brcb_25

Booger Red & Cowboy
Waddie Greywolf

Chapter 25

A female elephant broke away from a small traveling circus and found its way to the ranch. Dad, Uncle Joe, Ben Jr., Big Ben, Mrs. Russell, Tim and Master Ben, Master Earl, Boots and Sonny, Bull and Charlie, Beryl, Master Zack, Cal and Steve, Ben, Tim and old Lester were all there with several other family members. We watched the huge elephant coming down the main road at a pretty good pace, looking over her shoulder to see if she was being followed. You could tell she was upset and distressed. People would drive by slowly looking at the unusual sight of a huge pachyderm running down the side of the blacktop.

"Who wants to bet me she turns and comes down the road to the ranch?" Dan put it to the folks who gathered around to watch. No one wanted to take his bet. Sure enough, she didn't hesitate and turned immediately into the gravel road to the ranch. She increased her speed, still looking over her shoulder to see if she was being followed. Griz came lumbering up from the barn and waved to her. Dan looked at me, I shrugged my shoulders and shook my head in disbelief. "Watch her," Dan said quietly to everyone assembled, "bet the deed to this ranch she'll go directly to Griz like he was her long lost friend. Anyone want a ranch?" Dan laughed.

There were no takers. Most had seen or heard what Griz could do with animals. The huge creature went directly to Griz and acted like he was an old friend she hadn't seen for years. She couldn't be happier to see him. She wouldn't let go of him. She rapped her big trunk around his neck and pulled him close to her as if she were trying to hug and kiss him. He petted her, soothed her, called her by name and told her not to worry she was safe now; he wouldn't let anything bad happen to her. Her whole demeanor changed in an instant. She relaxed and listened to Griz. She took hold of his flannel shirt in the rear and followed him. Griz walked over to us and according to Master Beryl, whose told this story for years, "We didn't know whether to run or just stand there and shit in our pants."

"Folks, Master Dan, Master Billy," Griz announced, "this here lady's Ms. Sophie. My Friend showed her the way to the ranch. He told her to come to the ranch, find me, and I'd help her. The people at the circus mistreat her. They beat her and they starve her. She wouldn't mind so much, but you see, Ms. Sophie's, well, you know," the big man said and turned beet red.

"Is she pregnant, Griz?" I asked as I walked toward Griz and Ms. Sophie.

"Yes, sir, Master Billy, how'd ju' know?" Griz asked.

"I guess I've been around you too long, Big Bear. I've learned to speak and interpret the bear language."

Griz threw back his head and laughed. Ms. Sophie let go of Griz's shirt and gently wrapped her trunk around my neck and pulled me to her. She put her trunk down around my waist and held me close like she wanted my love. Master Beryl went into hysterical convulsions laughing at me bonding with yet another magnificent beast. I spoke softly to her and petted her. I had an apple in my pocket I was going to give one of the ponies. I got it out and offered it to her. Ms. Sophie took it immediately and ate it. Then she lovingly put her big trunk back around me. I petted her some more and spoke gently to her.

Our family was having a field day of funny remarks, being silly, and generally going crazy, laughing their asses off watching me make love to the big beast. Didn't bother me, Griz, or Ms. Sophie a bit. I had plenty of experience making love to big ugly beasts and reminded them of that fact. I thanked God every day I was experienced. There was much hooting and laughter from our family. I told them of all my beasts, including Master Beryl, Ms. Sophie had to be the best looking of the bunch.

"Ms. Sophie, Dear Heart, I'll bet you're thirsty. It's a hot day, isn't it, my lady? You were coming down the road at a pretty good clip. Never seen a big girl move so fast. You don't seem to sweat much for a fat girl, neither.” More laughter from my gathered family. “Would you like some refreshments? A beverage, perhaps? Hum? Griz and I will be happy to take you to the tank for a big gulp and then to the barn to get you some nice hay to munch. Lemme' go, Sweetheart, and we'll show you the way. There, that's a good girl. Now take hold of Griz's shirt. That's good. Come on, Ms. Sophie."

Off we went. She'd do anything Griz or I asked of her. When we got to the tank Ms. Sophie got into the water and drank and drank. Then she waded all the way in and had a ball. She had a twinkle in her eye. She'd get a snoot full and spray Griz and me, much to the delight of our family who gathered to watch. Griz told me she was being nice to us like she would another elephant by sharing her water with them. That was sweet of her, but we were soaked. What the Hell, it was a hot Tucson day and Griz and I probably needed a shower anyway.

Our family followed us. Some grabbed their cameras and took pictures. Dan took videos. Everyone was having a ball laughing at Griz and me. I don't think I ever heard Mrs. Russell laugh as hard as she did at the three of us. Big Beryl was ringmaster and the rest fed him material. There were some wickedly funny one liners coming from our audience. They were having great fun with such an unusual happening, but with Griz and me, they came to expect it. Nothing we did would surprise them anymore.

We took her to the barn and she immediately went into one of the end stalls at the far end of the barn well away from the front. She was, in effect, hidden from sight. Anyone driving into the property and up to the house couldn't see her. Griz seemed to know exactly what she needed to eat. He gave her some fresh hay and some oats. He told me she needed fresh fruits of all kinds. Of course that caused a great deal of sophomoric laughter from our family. Dan went to the house to contact the sheriff to tell him about Ms. Sophie.

"How'd ju' know her name, Mr. Yates?" he asked.

"You mean that's really her name?" Dan asked in surprise. Dan knew better but sometimes Griz was hard to believe. He's never wrong. You'd think we'd learn. He still amazes us today.

"Well, yes, sir. That's the name the circus people gave us; said she's dangerous; tried to kill her handler."

"I wouldn't doubt it, Sheriff, from the condition she's in. They were starving her. She was just trying to protect her baby."

"She has a baby with her?" he asked.

"No, Sheriff, she's pregnant."

"They never said nothing 'bout her being pregnant."

"They probably don't know."

"How do you – oh, Griz?" the sheriff asked.

"Yes, sir, Griz."

"She came directly to Griz, Mr. Yates?" he asked.

"Yes, sir, Sheriff. She came directly to Griz. There was no question in anyone's mind seeing her running down the black top she was headed for our ranch."

"And, that's how you know her name?" he asked again.

"Right again, Sheriff."

"You remember several years ago, Mr. Yates, Griz nursed my favorite mare back to health when the vets wanted to shoot her? Remember, they laughed at me for wanting to bring her to Griz? Told me t'weren't no use. Well, you know, thanks to that big man, I still got my favorite mare. She gimme' three young'uns since then. Why, she's healthy as..."

"A horse, Sheriff Lake?" Dan asked. The sheriff laughed, Dan continued, "Yes, sir, I remember it well, Sheriff. We're glad Griz could help."

"That critter came to Griz for a reason, and I ain't about to go against that. That man may not be the brightest bulb in the marquee, but he's got a direct line to somebody pretty dang powerful who told that elephant to go to him. As far as I'm concerned, that's a much higher judge and court of law than anything we got down here. Can you folks keep her for a while, and let me see what I can find out? If anyone comes looking for her just tell them to contact me, okay?" he asked.

"I'm with you, Sheriff Lake, if'n God sent her to Griz, and I have no doubt he did, we'll be happy to help and take care of her. Griz and Cowboy are feeding her right now. Lord, she took to the two of them like they was long lost relatives. We got us a passel of visitors to the ranch for the weekend, and they can't believe what they're seeing," Dan said. The Sheriff started laughing at Dan's description of the brouhaha. "I wanted to call so's you'd know she ain't out causing mayhem. Didn't know what you might wanna' do about her, but we'll be happy to help anyway we can. She ain't mean or nothing. Seems about as docile a big critter as you're likely to find."

"You, Cowboy, Griz, and them Gunn boys are good men Mr. Yates, and I know she's safe there. Thanks for your help. I'll get back to you either this evening or tomorrow morning. Thanks for letting us know."

"You're welcome, Sheriff. We'll wait to hear from you."

Dan came walking into the barn with a big smile on his face and was chuckling to himself. "Folks, her name really is Ms. Sophie. The Sheriff confirmed it. Griz, my faithful slave, I apologize for seeming to doubt you," Dan said as he lay his big hand on Griz's shoulder in a gesture of admiration.

"That's all right, Master Dan, you know I love you," Griz replied.

"I love you, too, Big Man, proud to call you my slave and our companion," Dan said with love in his voice.

"Hear, hear," agreed all the others.

"Sheriff Lake wants us to keep her for a while, says he'll let us know this evening or tomorrow what should be done with her."

"Would you consider letting Cowboy and me help her, Master Dan?" Griz asked.

"We may not be able to, Griz, if the Sheriff says she has to be returned to the circus."

"He won't, Master Dan, my other master done told me he's taking care of that."

"Okay, Griz, I promise, I'll never doubt you again. If that's what the Big Man told you then we'll take good care of her. We'll make damn sure she has her baby safely." Dan was leaning over the stall fence. Ms. Sophie turned to him put her trunk around his shoulders and gently hugged him. Our Master got tears in his eyes, and everyone had a good laugh at his soft heart. "You're welcome, Ms. Sophie. Welcome to the zoo. With all these animals around here you'll be right at home," Dan declared. Everyone cheered and hooted at Dan's joke. He became a true member of our family.

Griz was right. His Friend took care of the circus folks. The sheriff asked us to keep her a while longer. We did, the circus left, went bust financially, disbanded and we never heard another thing from them. The sheriff comes out regularly to rodeo with us. He brings his wife and kids to see Ms. Sophie and Griz. The kids climb all over Gris. At any given time, he's got two in one arm and two in the other. They must think he's a 'jungle gym' for them to climb on. I put that thought to our master and he smiled, "Why should that be such a surprise to you? We love to climb around on him every now and then ourselves," Dan said and laughed at me. I had to laugh, too. I couldn't gainsay that.

