Bert 2006
A Boykin's life in really tough. All I did all year long was chase cats
up trees, go fishing, chase cats, sleep, chase cats and go fishing, and eat.
I only chase the rabbits and squirrels when they get too cocky, for we're
all aware that I can't catch them. We put on a show now and then for our
humans just to entertain them a bit.
There was one new twist to the fishing this year. The old man bought
himself a small jet boat to use when fishing the Snake River and we sure had
fun in it. We spent most of the summer exploring and fishing the Snake for
smallmouth bass. There was also a lot of other exciting things to see while
on the river. We saw lots of deer, including one really big buck that lived
on an island in the river. There were also lots of ducks, muskrats, mink,
and some pesky beaver.
The beaver seemed to enjoy swimming along with the boat as we drifted
down the 
river. One
morning one particular bold beaver followed alongside the boat for about a
half-mile. He finally disappeared, but when we turned a corner, there he was
wallowing in a spot my human companion was about to cast his lure to. The
current slowed a bit in this area, and we did not zoom past him. Luckily,
the man had his camera and got a photo of the beaver giving me the evil eye.
He
didn't stand a chance, however, as I gave him the Boykin glare, and with
that he backed away and decided not to attack. My man sure was lucky to have
me along, for if I hadn't been there to protect the jet boat that wild
animal would undoubtedly have attacked.
My man also caught quite a few fish he called Channel Cats, but when I
checked them out they didn't run and I could see no way that they could
climb trees. People sure are strange in their talk. Now if they just could
speak Boykin I could help the world a great deal. My pleading eyes, wagging
tail, and a lick now and then could sure solve a great many problems.
I have one final problem to report on before I leave you for another year
- what is this grey stuff that is appearing on my chin, muzzle and eyebrows?
I'm only seven years old... However, the grey hair does give me a rather
distinguished look.
Have a great year in 2007 - I will.
Your pal,
Bert the Boykin
