As a male dog, Bojangles was pretty typical in being territorial about what he considered his domain, and what—or who—was allowed within those parameters. From observation, it appeared that three types of animals populated a special classification in his mind: the “ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK” category, which included raccoons, squirrels, and skunks.
One night after we’d all gone to bed, Bojangles began barking at the same time that Craig and I were suddenly roused from sleep. It was one of those times you’re jolted awake by the sensation that something was amiss. Immediately on high alert, Craig summoned Bojangles to the front door, where they both leaned out: Craig scanned the neighborhood while Bojangles gave the air a good sniff. Seeing nothing (and evidently, Bo not smelling anything of note), Craig closed the door and began walking towards the back door, peering out windows as he went. Bojangles, meanwhile, kept glancing up towards the ceiling while emitting a low growl. Finally paying attention to Bo’s clear signal, Craig asked, “Is there something on the roof, boy?” They both paused, listening intently, and there was the sound, now unmistakable: A rather sizeable animal was proceeding slowly across the roof, making its way towards our home’s back corner. Where it would safely be outside Bo’s parameters, the fence. Still, both man and beast went outside to courageously patrol the backyard, warning this and any other raccoons that they were onto them.
Squirrels in the backyard, however, were an entirely different manner. They daily and regularly defied, challenged and taunted Bojangles by scampering from one tree to another (either on the ground or jumping branch to branch—just out of Bo’s reach, of course); by performing a balancing act along the top of the fence from the house to the detached garage; and lastly, any other “in your face, dog!” antics they could pull off. In Bojangles’ mind, they quickly became Public Enemy #1. Lying on the back porch, he kept a constant eye on PE#1, giving chase whenever they gave him even the barest hint of a “you might be able to catch me here” possibility. Alas, the chase always ended in vain, however, as Bojangles never did catch one of those infuriating critters.
The third in the list of Bojangles’ nemeses, however, would end in success for him. Or, maybe not so much?
It was nearly pitch-dark outside, the backyard covered in deep shadows despite the presence of a street light a short distance down the alley. All of us were all inside when Bojangles suddenly switched from a sound sleep to high alert, tearing to the back door and using his “FULL ALERT: THERE’S AN INTRUDER OUT THERE” hysterical bark mode. Craig let him out, and we could hear Bo continuing to “roar indignantly” (translation: How dare you be in MY yard?) in dog speak as he raced into the shadows at the back of the yard. “Let me check out what Bo’s cornered,” Craig instructed the boys and me. “No telling what it is. Could be dangerous, so you all stay put!” I think all three of us collectively held our breaths until we heard Craig groan, followed by a good deal of indistinguishable words muttered under his breath. (We couldn’t make out the words, so they don’t count, right?)
Suddenly, the “unknown” creature announced itself in full aromatic revelation: Skunk. Evidently, Bojangles reached to grab it just as wily creature turned around…and fired. Directly into his mouth. We cleverly ascertained that because—besides the obvious smell—the poor dog was literally foaming at the mouth. How does a dog so quickly move from “Hero Who Bravely Saves Us from Dangerous Intruder” to “Drag the Uncooperative Dog Downstairs to His Doom: the Laundry Tub and the Dreaded BATH”? Sadly, in one swift, smelly emission. Oh, the elusiveness of fame and recognition.
The lesson? Leaders, no matter how high you might climb up the “Look how impressive my position is now!” ladder, you’d be wise to head this advice: Keep your ego in check; Serve with humility; and Listen more than you talk. That last one especially might help you evade some nasty “fragrant” situations and consequences…