Griz is the first person Sheriff Lake calls when he has a sick animal. Hell, if we let him he'd bring his damn kids to Griz when they get sick. Sheriff Lake asked if we wanted to keep Ms. Sophie. Dan knew Griz did without asking. Besides, he promised Griz and Ms. Sophie we'd see her through having her baby. He kept his word. Griz took wonderful care of her. She gained weight, became the most docile animal on the ranch, and began to earn her keep. She loved to work for us and up 'til about a month before her calf was due she wouldn't let Griz, Dan, or me pick up anything heavy. She gently moved us aside with her trunk and carried the load wherever we asked her. She quickly became loved by everyone and began to trust and love everybody in return. She never failed to show appreciation to Griz, me, or Dan.

Approximately a year and a half later Ms. Sophie gave birth to her baby girl. That baby elephant was the cutest damn thing you ever saw. It was perfect in every way. Ms. Sophie was so proud of her. We thought she'd be very protective of the baby, but she wasn't. The little thing got to know everyone and would run up to us to be petted. She knew we always had a treat for her, and she would pester the shit out of you 'til she got it. You didn't dare go to the barn without a treat for her if you didn't want your clothes torn off. She had several of her mother's personality traits. She quickly developed a sense of humor. She was born with a twinkle in her eye. She was mischievous as Hell and was all the time getting into trouble.

She decided Dan was her surrogate dad. (Gris and I told her she had good taste.) She would run up behind Dan when he wasn't looking and run her little trunk between his legs and up his front to pull him to a stop. When she had him stopped she'd move her little trunk around to make it look like it was Dan's cock. She'd blow a stream of water out her snoot that looked just like Dan was taking a piss. She'd shake it, just like a man does to get the last drops out before putting it back in his pants. Then she'd let her trunk go limp and hang to the ground. She was hilarious. Dan would laugh and blush beet red every time she did it. Our family really got a laugh out of that. Of course, it only encouraged her. You couldn't get mad at her. She was too damn cute.

Griz said Ms. Sophie wanted to name her Grace because it was God who directed her to to Griz, Cowboy, and Master Dan. It was by His grace that her baby was saved and born healthy. When she came to Griz she was very close to miscarriage. Dan started calling her 'Gracie' and it stuck. Ms. Sophie told Griz that was fine with her. We jokingly sent out notice of impending birth of Ms. Sophie's baby girl, 'Gracie.' How did we know she was going to have a female? She told Griz. No one doubted her baby would be female. Our little joke backfired on us. We had three entire biker family groups camped out around our place, Big Ben and Ben Jr. flew down for the occasion. Bulldogger Dave, his mate Ken, and old Barn drove all the way for Gracie's birth.

There must have been four or five hundred motorcycles there. It made Strugis look like a Sunday poker run. Master Ben, Tim, Keshan, and Harry flew in to be with us. Ben's dad called from Los Angeles and asked if it would be all right if he came. I spoke to him and told him we'd be honored to have him. The local newspaper, Phoenix, Dallas, Los Angeles, Houston, Denver, and Las Vegas had reporters who wanted to cover the story. They were 'on call.' When Griz announced tomorrow was the day, almost the entire sheriff's station personnel were there. Many of the Tucson Fire department and Police were there. There must have been a thousand people at the ranch that day. It was a party atmosphere and everyone shared.

Dan and I called three caterers and told them to hurry. We sent some of the family for beer, sodas, ice and coffee for the crowd. I handed Big Jim a thousand dollar bill. He looked at it, shook his head and put it in his pocket. They wiped out two supermarkets.

Master Beryl told us it was okay with him Ms. Sophie was instructed by God to find her way to the ranch. It was also fine with him to find out a critter could understand the concept of a higher power, but if he saw three wise men riding up on camels he was going to shit his pants.

Ms. Sophie took it all in stride. She knew the folks were there to welcome her new baby. She didn't want Griz to leave her, though. We had to take his meals to the barn for him, and he slept on a blanket and some hay in the next stall. If he went up to his den she'd come to the base of the stairs and call for him. He was supremely patient and understanding with her. She couldn't have a better mid-wife than Griz. Ms. Sophie and her baby were doing fine. We had, what seemed like, an endless line of raunchy, mean-ass looking bikers and their old ladies, town folks, sheriffs, reporters and our family passed by with their hats in their hands to see and congratulate Ms. Sophie.

No one got out of hand and when the people went pass they whispered and made as little noise as possible. They respected Ms. Sophie's privacy. Her little girl was already up and running around her mother looking out at all the folks passing by. Ms. Sophie wasn't concerned. Griz told us she was so relieved at having a successful delivery she was in a mellow mood. Said she didn't mind the people taking a look at her baby as long as they were respectful and Griz was there to make sure they were. Dan and I relieved Griz every now and then so he could eat and use the facilities. The visitors were thoughtful and considerate of Ms. Sophie's privacy. It was a wonderful time and a good time was had by all. It was remembered for years as one of the highlights of our life at the ranch.

* * * * * * *
One of Gracie's favorite targets for her mischievousness was Big Beryl. The time came for spring round-up and Gracie was about three months old. Every man on the ranch participated in the round-up including Griz. The first day, Griz got Wilma saddled up and was getting ready to join us but Ms. Sophie wouldn't stay in the barn. She wanted to go with Griz. He finally explained to her about the round-up, and she and the baby had to stay in the barn. Mrs. Russell and one of the neighbor boys would be there to feed them. We made camp way back on part of the ranch that was so far away from anything you couldn't see a road, house, or vehicle for miles. We were awakened early the next morning by Ms. Sophie and her imp-child, Gracie. Gracie found her favorite target, Big Beryl, got on her knees, ran her trunk all the way down his bedroll and pinched him right on the butt.

You never saw a big man get out of a sleeping bag so fast in your life. There he was standing stark naked in front of the camp, cursing and laughing his ass off at Gracie. She got a crush on Master Beryl and loved being around him. Whenever we served food outdoors Gracie would always be right behind big Beryl picking choice bits of food off his plate for herself. If Beryl started to complain or get on her case she'd grab something and shove it in his mouth to shut him up. He finally gave up and would just get two plates of food, one for him and one for his girlfriend, Gracie. She still ate off his plate.

Sometimes Beryl would let out a whoop you could hear all over the ranch. You'd see Beryl come fogging out of one of the barns with Gracie in hot pursuit. Gracie delighted in pinching him on the butt. Once she found out she could make him holler she'd chase poor Beryl all around the ranch. Beryl would be running for dear life trying to get to a fence before Gracie could catch up with him. He'd have his cowboy hat in his hand in case she got too close to swat her away.

"Goddamn it, Gracie!" he'd yell at her, "I ain't a' gonna' let you pinch my butt no more. I was black and blue for a fuck'n month after my last visit to this ranch, and I'm just too damn old for your shenanigans. Go away, leave me be! Go pester Griz! I ain't gonna' let you eat off'n my plate no more, ya' hear," he threatened her.

Beryl got almost as good as Griz at reading them. Gracie would promise to be good and the next thing we'd see is Beryl walking back across the compound with Gracie holding on to his flannel shirt. He'd get her a treat of some kind, she'd graciously accept it, and all would be forgiven. She was a lady in love. 'Course Big Beryl had a couple more names for her. She tormented the holy Hell out of Beryl. He became the brunt of some of her worst pranks, but he'd laugh good naturedly.

He loved her, but he always kept an eye out for her. He never knew when she was going to come around a corner and do something god-awful to him. He told Gracie stories around the campfires many nights that would have the family rolling on the ground in agony from laughing so hard. Those who didn't know about Gracie thought he was bullshitting and making it up. Several of the men would come to his defense and tell them he wasn't lying. They were there, and they saw it happen. Every word was true and furthermore we had videos to prove it.

Sophie tracked us all that way into the back country. Dan wasn't upset with her but he was disappointed Griz would have to take her and her baby all the way back. It didn't turn out that way. Griz came to Dan and me and told us Ms. Sophie wanted to know why the Hell she couldn't help with the round-up? Hell, them critters weren't near as smart as she was. For some reason it struck Dan funny. He started laughing and laughed so hard he had everyone else laughing with him. Even Ms. Sophie trumpeted. "An elephant buckaroo?" he asked all of us and then shrugged his shoulders. We all fell out laughing with him. The idea was ludicrous.

"Would you call her a cow-lephant?" I asked.

"More like a bovine pachyderm?" Laughed my dad.

"Nope! A cowgirl!" stated Big Beryl flatly. Ms. Sophie agreed. She threw back her head and trumpeted loudly.

Needless to say the round-up was a little late getting started that morning. Then, the damnedest thing happened. Mr. Sophie began riding with us and started rounding up the strays better than us buckaroos. There weren't nary a cow, no matter how big their damn horns, who wanted to argue with Ms. Sophie. If one came too near her or Gracie, she would trumpet a warning sound that would make them turn away instantly. She put the fear of God in a couple of cowboys, too.

We finished the round up in record time thanks to Ms. Sophie. Gracie was right behind her every step of the way. Once again, Dan had his video camera, and we have videos of Ms. Sophie and Gracie working them damn cows better'n any buckaroo. We've shown it to hundreds of people, some of whom claim it just couldn't happen.

Afterward, Griz, Dan, me, Boots, and Sonny would have to take pliers and pull out the choya cactus hooks before they worked themselves deep. It wouldn't take us long. The trouble was getting Gracie to stand still, or leave us alone long enough to pull them out. She would pester the shit out of us. Ms. Sophie would come to our rescue and issue her a warning in a rumbling, barely audible, low frequency sound. Griz would laugh and thank Ms. Sophie.

