The Campaign

It's mid October and we find ourselves in the midst of a heated campaign. Promises are flying around and I'm trying to keep things from getting out of control.

When Monty was alive he was our indisputable leader. He lived by a certain set of rules and expected the others to do the same. He was a big strong dog and the one time Tsar challenged him, Tsar wound up on  his back with Monty standing over him.

When Monty suddenly died, there was a scramble to take over the leadership of the pack. Fudge was pretty sure he could coast into the position, but he was no challenge for Samba. After a few days of growling and snapping, Samba claimed the top spot and Fudge was left to pout.

Samba has been a good leader, firm but fair. But now this mystery illness has left her weak and tired. She isn't able to run with the pack in the yard anymore and I keep her and Morgan on one level as much as possible. It looks like her days as pack leader are about over and even if she does recover, I don't think she'll be interested in the politics involved in keeping everyone in line. She deserves to retire.

But that leaves an important position open and we have two determined candidates. Let me introduce them.

First is Fudge.
 He knows he's handsome and smart and a real charmer.

He's not really concerned with how the other dogs feel about this promotion, he feels he's entitled to it because he's been waiting for a long time to be top dog. What can he bring to the office? He's not concerned about that either, he wants to be first fed, first in line to get treats and to be able to take whatever toy he wants away from any other dog.

He'll promise anything and take any position necessary to get the title. Once installed as leader, he'll bully the others into doing his bidding.

Fudge likes the idea of being leader, not necessarily the work that goes along with the title.


Our second candidate is Bailey.

Bailey is a tough little dog. When she was a pup she was smaller than her sisters and was picked on a lot. She learned to fight for what she wanted but she also learned to negotiate. She's a full member of the pack joining in chases and games, but she's happy by herself playing with one of her many stuffy friends.

She's happy to travel with her peeps and is interested in the world around her. She's the most like her mother of all the pups and because of her hunting ability and her group of friends is a well rounded young lady.

The next few weeks should be interesting around here as the pack gets behind their chosen leader. It's my job to make sure that no violence breaks out as they begin their selection process. It's also my job to console the loser, but I don't get a vote. This is one of those times when the dogs have to do the work and I have to respect their choice.

Stay tuned for the election results. Any bets on who wins?