A Papillion Joins a Roofing Crew

      I have often stated that there is more to neighbor dog Stanley than the average Papillion. The abilities he exhibits often make me wonder if he is part cat. I found myself asking this question recently, when he joined his owner’s roofing crew. But was he on the roof to learn the task of roofing or while there, did he discover a more clever purpose?

     If something high up and out of reach peaks the interest of a cat, it’s sure to find a way to get to it. The same is true of Stanley―if he sees it and wants it; he will find a way to get to it.

     One example of his ability to climb and balance himself became evident as we sat on our deck one afternoon. Stanley began a slow climb up my body and then perched himself on my shoulder. From this position he was able to boost himself onto the narrow deck railing. Once he was sure of his footing, he moved with tiny catlike precision around the entire railing. As he reached the end post, he did a graceful turnaround and made the return journey back to my shoulder. I held my breath in fright as I watched, sure that he would fall. But he maintained his balance throughout the maneuver and showed no fear of the high height.

     Cats have the ability to sniff out a mouse and catch it with amazing speed. Well, Stanley could compete with the best of the ‘mousers’. However, when the chase is for a chipmunk that scurries up a tree, a cat definitely has the advantage over Stanley.

     So, it was of no surprise to me when I learned Stanley had been on a roof with his owner’s roofing crew. He did follow the crew for a short time, but soon his attention was drawn to the roof's edge. As he walked along the edge, he noticed something far below―chipmunks. From his high vantage point he was able to walk along the roof edge and scope out all of their hiding spots.

      Once he had zeroed in on their locations, his excited barks let it be known it was time for an escort down the ladder. With his feet back on the ground it was an easy run to where he had spotted the chipmunks. If, after a wild chase Stanley realized they had scattered in too many directions, it was time for a lift back up the ladder and another roof edge scope of the land below.

     The task of roofing may have interested Stanley on his first trip up to the roof; but when he caught sight of that first chipmunk his thoughts of being a roofer quickly vanished.

     Even though the roofing crew did not acquire a new roofer on that day, they did gain a loyal mascot. 

     So long, I’ll see you soon!