"She just told Gracie if she didn't settle down and let us finish, she was gonna' sit on her and hold her down." We all laughed and told Gracie she better listen to her momma. We wouldn't want her sit'n on us. She settled right down.

Old Beryl, for all his guff, took measurements on Gracie and Ms. Sophie legs and took the information to an upholsterer buddy of his, Bernie Hoffestler, whom he fucked for years. He made all of Beryl's leathers for him and was a supreme leather craftsman. Many of the family went to him as well, including Red, Boots, Sonny and me. Eventually, he had more business by word of mouth than he could handle. Beryl drew out an idea on paper and Bernie caught on to exactly what he wanted. That is, after he stopped rolling on the floor from laughter after Beryl showed him a snap-shots of his two cowlady girl friends for whom the leggings or chaps were meant. Beryl told him they were for two rather large cowgirls. Bernie got to work and called Beryl after a couple of days to come get his elephant chaps. He made them out of a heavy duty canvas sail cloth that the choya couldn't penetrate, yet it was flexible enough it wouldn't hinder or chafe the ladies. They were like old WWI military leggings except they were held on, and adjustable, with expandable velcro.

Griz told Ms. Sophie and Gracie what Big Beryl had someone make for them. They were pleased and grateful the big man went out of his way to help protect them against the cactus. They worked great and at the end of the next round-up we found just a few of the hooks stuck in and around their feet but minimal to what we had to remove before their 'pachyderm buckaroo chaps.' It only endeared Beryl to the two of them more. They worshiped him and wanted to be near him the whole time he was at the ranch.

It was sort of a mixed blessing for Beryl, but Gracie did let up on some of her awful pranks. He was grateful for that. They memorized the sound of each bikers Harley, and Griz would tell us hours before someone was to arrive who was coming. In Beryl's case, they would both run out to the lot where the bikers parked and stand there for an hour or more, swaying back and forth, waiting for their friend. For fun, sometimes we'd take a large piece of cardboard and using a magic marker pen write 'welcome' to the expected biker. We'd nail it to the fence so they'd see it as they rode in. The bikers couldn't figure out how the Hell we always knew they were coming. They wouldn't have believed us if we told them.

As she grew up, Gracie developed her own personality. She'd never was around people who abused her or tried to force her to do anything. If she wanted to help, we let her, if not we didn't get upset with her. She was always there wanting to help. She would pester Griz to death about how many more days to round-up. She and her mother loved to work. They'd rather be with us helping than back in the barn standing around doing nothing. They were very social creatures and always wanted to be where the family was and watch what was going on. We became their family.

The first thing the kids who came to the ranch wanted to see was Ms. Sophie and Gracie. They would run as fast as their little legs would carry them towards the two giant beast to pet them and say hello. The two ladies were always gracious and exceptionally gentle with the kids. Several quickly learned how to talk to Ms. Sophie, and they'd talk her into putting them on Gracie's back for an elephant ride. Gracie would ride those kids all over the place with slow sure steps so's not to knock one off. Ms. Sophie would be right along beside her to catch one if they began to slip.

Gracie fell in love with Sonny. We have videos of Sonny riding her all over the ranch. He wasn't watching what he was doing one time and fell off. Before he could hit the ground, Ms. Sophie had him in her trunk and gently lowered him to safety. She may have saved his life.

Ms. Sophie and Gracie helped with eight round-ups. By that time Gracie was almost fully grown and between the two of them it took us no time to round up the strays. They earned their keep, but they became too much for Griz to take care of along with his other responsibilities. His Friend told him to have Dan contact the wild animal park that just opened outside of San Diego. Dan contacted the director of the park. They'd heard of Ms. Sophie and Gracie and wanted to come to Tucson to see them. They came to the ranch, were really taken with Ms. Sophie and Gracie, and contracted with Dan and Griz to transport them to the park. They were so impressed by the health of the animals and the care they were given, they offered Griz a job on the spot. They wanted him to be their elephant keeper.

Griz was flattered, but he would never consider leaving Dan or me. By that time, we wouldn't consider letting him go. Losing Griz would be like cutting Dan and my hearts out. We love him that much. Our family adored Griz and the ranch just wouldn't be the same without him. There were too many people who loved and depended on Griz's love in their lives, to say nothing of a passel of little folks who would form a posse and lynch Dan and me for letting him go. We showed the zoo director and his staff videos of Ms. Sophie and Gracie rounding up the dogies wearing their 'choya chaps' and they were dumbstruck. They couldn't believe what they were seeing. "And you never trained them to do that?" one asked.

"No, sir. First year, Gracie was only three or four months old, Ms. Sophie tracked us way back on the ranch where we spent the night. She was pissed 'cause we left her behind. She asked Griz why the Hell she couldn't help with the round-up? Said she and Gracie was a Hell of a lot smarter'n them critters we was trying to gather up."

"Griz talks with her?" he asked.

"Yes, sir, he does."

"Remarkable." The older one said. "I've heard of people who could communicate with animals through telepathy. Is it sort of like that, Griz?"

"Yes, sir, I can hear what she's thinking, and she has a low frequency speech you can't hear."

"Can you?" he asked.

"Oh, yes, sir, it carries for miles. I can hear her in the barn talking to Gracie, right now. She just told her she hopes it ain't as hot today as it was yesterday." The men laughed.

"I have to believe you, Big Man," the older one told Griz, "When Mr. Yates called us and agreed to let us come see them, I though we were going to find two miserable, badly kept animals. We're truly impressed with the care you've given them. They're healthier than our elephants and certainly happy. We'd be proud to have them."

Ms. Sophie loved Griz, Dan, and me dearly and was happy at the ranch. They'd see us coming and no matter where they were they'd start a fast walk back to the barn. Believe me, when an elephant wants to move fast, they can get that mass in motion and haul some ass. During all the round-ups we never saw a steer or heifer out run Ms. Sophie or Gracie.

Dan and I made it a ritual every afternoon to walk out to the barn or pasture to visit the ladies. We would both be packing an apple or pear. Dan and I loved those times with them in the afternoon. We'd talk to them and pet them. Tell them how good they looked. They wouldn't let us just come to the fence. They wanted us in with them so they could pet and fondle us as well. We learned they are very social creatures and enjoyed touching and feeling exchanges even with humans. Neither one ever made a move purposely or accidentally to hurt anyone on the ranch. That included a lot of little kids, too. They were always extremely careful and thoughtful.

We hated to say goodbye to them. They were more than animals or pets. Hell, they became family. Who suffered the worse? Big Beryl. He and Gracie became a comedy team. We referred to them as 'George and Gracie.' She learned the sound of his Harley and could hear him coming miles before any of us even knew he was on his way. She'd run out to the front and stand swaying back and forth waiting for her friend.

Sometimes Beryl would have someone with him who never visited the ranch before. The first time he brought his new slave Blaine to the ranch he purposely didn't tell him about Ms. Sophie or Gracie. They damn near scared the shit out of poor Blaine. They pulled up out front only to have an enormous elephant be all over Beryl and Blaine looking for treats and running her trunk down the back of Blaine's leather pants to tickle his butt. If that wasn't bad enough, here'd come Ms. Sophie and almost scared poor Blaine to death. All you could hear across the yard was Blaine's screams,"Beryl, Master, help me, Master Beryl, for God sake, help me."

Beryl couldn't do anything he was so doubled over with laughter. Beryl would never warn any visitor he brought to the ranch or say a word about having two elephants for best friends. Several men got the shock of their lives. Finally, Beryl would holler at both of them to come to him and tell him 'hello.' They'd stop pestering the poor guest and come to Beryl and go through their elaborate greeting ritual. They expected to be petted and made over like they were old friends and told how good it was to see them again.

"How you been, Ms. Sophie. Gracie, Honey, you're look'n great. Tell me, girlfriend, be honest, you put on a little weight? On you it looks good, Darlin.' Damn, it's good to see you ladies again. Come on, let's go up to the house and old Beryl will get you a treat. Follow me, Ladies." They would be all over Beryl, and the guest would run for his life to the house. Here'd come Beryl with an elephant on either side of him up to the house. He'd go in and come back with a treat for them. They were always happy to see their friend, Beryl.

We think Ms. Sophie realized how much work it was for Griz and us to care for them. She reluctantly boarded the trailer, but she insisted Griz go along. We all went, the whole damn family. There was over two hundred motorcycles parked outside the entrance to the Wild Animal Park that day. There was much weeping and touching goodbyes after we got them settled. The park was beautiful and Ms. Sophie and Gracie took to the other elephants right away. We knew they were going to be happy there.

When we returned home the next evening it was like we were coming home to a deserted ranch. There was a great cloud of remorse hanging over our heads. Dan, Griz and I sat in the truck for thirty minutes. We couldn't get out. It just wasn't going to be the same at the ranch without them big ladies. The unspoken thought on our minds was, did we do the right thing?

Thank God, Griz saved the day. "Master Dan, Master Cowboy,” he finally broke our silence. He spoke quietly to us, “I want to thank you for allowing Ms. Sophie and Gracie to stay at the ranch as long as you did, but it was time for them to go. They'll be a lot happier there, and we did the right thing. Our other master told me so." Dan and I hugged the big man between us and cried on his shoulder. We already missed them terribly and did so for several months.

* * * * * * *
We go back to the park about three or four times a year and Ms. Sophie and Gracie go bananas every time we come to visit. They're not satisfied just to see Gris, Dan and me over the rail. They want us in the enclosure with them so they can touch us. The director gave the keepers permission to let us in the enclosure when we come. We'd walk in and Ms. Sophie or Gracie would have a hold of one of us at all times. The keeper is amazed because even the biggest males will come up and pay their respects. They all know us because Ms. Sophie and Gracie's told them all about us. We got permission from the director to bring them favorite treats, and we have a good time seeing them again. The other female elephants will come over and want treats like their sisters.

