Editor's Comments

Well, the winter's over (notwithstanding the snow on Easter). With the snow now gone, Snowball had to find something else to occupy his time. He found it … MUD!

As I'm sure anyone with a coton will confirm, all cotons in the springtime become "tricolor cotons". No, its not genetic and has nothing to do with the battle raging between the clubs. Its governed strictly by the color of the mud the coton chooses to run or dig in.

In a matter of minutes after being let into the yard, Snowball, or at least a dog somewhat resembling him returns to the house. His tail and back usually remain white, his paws are nearly jet black, with a slight greenish tinge, and his legs and underbelly are a distinctive, and usually dripping brown. Now, in all probability, he's been digging … he seems to enjoy a quick snack of grubs. His face and chest, from his eyes down, matches his black nose.

Out comes the old towel to dry him off. Of course, whatever mud is left on him after a 2 minute drying stays on. By then he has decided that the towel is much better for tug-o-war than drying and any further efforts are futile. Off he runs, usually under the bed, with a pig ear in mouth, and a trail of footprints behind him.

Then the miracle occurs. Snowball emerges from under the bed an hour or so later, perfectly clean! Unlike a cat, I've never seen Snowball lick himself clean, and I doubt he could reach all the dirt if he tried. I guess the dry hair of the coton just makes it hard for dirt to stick. If only my son repelled dirt as well.

Jim Calamis - 4/8/96 - (jpccol@ix.netcom.com)