Sunday, June 30, 2013

The Best Bad Dog in the World



There is a big silence all around the farm.

It is hard to believe, like so many terrible true things. But Wendell, aka Mr. Jingles, died on Thursday. In spite of being a monumental pest he was one of the farmer's very best friends, always in staunch agreement with the farmer's opinions and dying to hear more of them. Had there ever been such fascinating opinions, so eloquently expressed, so novel, so enlightening, so right in so many ways? Had there ever been such a magnificent farmer, driver of such a magnificent farm truck, the magic carpet ride to hayfields and feed stores and drive-through windows where the little dog sandwiches come out in crinkly paper for the shotgun rider? That Crinkly Paper! Had there ever been a better life than he had, king of his domain, fearless cow herder, matchless baby goat nanny, incorrigible thief, the best bad dog in the world?




15 comments :

Lauren said...

I am so sorry and sad to hear it.

goatgirl said...

I loved Wendell. I will miss him very much.

Anonymous said...

So sorry to hear, Wendall was a real scamp, who kept things interesting. Kathy

Marigold said...

Oh. I am just so sorry. This is not fair. We have to have someone who values our opinions above all others and always. Our hearts ache for the GoatFarmer and all the little goats who will not have the privilege of knowing Wendell. Rest well, Wendell. :(

Terry said...

He was black and white like a border collie. And brilliant, in his own unique way. So it's understandable how there could have been some BC/BT confusion along the years. Losing a "heart" dog is so very hard. Condolences to his animal family.

Karen C said...

I'm so very sorry to hear - I saw the post on facebook that he was missing. Our hearts break with yours.

Ozarks Goat Girl said...

I do not like it when there are long silences from Herron Hill. Too often it has meant something has gone bad. I am so sorry to know your best bad dog is physically with you no more. He will always be with you in heart, that's just not nearly as good.

However. I have just inherited a 14-month old female border collie whom the family told me liked to "be busy." In reality this translates to she is ADHD, OCD fixated on flying frisbees, sometimes ODD (oppositional defiant disorder), physical abuser of our old border collie, incessant barker when she sees cows or just imagines she sees them, terrified beyond reasoning when within eyesight of a horse, flopper of wet frisbees and toy hedgehogs in my face in the middle of the dingdang night, looks deceivinly sweet when she's asleep, hogger of anything she can reach up and grab off the counter, faster than a comet--and all this can be YOURS if you just say the word!! This best(?) bad dog that really is a border collie would love to come be busy up at Herron Hill Farm! (Look out big bad Crumpet--you have met your match.)

The Willow Fen Farm Goats said...

You have our deepest sympathy!
Rest in peace, Wendall.

Anonymous said...

Oh Wendell, how could this be? I do know two things...you couldn't of been more loved and you will be deeply missed!
Until we all see you again...
Love,
Queen Quattra and my family...

Grumpy Goat said...

So sad. I'm sorry to learn of your loss.

DebH said...

So sorry. I was worried when I read your FB post....Life is just the hardest sometimes.

Anonymous said...

Oh, I'm so sorry to hear this! :-( You gave him such a great life!

Anonymous said...

Without a doubt some of my favorite of your stories involved Wendell. I always loved the parts where he would sit listening adoringly, completely missing the point and uncertain about how he should respond. I hope he is chasing cows all over the heavens today and tomorrow and always. Good dog, Wendell, you will be missed!

Jill said...

So sorry to hear this. Wendell was one of a kind. You are due for about two years of great luck.

Anonymous said...

I am so sad for your loss. What a wonderful little guy you had that you shared with your readers.
Laverne