We usually take three plastic milk crates filled with seasonal fruits. Griz talks to all of them and asks about their health. About two years ago we were there and one of the larger females told Griz she had a terrible toothache and asked if he could help her. We told the keeper and he notified the men that came to the ranch for Ms. Sophie. They went immediately to see. She wouldn't let any of them check her unless Griz was present. Griz had to get in the enclosure with her and calm her while the vet checked her back molar. Sure enough it was rotten and stank. We had to stay over that night because they couldn't open their infirmary until the next morning, and she insisted Griz be with her.

The zoo was very hospitable and put us up for the night because we had to be up early the next morning for Griz to go with her into the infirmary. The men didn't question him or us but welcomed us early the next morning. Griz went with her handler, and she followed Griz back to the infirmary. They gave her a mild sedative, and had her lie down while they removed the tooth. Griz was by her side with his hand on her head the whole time to help calm her.

She thanked Griz and apologized if she inconvenienced him, but she was afraid. She knew they took good care of them, but she never had a tooth removed before. She was frightened and it helped to have Griz there to reassure her. Once during the removal she told him she was in pain, and they gave her more sedative. Griz told them to go ahead and finish when the pain subsided.

We were there, too. Beryl and Blaine went with us. We had to walk out of the room into the fresh air because that damn tooth stank like you wouldn't believe. It was rotten to the core. It took a while because the vet would work a while, gag, go throw up, take a break and go back to it. You don't just yank an elephant's tooth. The vet had a hammer and chisels and had to chip the damn thing out a piece at a time. It was a long slow process but it had to be done or she might have died from infection. Griz never moved from her side. I got him a mask to wear, but he wouldn't put it on. I have to give it to the big man, none of us could have done what he did. The staff speak his name with reverence.

Word of Griz and his amazing abilities with animals got around quickly among the zoo world. We're on call from four zoos. When they can't get an animal to cooperate as a final resort they'll sent for Griz. He's never failed to calm any animal and get it to do what they want. He amazed everyone one day when he walked right up to a South African white Rhino and put his hand on her. She was throwing up and wouldn't eat. She fell in love with Griz right away and followed him everywhere. She told him she didn't know what all the fuss was about; she was pregnant. This would be her third calf, and she always got sick the first month. The zoo men laughed. Sure enough, it was her third calf, and when they checked her, she was pregnant.

We have videos of him jumping down into a den of lions and bringing out one of the fiercest male lions. It developed a degenerative leg condition in it's hind legs and was in great pain. The handlers were going to dart the big cat to tranquilize it. Griz told them ‘no,’ let him go in and talk to it. They didn't want him to, but we assured them he would be all right. His Friend was right by his side. We didn't tell them but we knew.

The other big cats moved away from Griz as he slowly walked over to the big cat. He knelt by its side and put his hand on it. It reached over and licked his hand. Then to everyone's amazement the big cat went limp like it fainted. Griz picked up the huge cat and slowly walked to the gate of the enclosure. The big cat acted like it was out, but we knew it wasn't. Griz told it to move as little as possible, and he would help it. He sat in the back of Dan's pickup with the big cat in his lap. The director of the zoo got in the front with Dan and me, and we slowly drove to the infirmary.

"I've been around the world many times. I've seen lots of unusual things, but I never saw anything like that in my life," the zoo director commented softly as if he were in awe. My Master looked at him and smiled.

"That's nothing. We could tell you stories you wouldn't believe. Then after we show you videos, you still won't believe. We have a mountain lion who brings her cubs every spring to visit Griz, 'cause he nursed her back to health one year," Dan said and chuckled to himself.

"Amazing! I'd believe anything now. If that man told me he could teach an elephant to fly, I'd ask him how long a runway he was gonna' need," he said. Everyone laughed. "There's just one nagging question I have for you gentlemen," he seemed hesitant to ask his question.

"You want to know about the ring through Griz's nose?" my Master said without looking at the director.

"If it's not too personal."

"It's very personal, but I don't think Griz would mind me telling you. He wears it because his previous owner, Red Grainger, the man what specialized in putting out oil rig fires all over the world, had it put in Griz's nose and insisted he wear it. It was originally a training device to teach the big man manners and gentility. The original ring was a third bigger than the one he's wearing now. We may question his master's methods, but obviously, it worked. We inherited Griz a number of years ago when his owner passed away. He wears it because his new owners, Cowboy and me, say he must. It reminds him everyday that he's loved and who owns him."

I was proud of my master. He told the unvarnished truth. He neither white washed nor apologized for his explanation. Not another question was asked. I know the zoo director didn't totally understand but for some reason he seemed satisfied with my master's answer. From then on, he was noticeably more relaxed around Griz and us. He looked for and found the love that passed between the gentle giant and his owners.

The big cat talked with Griz on the way to the infirmary. It told him anything, even death, would be better than the pain. They operated and implanted two new polystyrene joints. The operation was a total success. It healed properly and 'Leo,' as the staff named him, got better and was able to get around pretty well. The doctors called and ask if we wanted to come see him released back into the pen. They later admitted they wanted Griz to ask the big lion if it still had any pain. Griz did inquire and assured them the big cat was pain free, and he thanked them very much. He though they brought him there to die. He knew his friend Griz explained they were going to help him, but he didn't see how.

They were going to put him in a cage and haul him out to the enclosure. Griz wouldn't hear of it. The people at the zoo shook their heads like Griz was crazy, but they let him have his way. He proved over and over again what he could do with animals. Griz took the old lion by his mane, and he slowly followed Griz like a well trained dog. Griz asked Dan to back the pickup to the loading dock. We did and the director of the zoo sat up front with Dan and me. Griz got in the back, held Leo around his neck, petted him and away we went.

We arrived at the enclosure and the handlers were ready to open the gate. The old lion came to the edge of the tailgate and hesitated. Griz told him he'd help him. The big man slowly grabbed the huge lion, easily lifted him from the bed of the truck and gently set its four paws on the ground. It looked up at Griz, licked him right in the face, and walked along without a limp by Griz's side into the enclosure. It turned once, looked Griz right in the eye, then turned and walked away. We didn't have to ask. My heart skipped more than one beat that day. He's amazed many people and us as well.

* * * * * * *
Little Sister got married and we all went to her wedding. Her first born was a boy she named Rowley William Birdsong for the two men she loved most in her life, next to her husband, of course. The tyke was a handful. He was called Rowley-Bill from birth. He was a cowboy from his first breath. His Uncle Billy taught him to rope and ride by the age of five. By the time he was in junior high school he won every junior championship rodeo in the area. He has Betty Bob's sense of wonder and the gentle, kind, loving spirit of his namesake, Uncle Rowley. He's growing up to be a carbon copy of his Uncle Rowley right down to way he swaggers when he walks in his boots.

His last name may be Birdsong but he's a Twissleman, through and through. He's the apple of Mr. and Mrs. Twissleman's eyes. Several summers their grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Twissleman have come to the ranch and been our guest for a week or more at a time. Dan and I really love the Twisslemans. Rowley-Bill, his brother, and two sisters have spent several summers with us while Mr. and Mrs. Birdsong traveled Europe as the guest of the Sultan of Bahrain, and we have a ball with them.

The older Twisselman boy, Tollar, left home, bought a Harley, and they haven't seen him but once or twice since. They were worried about him. What did they do to have him reject them so? They still loved him and never knew of any bad feelings between them. Tollar was like so many young men. He didn't want to cause his family pain yet he couldn't go home and feel he had to live a lie. So he did like thousands of good men before him, nothing.

The year after they confided in Dan and me, some members of an associate family dropped by the ranch for R & R and play cowboys for a while. Who should be riding with them as road captain with his handsome slave but Tollar Twissleman. He took one look at me and was in my arms in a flash. I didn't know Toller and my master formed a friendship during the years I was riding with Booger Red, and Toller didn't know I'd come to live with Dan Yates. We see more of him than the Twisslemans do. I confided in the old man of Tollar's frequent visits to the ranch, and he cried in my arms.

Mr. Twissleman begged me to let him know when I heard from Tollar and to let them know how he was doing. With my master's consent I have. Tollar never told us not to, but we're not sure he knows we're still in touch with his family. Mr. Twissleman got Dan and me aside one day and asked me to tell his son to come visit and for God's sake bring his biker family and his slave with them. They know and understand. They're all welcome. Just don't cut them out of his life, they haven't cut him out of theirs. They still love him very much. Dan and I sat Toller down and told him what his dad said. He cried in our arms and thanked us. He told his biker family he and his slave were going home; they would catch up with them later. Dan and I got the nicest letter from Mr. and Mrs. Twissleman. They were so thrilled they had their son back, and now they had another fine son to love as well. They added they would always think of Dan, Griz, Boots, Sonny and me as their sons as well. The door's always open. Don't bother to call, ya'll come.

* * * * * * *
Griz was wonderful with kids. They'd climb all over him. We never had to worry when Griz was in cub patrol mode. We sometimes lost track of one or more of them, but we didn't worry, 'cause yonder'd come Griz with one under each big arm carrying them like sacks of flour, them giggling and yelling at him the whole time. Nothing would happen to those kids. Griz got letters from kids who visited the ranch for years. Still does. They send us pictures of their kids and bring them to the ranch to crawl all over Griz. Griz loves the little folk, as he calls them. I've never seen such a big man be so gentle with kids in my life. He forever has two or three climbing over him at any given time. He communicates with them because no one ever told the little child inside Griz to grow up. I thank God every day no one ever did.

