, she said I just think it's cruel that's all.

Before heading off down the trail. I very respectfully ask her if she would mind if I ask her a question. She answered sure in a very confident tone so pleased with herself. I asked Ma'am do you have any children. Yes, two wonderful boys and their darling little sister Hope. What are the boys names I asked. If you don't mind, how old are they? Oh, she's going now. Travis just started high school and his older bother Ryan will begin studies at the university this fall. She seemed so proud of her achievements as a parent. I said you  seemed to love them very much. Of course  she said. I replied, one last question please…looking firmly straight into her eyes I asked, are your boys circumcised and if so did you asked for their approval first? Not a word came from her mouth as she turned and started to walk away. But I'm not finished I shouted, it hurt like hell lady. I remember and I have never forgiven my parents.  You should be ashamed of yourself was the last thing I  said laughing to myself.

Fortis and I finished our Jog that day and went on many more without instance. So today as Fortis sat at my feet no longer able to go jogging, I wondered what that nosey prom queen would say now if she saw a tripawd, half eared, no tailed Fortis and I jogging down the trail!!! Just wondering.

I'm aloud to babble here correct? I hope this wasn't offensive to anyone. I'm truly sorry if it was.

Fortis and Fortis'Dad