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Designed by Will Sanders TimeMaster antique clocks |
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OLD GREER COUNTY WESTERN HERITAGE ASSN. May NR. 4 2010
Associated Press did a poll of pet owners. (Where do they come up with these ideas for a poll?) Over half the responders said their pets were better listeners than their spouses. That is certainly news to me. Making my living as a cowboy, I spend a lot of time with only my horse, dog, and a few cows and I talk to them often. For instance, when I’m prowling a pasture or riding fence and see a pretty spring flower, I will wax poetic about the beauty of nature and how wonderful it is to be seeing God’s creation from the back of a good horse. Casey’s ears will go forward, focusing on the bloom in question. That means, in horse talk, “Thanks for the info!” Then he lowers his head, nips the flower stem off at the ground, and continues on his way, happily enjoying the delicate treat. Or perhaps when we’re sorting cattle to ship to the local sale barn and one gets by that I wanted to keep, I explain to him in a quiet, calm voice (the same one I use with my wife in a similar situation) that he made a mistake and should pay closer attention. After listening intently, he flips one ear back, which means, “You’re doing the driving!” Sophie, my dog, and I have many deep conversations. She’s especially helpful when I’m feeling down and sorry for myself. At times like that, she’ll put her head under my hand, asking for a good ear scratch and telling me, “Enough about you, what about my life!” Kinda puts everything in focus. Sophie is part Blue Heeler. I’m not sure which part but I know it’s in there somewhere because, like all that breed, she gets under the trailer and snaps at the heels of whatever you’re trying to load. I try to explain to her, again in quiet conversation, that I disapprove. Her response, as we go round and round the trailer, is to look back over her shoulder with a little dog smile, as if to say, “This is fun, lets do it more often!” Conversation with cattle takes a different tone. Most of the ones I have with them, they are either running away from me or charging toward me. At those times, I’m usually using my outdoor voice which sounds like this. (expletives deleted) These type conversations can be very unsettling to the cow. So you can understand that I’m not surprised people talk to their pets and other animals as well. It’s the other part I’m not sure of. The living things I talk to, including my wife, may hear me but they sure don’t listen!! The Old Greer County Western Heritage Association will have their Spring Trail Ride May 14 and 15. The ride will be west and north of Vinson along scenic Grape Creek. Join us for this chance to see the spring beauty of the southwest corner of Oklahoma that was once Old Greer County, Texas. There will be camping allowed and a potluck supper for those who wish to come on Friday, May 14. There will be a chuck wagon breakfast before the ride on Saturday, May 15 and a chuck wagon supper that evening. Cost is $40/person, $100/family, and non-riders $10. There will be wagon rides for those who don’t bring horses. Our next event will be the chuck wagon breakfast during the Wild West Days June 18 and 19 in Mangum, Okla. Tickets will be on sale soon. Contact the Greer County Chamber of Commerce or the Mangum Main Street for tickets. There will be a full day of western events. For information on any upcoming events or about the association contact us at: 580-782-9230; 580-782-2685; 580-782-2891; 580-683-4271 or greercowesternheritage.com or P.O. Box 277 Mangum, Ok. 73554.
By: Curtis Bell |
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