Griz realizes that he and I are Dan's slaves, but he's also my slave. That's the way his last master insisted it be. As time went on I never thought much about it until Dan sat me down and talked with me. He was going to talk to Griz as well then talk to the two of us together. Dan decided Griz should start showing me proper respect as his master. It wasn't to be mean to Griz. Dan explained to me if something should happen to him, it would become a more natural transition for Griz and me if I should have to assume complete responsibility for him. Our clan family adopted Griz and inducted him into the family with a formal slave induction ceremony. I think it was at that time Griz gave up the idea of becoming a master. He knows he's better off being a slave and particularly, me and Dan's slave. He loves us so much he'd never consider being anything but our slave.

Griz had no problem with Dan's decision and occasionally in front of Dan or our family, Griz will pay homage to me. (I think he does it sometimes to get a hug and a kiss, but what the Hell, it works for me.) If Dan should be called home before me, I'll be Griz's master until one of us passes. I would never consent to being another man's master but Griz's. Our clan family laughs and jokes with us. Big Beryl and Blaine tell me they always knew under my willingness to serve beat the heart of a true master. Maybe so, I don't know. All I know is, if I have to, I'll do my damnedest to protect our magnificent beast, the Old Man's friend, from the hurts of the world with my dying breath. Not because the Old Man wants me to, but because of my love for my beast.

To accept the responsibility for a man like Griz, to become his master is, in essence, to become his slave. Griz has always walked a step behind me, catered to me like a proper slave should to his master, paid homage to my boots, and has never embarrassed me by refusing an order. 'Course, I don't have to order him to do too much. He reads my mind most of the time. Then, too, I never try to humiliate Griz as a slave. I would never ask him to do something I might find uncomfortable if I were in his position. The lines between master and slave haven't blurred over the years. I won't let them. Griz needs control. He always has, and he probably always will. Dan and I talked and we think that's why the Old Man wanted us to take care of him, to control him, and keep him from harms way.

When Bro. Red told him about leaving Griz to us, Dan didn't think twice about accepting him as part of our family. Neither of us has had a moments regret over my master's decision. Dan and I are Griz's undisputed owners, and he never fails to introduce me as his master as well as Dan. I always introduce him as my slave and magnificent beast. Griz's consolation? He knows he can become master to his cowboy in his den, but he never fails to resume his slave role when we've finished our play, and I snap my fingers. He's on my boots in a second. I asked Griz one time if he felt bad he's spent his life as a slave and probably will die a slave to someone. He mused for a minute and replied, "God gimme' what I most wanted out of life, Master Billy, I don't need no more."

"What's that, Griz?"

"You, Master Billy, remember? I never stopped believing in my dream. I had faith. I asked God and he gimme' to you and Master Dan. You were right, Master Billy, I asked him and he did." I forgot what I said to Griz all those years ago and never remembered until he reminded me. He was right, God gave him to us.

His Friend still walks along side the big man and talks with him. In the late afternoon Griz lights up the pasture when his Friend comes to walk with him. Dan, Boots, my dad, Ben Jr., Mrs. Russell, Sonny and I will stand and watch in awe. Many times in the past, behind him would be two large elephants, fifteen to twenty wild ponies following less than three feet behind. Ms. Sophie would put her trunk over into the light. It would surround the tip of her snoot, tickle her, she'd pull back, look at the light on the end of her trunk, then like a graceful ballet dancer she would lower her trunk and bring it back up with the gentlest of motions to set the light free over Griz's head only to have it settle back into the whole from which it came. Then, she'd take another small bit on her trunk but this one she'd set free over her back and it would illuminate the ponies and settle on them to cause them to glow softly. Not one of the ponies spooked when she did it. They were following their friend who talked to them and knew them all by name. Griz loved them all. So did the light that surrounded the big man. They were listening in on a conversation we can only imagine. There wouldn't be a dry eye among the observers.

Dan and I live well but we have no great needs financially. We aren't consumers. We live simply. We don't have a T.V. in the bedroom. We have a large one in the living room on which we watch videos. Griz never seemed to want a T.V. The few times we watch he seems to enjoy it. T.V. becomes a low priority when you run a large ranch. There's always something to do. We spent our evenings talking with each other. We welcome Griz from his evening walk. He never talks about his walks unless we ask. Once in a great while he'll have a message for one of us. Sometimes they're even funny.

The ranch continued to prosper and year by year kept getting more profitable. At the end of each year Dan would get a strange look on his face and tell Griz and me, "Gentlemen, we doubled last years profits and have been operating at a higher profit level since you both came to live here."

He further narrowed it down to the year Ms. Sophie came to us as the first year of truly major, record profits from the ranch. Was there a connection? I wasn't about to ask. I didn't want to know. Dan laughed at me and admitted he didn't either. We work our asses off on the ranch, but we love it and it's brought us closer together as a family. It was paying off for Dan and the more financially stable he became, aside from mine and Griz's money, there developed in him a new assuredness and self-worth. It translated directly into his strength of purpose to be a fine master. Something clicked in his head, and he blossomed into a master who was damn near the jack-boot disciplinarian Griz and I dreamed about.

Here we were, coming upon our tenth year together, and he awakened within his two slaves a dormant treasure of sexual experiences. Boots traded Sonny for me one night. We hadn't done that in a long time. The next morning Sonny had to sit on a pillow at breakfast his ass was so sore from Dan's whip and hard fucking. Boots giggled, shook Dan's hand, and complimented him. Sonny got me off by ourselves in the barn later that day.

"What in the Hell got into your Master? Last time I went with him several months ago, he was good sex and I enjoyed it, but now, that man just may surpass our other master. You know us Cowboy, a night like that man gave me last night makes you hungry for more. He's become a master to reckon with. How is it, Cowboy, you end up with the best masters? Don't get me wrong, my old man is the only master for me, but a good slave who can appreciate a fine master has bragging rights after a night like that," Sonny proclaimed.

"I know, but Griz and I are thrilled. We couldn't be happier. Dan has always been wonderful sex. He gave me an attitude adjustment the other night that left a silly smile on my face for damn near a week. That's why I ate standing at the bar for two days. He felt so bad about it and told me he was sorry. I told him if he was truly sorry, he'd do it again in a week or two. Like you said, Brother, it hurts s'damn good. Every time I'd think about Dan securing me for his attitude adjustment I get a boner and almost come in my pants.

Our master even insisting Griz and I have several bottles of his beer a week. Griz loves it better'n you and I. If I don't watch him like a hawk he'll finish mine, too." For the last few years there's been a pattern Griz and I noticed. Dan would stay at the same level of intensity for his slaves for a year or more then throw Griz, Sonny, and me for a loop by gearing up two more levels. Come to find out he and Boots would get their heads together and brainstorm new ideas. Boots was increasing in intensity with his slave, too. He'd sometimes keep Sonny in total bondage for two sometimes three days at a time. Sonny loved it.

* * * * * * *
Dad and Uncle Joe retired and sold the garage the year they decided to ride the rodeo circuit. They were the oldest competitors on the circuit that year, but they won everything. They kept busy going to local rodeos and teaching kids in the community to rodeo. Ben, Tim, and Dr. Keshan made all the big city rodeos we competed in and rooted for the old guys. Dad and Uncle Joe were thrilled they got such encouragement.

In our tenth year together my Uncle Joe passed away unexpectedly. He seemed in robust health, but complained of reoccurring headaches what would sometime last for a day or two. He would take aspirin and go to bed. They seemed to pass. One night he felt so bad he went to bed early. Dad wasn't worried because Uncle Joe took aspirin before, and they seemed to help. He'd take them at night and the next morning his headache would be gone.

Dad didn't join him for an hour or so, but when he got into bed next to Uncle Joe, his mate, his slave, his cousin, Uncle Joe didn't respond. All those years he would roll over into my dad's big arms to let dad hold him and pet him for a while. He suffered a massive stroke and was gone. My cowboys came to take him home. Dad was lost without Uncle Joe. Lester passed away several years earlier and that was a big blow to him. Lester's passing was a big blow to all of us, but Uncle Joe's passing damn near killed my dad.

Everyone rallied to be there for him and not let him be alone. Junior Roamer moved in with his granddad to be with him and not let him grieve himself to death. Dad sold Joe's house, but wanted to keep his and still live in Mason. Dan tried to talk him into coming to live with us, but he wanted to stay in Mason. Walker and Xander begged him to come to Glen Rose and stay with them. Ben came home for Lester's and Uncle Joe's funeral and kept in touch with Dad.

Ben became Sultan of Bahrain after his father passed away. While it limited his trips to the U.S., he still managed to get to the U.S. four to six times a year for extended periods. My dad was probably the only man in the world who had a son become a royal head of state in his country. Ben would pick up the phone, call, and say, "Hey, Dad, how are you? This is Ben."

He called him two or three times a week. Ben flew Dad all over the world to meet him and Tim to go someplace. Ben flew him to Vegas and Reno many times. Dan and I got dad to come stay with us quite a bit, and he loved the ranch. He loved Griz and came to look upon the big man like we all did. Dad would sit and talk with Griz by the hour. Griz thought my dad was a special person and delighted in being in my dad's company.

After all, it was by my dad's permission Gris carried the last name of Gunn. Griz actually thought of dad as his dad. Dad loved it when anyone called him 'dad.' They spent a lot of time together. Griz became the single greatest factor in my dad's recovery from the loss of Uncle Joe. Griz would ask his Friend to relay messages. His Friend told him he had to stop that. Big Gunn would never heal if he kept his mate alive. He told Griz to tell my dad that Uncle Joe loved him but wanted him to go on with his life. It was important. He would soon have someone else to live for.

