A Touch of the Fae

Then there is my other favorite dog breed. Pembroke Welsh Corgis. Another dog I did not intend to own, but they ended up owning me anyways. First came Maximus, the tricolor. A friend's rancher brother had Corgis. There were going to be puppies. "Get one for your eldest son," friend said, "then your son and mine can do Dog class in 4-H." Sounded reasonable. We were dogless, all we had was a black cat named Anubis that thought he was a dog. So we said okay, and became the slaves to a bossy black, red and white bundle of fairy dog. Max. Such a change from the little Egyptian devil dog. While both breeds were loyal and wise and smart, Corgis had one thing over Basenjis. They were obedient. They want to please.

After a year with Max, we wondered how we ever lived without a Corgi. So much personality, so much life and empathy packed into that little frame. Max refused to believe he was not a German Shephard. He believes he is buff and bad, the protector of the family, supervisor of all tasks, big and little. He reigned as the Official Mascot of the Wyoming Celtic Festival & Highland Games, bestowing kisses and goodwill wherever he went. Enter my friend again. "My brother's Corgi has puppies again. A buyer backed out on a red and white male. Do you want the puppy?" We didn't even have to think about it. What someone once said was true. Corgis are like potato chips, you can't have just one. Enter Merlin, the little red and white magician that stole our hearts. From the first day, he and Max took to each other, despite both being males. They were brothers and they acted like it from day one. There is the occasional snark up over a cow ear or choice sleeping spot but it never lasts long. They wrestle and play like any brothers- brothers who growl and yip and fake snarl that is.

I would take another Basenji, although no more rescues, they are too hard on your sanity. I think two Corgis is the limit - include a cat that thinks it's a dog and we are full up on attention demanding four leggers. Corgis even liked the pet rats and treated them as members of the family, tiny little dogs that needed to be licked and played with. Anyone who come in the house is a friend, in their world what's not to like about a Corgi? Pet me, play tug with me, throw my ball. After all, Corgis were once the favored dog of the fairy realm. I suppose that is where they picked up their penchant for mischief and innocent looks. Also, at times during a walk, or just lying around, they gaze off to a place I can't see, and a big, wide grin appears on their face. I think the Fae come to visit, once in a while, just to see how the Corgis are being treated, and to remind them where they come from. Max, in particular gives me a knowing look, a sappy canine grin, then tilts his head as if to listen for Fae laughter on the wind.