Leaving the Ranch in the Dust

Prairie Pug and the Dust Storm.

The wind blew and blew. Heavy wood chairs tumblin' across the lawn and can't see the calves in the pens kinda dust storm.

And, 'the parentals' (Merry and the Rancher)  were in NYC flipping steaks at a promo gig for Stew Leonard's grocery store chain in Westport, Connecticut.

The Rancher:

"Yes, this steak off the grill you are sampling.... WE KANSAS RANCHERS (Merry was there for show, just the wife) RAISED 'that Thair piece of meat!'" said the Rancher pointing to the slab of steak.

The kids were in charge at the XIT Headquarters  in Meade County, Kansas.

And, of course, what does one do when confronted with a few vacant ranch houses and one's parents are gone...? Well, 'Party On.'

Prairie Pug was there...

feeling a bit tired... neglected...

a bit without sight and hearing,

BUT in no way dumb or blind to life...

she had had an awakening...

She was but a minor player in this Scenario de Rancho.

And not only that, there was blood being spilled.

Violence with hot Branding irons and (she shuddered, thankful to be a female) CASTRATION.

Not to mention her own self concept as a canine. She felt OLD and disposable.

So, she decided to take a long walk...

They say old dogs wander off to die…

But perhaps Prairie Pug was ready for Part II.