With both his master's permission, Griz offered himself to my dad, but dad couldn't do it. Dan got dad off by himself and wanted to give me to him for an evening. He couldn't do it. He had no interest in sex for almost two years after Joe died. He said he wasn't trying to be faithful to Joe, he simply had no interest. Ben Stafford and Ben Jr. flew to Tucson regularly to rodeo with us at the ranch. We either took the motor coach or flew up a couple of times a year to visit them.

Big Ben and his Son rode the rodeo circuit a couple of years after Mrs. Stafford passed away, and we all became close friends. Big Ben thought my dad was one of the best men he ever met. He knew dad was having a hard time letting go of Uncle Joe and going on with his life. Big Ben talked to my dad one afternoon sitting on the corral fence watching some of the kids rodeo. "Gunn, I know you been having a tough time letting go of Joe. I don't mean to offend or intrude but would you consider an offer?" Big Ben asked.

"What'd ju' have in mind, Cowboy?" Dad asked.

"Let me send my slave-boy to you tonight to serve you. I seen you watch Ben Jr. and he's quite sure you're capable of walking on water; he told me so. He pisses his pants every time you come around. Heaven forbid you should put your arm around him. He's come in his pants twice when you had your arm around him. I'll be honest with you, Gunn, I've only shared my slave with a couple other masters, but I'd be proud to send him to you for an evening. I've trained him to be a right good slave. I think he'd please you.

“I knew better'n to ask, but I asked him the other day if he found you attractive. Ben Jr. rarely expresses interest in another man. He turned to me and told me if I was thinking about sharing him with you he would consider it a great honor; said he found you one of the hottest cowboys he's ever met. He told me he'd do anything he could to please you," Ben said.

"Gee, Ben, that's awful nice of you, but I don't know. I ain't been interested in sex with anyone nigh on two years. It's not because Joe's gone; although, I miss him with all my heart. The old saying about not realizing what you got 'til it's gone is partially true for me. I woke up one morning after being sober for about six months, rolled over in bed, took Joe in my arms and realized what a treasure I had in my cousin all these years.

“Joe was so devoted to me for as long as I could remember, was always there doing for me, I sort of took him for granted. I immediately had our family draw up a contract and in a small private ceremony made Joe my slave. He'd been begging me for years to make him my slave. I never realized how important it might be to him. Changed my life, and I know it did Joe's. I started treating him with the love, respect, and consideration a master should for a good and faithful slave. Our new sobriety allowed me more time and patience to demand more discipline from Joe.

“I worked hard at it after Bud died and Joe couldn't have been happier being my slave. The more control I demanded the better he performed and loved me. I was such a fool all those years. I should've done it earlier. They were the best years of our lives. We never would've won the finals if I hadn't accepted Joe as my slave. We became more focused, faster, and more accurate in our roping. He wanted to please his master, and he did. How many old farts our age win the finals?

“Nevertheless, I never understood until Joe was gone just how much my happiness and comfort depended on him. I never realized how much I loved him. I don't know why I haven't been interested in sex, but if it's subconscious then I'd like to start healing. Joe was such a giving soul, I know he would want that for me. Maybe what I need is to lie next to a good looking slave like your son for a evening. If I can't do nothing do you think it would hurt his feelings?" Gunn asked.

"Oh, Hell, no, Gunn. He understands what you're going through and would love to serve you for an evening no matter what happens. Shit, my boy's so taken with you he told me he would die happy to sleep in your arms for one night."

"Well, if you're sure you don't mind, Ben. I'll have to admit, I find your boy one of the easiest buckaroos to look at I've seen in a long while. Often wondered what splitting that sweet ass of his would feel like. I've admired the two of you for sometime now I admire your relationship and you men make me feel good when I'm around you," Gunn said.

"He'll be at your door, cleaned, and ready for use at eight o'clock, Gunn."

"Thanks Ben, I really appreciate it."

"Hell, Gunn, you'd do the same for me. When Dan and Billy come to Calgary, Dan and I swap off and I dearly love that kid of yours. He's grown up to be a carbon copy of Bud. Don't care how you did it, you done a good thing by having that kid, Gunn. Cowboy turned out to be probably the greatest thing that could've happen to you and Bud. Billy loved his Uncle Bud, but I have to tell you, Gunn, he worships you. He's all the time saying, 'Don't make `em no better'n my dad, Mr. Stafford.'

"God gimme' me a good'un when he gimme' me Cowboy. If'n it hadn't been for him, his brother Ben, Dan Yates, Junior and most of all Griz, I don't think I would've made it after Joe died. Dan's offered Cowboy to me several times since Joe died, but while I appreciated it, I couldn't do it. Don't know why. I love my boy. He's come to my bed many times, but I just can't. I know it disappointed Cowboy, 'cause him and me had us some damn good rodeos. I have to be honest, his little butt fucks almost the same as Bud's, and it drives me nuts."

"Damn! Don't I know it. I do that boy an injustice because while I'm aware it's him I'm fucking, sometimes it feels so good, gettin' me some good stuff way up there, my mind drifts and the next thing I know I'm fucking Bud. I'm ashamed to admit it, but I let my mind go with it and I'm back years ago gettin' me a piece of that cowboy's ass I loved so much. Your boy ain't no dummy neither. He knows. Never says a thing but smiles at me like he understands, and it's all right with him. If you want to know the truth, I think he loves sharing that dream with me. He did hit me with a zinger one evening that made me fall off the bed laughing. He asked me if I was aware I fucked Bud differently than I fuck him?" Both men roared with laughter.

"Not too damn much gets by that kid, I guarantee you, Ben. Tell Ben Jr., if nothing else I'd appreciate making a little love to him and holding him in my arms all night. Have ta' admit Ben, you gotta' a winner there. You did the right thing making that boy your slave. That kid never would a' been happy being anything else. He'll treasure these years with you as his master the rest of his life. We finally convinced Boots to claim Sonny for his slave. Booger paid for Sonny's slave training before the four of them left on their trip. He loved Boots and Sonny as much as I do. Cowboy told me it was like Booger had two slaves and a master to train. According to my boy, Booger was in his element. He fell in love with Sonny and Boots. Red and Cowboy's bond was so strong Cowboy had no problem sharing his master with Sonny and Boots. Of course, when Booger was putting Sonny through his paces, Cowboy was getting the b'jesus fucked out of him by Boots. He told me Boots fucked him exactly the same way I do." Ben and my dad were all over each other laughing.

* * * * * * *
Ben Jr. did go to my dad. It was kept private between Ben Jr.'s master and my dad. Ben Jr. never said a word to me, Griz, or Sonny. Ben Jr. and I became close friends. Seems Ben Jr. jump started my old man's heart and renewed his interest in life. The next trip Dan, Griz, and I made to Calgary, dad asked if he could tag along. We didn't think anything of it, and were glad he wanted to join us. Ben, Tim, Dr. Keshan and a lot of our family met us there, and we had a wonderful time.

The next time Big Ben and his slave came to Tucson they called dad in advance, and he was at our ranch when they arrived. Dan and I noticed he and Ben Jr. were getting close and the three of them would be missing for hours at a time. The two, older, fine looking cowboys would order Ben Stafford's slave between them and Ben Jr. would get both holes plugged at the same time. Ben Jr. was certain he died and went to heaven. No one said anything. They always reappeared with self-satisfied, relaxed smiles on their faces. Of course, Ben Jr. would try to appear as stone faced as possible, but I knew him too well.

"I've rarely been jealous of anyone, Ben," I told him laughing, "but I have to say, the thought of you being used by those two old cowboys makes my face turn as green as the wicked witch of the West," I laid it on. He just smiled real big. One time he did say something; said it was the closest he could imagine what heaven might be like. “I love my master, Cowboy, and there's none other for me, but dad and I talked about it, and we've both fallen in love with your dad. He's one Hell of a man."

Three years later, Ben Stafford had a massive stroke and was in the hospital for several months. My dad was by Ben Jr.'s side and by Big Ben's bed as fast as he could get a plane out. Ben kept getting worse until finally he realized he wasn't going to make it. My dad never left his or Ben Jr.'s side during the three months Big Ben was in the hospital. Dad simply took over helping Ben Jr. run the ranch, and the rest of the time they were by Big Ben's side at the hospital. Ben Stafford told his son to go to the cafeteria, get himself something to eat, and wait for Big Gunn to come get him. His slave didn't hesitate, excused himself and left the room.

"Gunn, we both know I've had it. I'm just too damn old. I'm worn out. I want you to consider something. Now, I ain't gonna' hold you to it or nothing. I don't believe in death bed promises. That ain't the way you treat a friend you love and respect who loves you as much. I wanted to talk to you alone, Old Friend, 'cause, well – Gunn, my boy loves you. Ain't no two ways about it. I don't know what he would've done without you here these last few months. You gotta' know I love and appreciate you for it, too, but then, I come to expect that from you.

“You been a good friend. Gunn. I've grown to love and admire you. I'd appreciate it if'n you'd consider taking my boy for your slave. I've seen how you care for and treat my boy. I know you love him as much as I do. I seen you control him with the slightest glance. I seen you demand discipline and respect from him, and he needs that. I spoiled him, but tried to teach him the fundamentals of being a good slave to a master. I know you'll give him the control he needs to live a happy, fulfilled life as your slave. I couldn't imagine another man I'd rather leave him to than you.

“I left the ranch to him, but he can't run it by his-self. My other kids ain't the least interested in the ranch; however, they are interested in the money it represents, but like the little red hen who baked her bread and ate it, too, all them years, I loaded Ben Jr. with all the chores around the ranch. They never so much as asked if they could help. The other boy could've helped and taken some of the load off of him. I made sure Ben Jr. did all the chores while they played or goofed off. I knew one day I could look at them and say, 'I'm sorry kids, the ranch is Ben Jr.'s, he's earned it. You kids never lifted a hand to help him or me.'

