Chuck Billy and Maddie sitting under a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G!  Chuck Billy is all flustered about a girl!  As we all know, my big brother prides himself on being a big tough guy.  He never hesitates to bark at threats both real and imagined.  Well after visiting Grandma, it is pretty obvious he’s met his match when it comes to Grandma’s neighbor Maddie.

First, let me explain the backstory.  Maddie is a Black Lab mix who lives next to our Grandma.  Just like us, she takes her neighborhood patrol duties very serious, and will warn intruders that this is her block.  But despite her intimidating bark, she really is a very sweet dog.  In fact, she and Grandpa were the best of friends, and Grandma appreciates her alerts that someone is in the neighborhood.

Whenever we visit Grandma,  Maddie will tell us in no uncertain terms that we are trespassing in her neighborhood.  She’s absolutely correct.  We are trespassing in her neighborhood!  I will happily wag my tail to let her know we mean no harm, and to thank her for protecting Grandma’s house when we’re not there.  Chuck Billy usually will mutter a growl or two under his breath at Maddie.  But yesterday he rudely just ignored her, and ran straight to the car.  This quick departure seemed odd to me.  Especially because he enjoys getting in the last word.  But I gave him the benefit of the doubt and thought perhaps Chuck Billy finally appreciates Maddie’s dedication to neighborhood patrol.

Maddie continued to bark as Dad loaded up the car and Mom said goodbye to Grandma.  Chuck Billy sat brooding in the car.  Not so much as a goodbye tail wag to Grandma.  However, as soon as Dad turned the key in the ignition and was backing up out of the driveway, that’s when Big Bad Billy decided to finally make an appearance.  Chuck Billy perked right up, puffed his chest out, faced Maddie, and unleashed the meanest barks I have ever heard!  Luckily Mom isn’t fluent in barking, or he’d be in trouble for what he said!  Way to go tough guy, barking at Maddie while you were safe in the car leaving!  As we drove away, we saw Grandma laughing and even Maddie was wagging her tail on the other side of the fence.  Perhaps this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship between Chuck Billy and Maddie?

Chuck Billy’s Rebuttal: Once again Asa is making up stories.  I wasn’t barking at Maddie!  I saw a Squirrel, and wanted to warn Grandma!  Yes, that’s it!  A Squirrel!