“I don't care where you two decide to live. Move to Calgary or help him sell the ranch and take him to live with you. The ranch ain't that important to me, but my boy's happiness is. Sell the damn thing if'n you two decide that's what you want. Maybe buy a small place near Dan and your boy. Like I say, I ain't asking a death bed promise from you, 'cause I don't want you to do something you might be uncomfortable with," Ben said.

"Well, Ben, you're right, I do love Ben Jr. I was gonna' talk with you in the near future when you got out of the hospital and lay my cards on the table. I would never try to come between you. I love you both too much for that, but I realized I was falling in love with him. Hell, I was falling in love with both of you. Sometimes, if you're honest and up front with a friend, problems that seem big can be made manageable. I thought maybe I was seeing too much of you and Ben Jr., but you've both been so generous with me. I enjoy being around the two of you, and it's hard saying no sometimes. I was gonna' butt-out for a while and leave you guys to yourselves."

"Oh, Hell, Gunn, we couldn't see you enough. We were gonna' talk to you about moving up here and living with us. We love you that much. I have to be honest with you, too, Gunn. I've rarely shared anything that turned me on more than watching you plow my boy's butt. I see the look on that kid's face when you're using him, and my kid's a happy contented slave. I know if you took him for your slave you would keep him satisfied."

"You know, Ben, I never thought I would love again. Especially as much as I loved Joe all them years, but thanks to you, I have. I don't love your boy the same way I did Joe, 'cause they's different people, but I love Ben Jr. just as much. I have to admit, old man, most of the wonderful things about him I love are the same one's I love about you. He's so much like you, Ben, and I agree with you, you've trained him well. Cowboy once told me he picked old Booger out of seven or eight good looking masters at the Johnson Ranch in Glen Rose because old Booger, 'Just felt right.' That's what I feel when I hold your boy, Ben. He just feels right in my arms. It feels like he belongs there. I was beginning to have guilt feelings, when I found myself falling in love with Ben Jr.

"I felt like I was betraying my love for Joe. That's not what Joe would've wanted for me. He come to me in a dream recently, and told me I had his blessing to love again. He was my devoted slave for over thirty-five years. 'At's a long time to share a bed with a man, Ben. To put your heart at rest, Old Friend, I would be honored and proud to accept your boy as my slave. He's a loving and giving young man. I talked with him about what he was gonna' do if the worst happened, and he was honest with me. Scared me a little, but he asked if I would consider taking him for my slave. At first I dismissed the idea, but the more I thought about it, the more comfortable I became. Did you have a contract between you?"

"No, it all fell into place, especially after my wife died, and I didn't see any need for it. I realize, now, I may have been wrong.

"Talk to him Ben, I only have one condition, and I won't take him for my slave if he has a problem with it. I'm not trying to be hard nose or mean, it's for his happiness as well as mine I require total trust and submission from a slave. If he has questions, I'll be happy to explain my reasons, the pros and possible cons of such an action. I expect him to sign a contract without clauses or conditions. He must be willing to sign it as is, there won't be any negotiation. It will be gone over with him by a third party of his choosing."

"He'll do what I tell him, but you know what? I think I want this to be his decision. It's gonna' be a little different for him to be actually owned by another man. Of course he knows I own him, but I also have a previous claim to him as his dad. Make's a difference, but I doubt he'll have a problem with it. I know how bad he wants to become your slave. I'll talk to him."

"What would you think if I were to consider slave training for him with Jeb and Big Jim?"

"Best damn thing you could do, Gunn, for him and for you, but do it immediately after I'm gone so's you won't get too attached and not wanna' let him go. It'll clear the slate for both of you, and won't let him sit around wasting his life grieving for me. Jeb and Jim will help him with that. Look what they done for Sonny. I know you'll help my boy. I know you'll let him lean on you. I know you'll allow him a time for healthy grieving, then demand he start living to serve you. Slave training sounds perfect. I say do it. It'll give him something to work for and look forward to becoming your slave. He has to make an investment by going through training, and it will tell you he's serious about becoming your slave. Having him recognized by your family is a great idea."

"I don't know how many years I have left either, Ben, but to protect him, when he finishes slave training he'll be recognized, first, as a slave to our family. He will then become my slave after contracts, ceremony, and oaths. Then, if something should happen to me, his ownership will fall to the family, and they will sell him to another good master. Once he's trained by Jeb and Jim he can never be anything else but a man's slave. It will also give me the right to leave him to some other master within our family, like Booger left Cowboy to Dan Yates. I might find a good master I might want to leave him to or if you have somebody in mind let me know," Gunn said.

"I never thought of that, but it makes damn good sense to me, Gunn. Ben Jr.'s become dependent on me as his master. He desperately wanted to become my slave. He begged and pleaded with me to train him to be a good slave. I didn't want to at first, but I remembered talking to Bud about training Cowboy, and it never seemed to do him any harm. He's one of the finest slaves and young men I've ever met; love your kid, Gunn. I worked Ben Jr. pretty hard to get him to start thinking like a slave and to serve me like I expected. I don't know if he could adjust to being on his own without a good man to serve. I know he won't be happy unless he knows he's owned by a master. He's been trained to never question a decision I made as his master. He never has.

I've talked to him a few times about becoming your slave and he understands as his master you will make all the decisions for your lives. I told him at most you might feel him out to see if he has an opinion about something, but the final decision will be yours. He accepts that. Like I say, if you're uncomfortable living up here and want to move closer to your family, dump the ranch and take him with you. I don't give a tinker's damn about the ranch, but I do care about my boy. It will be your decision. He understands if he becomes your slave he will have absolutely no say in the matter. I'm grateful, Gunn. I'll rest easy knowing he has you, Dan, Cowboy, Griz and the family to look after him, and thanks, thanks for everything, especially being a friend to us. I love you, Gunn," Big Ben said.

"I love you too, Ben. Thank you for leaving me your greatest treasure. Your boy is worth more than all the gold in the world. You gotta' admit, Ben, out of the four, he was your greatest achievement as a father. I know you're proud of him, and you damn well have every reason to be. He's a fine young man. If he wants me to be his master, by God, I'll do my damnedest to see he's a happy, well trained, and contented slave."

Once big Ben Stafford, one of the major loves of my life, was satisfied his beloved slave, his son, would be taken care of and have a good master to own him, he slowly slipped away. He passed away shortly after the first of the year. My dad was by Ben Jr.'s side the whole time. Our family gathered to support Ben Jr. and my dad. His brother and sisters were miffed his dad left Ben Jr. the ranch. They didn't say a word though. They knew why. They knew it was right. It made up for all the times when Ben Jr. was growing up he didn't get the love from his dad they did. Big Ben bought off the younger kids with sizable cash inheritances with a clause in his will, if any one or all of them contested his will or tried go against his wishes their inheritance would be reduced to one dollar. The rest of the money would go into a trust fund for the ranch. Ben was clever because he had an attorney set up a living trust in Ben Jr.'s name listing the ranch, all equipment and livestock. Upon Ben's death it automatically became Ben Jr.'s, tax free.

Dad closed up his house, moved to Calgary to be with Ben Jr. and help him run the ranch. Dad made immediate arrangements with Master Jeb and Master Jim for training for Ben Jr. Dan had Griz and I drive the motor coach to Calgary to help dad run the ranch for the three months Ben Jr. would be in training. Boots and Sonny wanted to help our dad so they tagged along with us in the coach. Dad wanted to be able to visit Ben Jr. after his first month of training and left us in charge. Those times I sent our master a plane ticket to fly up to be with us.

Ben Jr. was a changed man when he returned from slave training. It was remarkable. He was more mature, serene, calm, more friendly, more outgoing, and purposeful. His only need in life was to serve my dad as his master. He told me training was the most remarkable, wonderful experience of his life. He made me seriously think about asking my master to consider sending me. Many times I wish Booger sent me at the first of our relationship.

My Dad found a new reason to live and love again. There couldn't have been a more perfect slave for my dad than Ben Jr. He waits on my old man hand and foot, keeps my old man warm and gives dad comfort in the night. After a year of running that huge ranch, Dad decided he didn't want to work that hard anymore or be that far from us and the family. A ranch isn't a nine to five job. It's an eighteen hour a day job and still you don't get everything done. Dad told me, he had a wonderful slave he loves and loves him, but he can't enjoy him. By the time they hit the sack, he and Ben Jr. were so tired they fell asleep immediately.

As his Master, Dad made the decision to sell the ranch in Calgary and bought a smaller ranch near Dan's. Dad never asked Ben Jr.'s opinion when he put the ranch on the market. It sold at a good price within days of being on the market. Ben Jr. never questioned my dad's decision. He was so much in love with my dad and contented being his slave he could have care less about where they lived as long as his master had need of him. Ben Jr. became my dad's faithful slave and loves my old man so much he would never consider questioning him even today.

My dad demands his best from Ben Jr. and makes it quite clear he will accept nothing less. Ben Jr. is a happy slave. He even got my old man roping again. Funny thing, Big Ben and Ben Jr. would only win every now and then. My old man and Ben Jr. were beating everyone they came up against. They made a damn good team. Dad is so much in love with Ben Jr. he always has his arm around him or Ben Jr. is sitting at his feet where dad can touch him. They make other people in the family feel good having them around. We see them all the time. Dan jokingly told me he was going to miss swapping slaves with old Ben, because he came to love and appreciate Ben Jr. He shouldn't have worried. My old man got his second wind loving Ben Jr. and decided he should start fucking the meanness out of his upstart kid again. Dan and he began to swap slaves to everyone's delight. Ben Jr. dearly loved Dan Yates and would have done anything for him. Ben Jr. treasured the times they spent together.

Dad would loan Ben Jr. out to Griz every now and then. Ben Jr. confided in dad he always wondered what an evening in the bear's den would be like. Dad made sure Ben Jr. wasn't afraid to please the big man and then gave him to Griz for an evening on Griz's birthday that year. (Griz didn't know when his birthday was so I gave him one. I figured the middle of summer was good. July 15th) Ben Jr. was like me and Sonny. He fell in love with the big man. Dad began to loan his slave to Griz regularly. Griz has never had to ask anyone to bunk it in with him. It seems folks care about him and most of the masters who come to the ranch eventually offer Griz their slave. (Not out of pity but because their slave usually drives them crazy to find out what it would be like to spend a night in the arms of a Grizzly bear.)

Ben Jr. kept begging my dad to join them and so did Griz. Griz longed to pleasure my dad for sometime. Finally, one night, dad consented and he fell in love with the big man all over again. From that time on, Griz had two more good looking cowboys in his bed when they could share an evening with him. Griz always loved my dad, but the added treat of dad and Ben Jr. was wonderful for him. Ben Jr. and Griz bonded closer than anyone might have expected. Ben Jr. was always a quiet man, and he and Griz spent hours together, enjoying each other's company without saying a word.

I knew I would always be Griz's first love, Dan second, but it was a close race between my Dad, Ben Jr. and Sonny for third. He loves them all with a passion. We loan Griz to them sometimes if they have a big project that needs man power. Most times, we all pitch in to get something done quicker. Griz is like having your own construction crew rolled into one giant man. Griz is always happy to come home though. Dan and I shower him with attention when he returns. We try to never give Griz a reason to doubt our love for him.

* * * * * * *
When Sonny completed slave training, the family had a ceremony and he became Boots' slave. Neither could have been happier. They made the transition from father and son to master and slave. Boots turned out to be one of the finest masters in our family and is always willing to share his knowledge and experience with a novice master. He remembered well the patience shown to him one time by a big ugly master and felt in some small way he was repaying him by giving a hand to new masters.

Dad made arrangements with Boots to swap Ben Jr. for Sonny one evening and both slaves found new delights. Sonny confided in me his granddad fucked him the same way his master did. We had a good laugh. I told him sometimes I could close my eyes while Boots was fucking me and swear it was my old man. Sonny worships my dad anyway and dad felt the same about his grandson. After they spent several evenings together they were even thicker than before. The four of them have a close relationship.

After Mrs. Russell bought her new double wide trailer we moved her old one down behind the other barn. Dan came to love Boots and Sonny as much as everyone else in the family. He decided to give the old trailer to them for a place to live when they weren't on the road. They would have a permanent base to return to when they wanted. They love it and fixed it up real nice. We can always tell when Boots gets that look in his eye, it won't be long before he and Sonny hit the road. However, over the years it's become longer between trips. Boots seems to be comfortable living on the ranch, as long as he knows the gate is always open.

Dan puts no demands on them. When they're here, they work their asses off around the ranch and have become pretty damn good buckaroos. Boots always plans their runs to make sure they're here for spring and fall round-up. For two weeks from sun up to sun down we work their butts off. Its become a big thing for friends and family, but they know when they come it's not party time, they work. They work, but they always claim they have more fun and some of the best times of their lives. Beryl and Blaine come almost every year.

I've grown to love and appreciate Dan more each year we're together. Our bond is solid. We never talk about it much; we just know. We never think much about roles of master and slave. When I became worried one time because Dan and I never seemed to talk about being master and slave, Master Jeb told me that can sometimes be the truest test of a fine master/slave bonding. It's just accepted without the need to constantly redefine roles. I accept Dan as my master and he's learned to accept me as his slave. Dan learned from our family, Dad, Ben, and of all people, Mrs. Russell's help. I wouldn't be happy unless Dan accepted me as his slave and treated me as one. Once I gave my complete person over to Booger Red I began to realize I never wanted to be free again.

Booger Red trained me and helped me understand I would always need to be owned by another man. I'll always love Booger for his training and continuing my education as a slave after Uncle Bud. Dan learned quickly and has become a wonderful master for me and Griz. He's become a hyper-masculine role model any slave would be proud to call 'master.' My family, God love them, and my Dad, took Dan under their wing and began to discuss and train him to become a master. Big Jim, Master Beryl, Master Jeb, Master Earl, Master Sam, Master Walker and Master Zack spent hours discussing the benefits of the master/slave lifestyle. They impressed on Dan, he had two men on his hands who loved him who required him to be their master.

Of course our clan leader was highly instrumental in Dan's transformation. He and Master Zack spent hours giving him lessons on how to use a whip and correct his slaves. They also gave him lessons for using the whip to keep his slaves 'tuned up' and happy. Once he began to break Griz and me in on his whip, neither of us could get enough. The better our master got using his whip the more he enjoyed using it. Dan found himself with two adoring slaves at his feet paying homage to their handsome master. Dan makes all the decisions for our lives, and we never question him. Once again I have Master Red to thank for that. He helped me understand if he or any master owned me, they have the right to make the decisions for our lives. If I give myself into slavery to be owned by a master, I automatically accept my life would become an extension of his. Booger taught me, for my peace of mind and his success as my master depended on me learning never to question his decisions.

When I was first with Booger it was difficult because I was young and thought my opinions should count for something. Booger would ask me how I felt about something, and I would tell him. I didn't realize at the time, but it probably related to a decision he was thinking about. He always made it a point to know how I felt about most things. As time passed, I could see the benefit of no hassles, no bickering, no fighting, no jockeying for position, no energy wasted on anger, hard feelings, lost time, and it left me with more stamina and interest in loving and pleasing my master. Slowly, Master Red, tightened his control over me and the more he did, the more I wanted his control.

I had to admit the truth of the phrase he kept repeating over and over: 'The only purpose of a slave is for his master's use, to serve and pleasure him.' So it's been with Master Dan. He's in complete control of Griz and me. The more control he demands the more we gratefully accommodate him. He's stopped asking my opinion; he knows it most of the time anyway. Dan wasn't easy with that much control over two men at first, but began to see the benefits for the three of us. There are no arguments or fighting for control. Our Master makes a decision and Griz and I accept it. There's no room for argument in our relationship. Griz and I wouldn't consider arguing with our master.

I perform the ritual for both our benefits and turn on, especially when our family comes to visit. Within the last five years, Griz and I have been showing our Master a lot more homage in our private lives. We've come to love and respect him so much we seem to have a need to show him our appreciation. Sometimes, I perform the ritual then snap my fingers for Griz for do the same. I don't have, too, it always turns Griz on to show homage to our master the same as it does me.

Griz is as honored and proud to have Dan for his master as I am. He loves Dan as much as I do. Dan is always pleased to have us show him homage. He told us, it's a wonderful physical reinforcement of our love and need for him as our master. It reminds both slave and master of their positions. Sometimes it can be the smallest of rituals that binds a society together. Once in a while he'll surprise Griz and me by snapping his fingers at the two of us to show him our homage immediately. Of course, we never fail no matter where we are or what we're doing. It impresses our family, too.

Dan is one of only two clan family members who owns two slaves, especially two devoted slaves who get along as well as Griz and me. The other master who owns two slaves is a wonderfully colorful man named Sarge. He lives in the San Diego area with his two slaves and they get along great. Sarge is in complete control of his slaves at all times. Our family marvels at our relationship and Griz takes the lead from me to give our master credit. We impress on our family Master Dan is a strong, disciplined, demanding, no nonsense master who makes his slaves toe the line. Dan knows what we're doing, keeps his mouth shut and beams with pride.

Our master knows in his heart we're devoted to him but when we go out of our way to show him homage, to honor him before our family, it never fails to bring a big, pleased smile to his handsome face, to say nothing of the sex his two slaves get for weeks afterward. Funny though, years later, Griz and I talked one night about Dan, as our master. We decided he doesn't have to be all those things. Dan is a good man who demands respect and all the goodness you can bring to a life with him. Dan is thoughtful, caring, kind, considerate and spoils the two of us shamelessly, but he demands our best in all things. We try hard never to fail him. Griz and I love Dan so much, we'd take out any man who might raise a hand to him in anger.

We still get back to Mason every year for the annual Booger Red Rodeo. Now days, most folks don't remember who Booger Red was, but it doesn't matter. Those who know and love me remember. Its become a once a year event folks come to from all over the world. It has become a great money making tourist attraction for the locals. Bikers come from all across the nation. Sometimes there's close to a thousand bikes parked around. Nobody seems to get rowdy and everyone loves the rodeo. Dan and I still rope together. Phil and I rope together and Dan and Phil rope together. Dad and Ben Jr. stomp our butts most of the time. That kid loves my old man almost as much as I do.

I feel pretty damn lucky to have ended up with five wonderful brothers; two of them named Ben and three of them named Gunn. I go out to clean Booger's grave every time we're back in Mason. Don't really need to, Phil and Wilma Jo go two or three times a year and clean his, Bro Red's and Uncle Bud's. Booger still roughs me up a little and makes me cry when I go to the cemetery. I guess he still wants to know I love him. I do, I always will. You can't have a love as passionate and as right as our love was and not carry it in your heart forever. I'll never again know the passion I had with that old ugly, tattooed, battle scarred, hard living, loving man.

Master Walker told me he would see to Booger's headstone and he did. I hadn't been back for a while, but when I read the epitaph carved into Booger's headstone it made me smile – then I fell to my knees and cried.

"Here lies a magnificent beast. Cowboy told him so."

End Chapter 25 ~ Booger Red & Cowboy
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12/23/2015