Katie's 5th Birthday BASH

Uh OH!!!!
BASH adventures weren't supposed to BEGIN this way!!! I watched in amazement as Riley took Katie by the paw and simply walked AWAY!!
In a far corner of the concourse I watched as Riley bent over and eagerly began whispering into Katie's furry ear. She began hopping up and down excitedly, then turned quickly to stare intently in MY direction!!

This was NOT good!!

With growing suspicion, I watched as they continued to talk excitedly. Their furry muzzles were pressed close together as they whispered conspiratorially, their wee paws tapping impatiently.

When Riley's cell phone rang, he quickly put  it to his ear.   His only response was, "No, NO ONE!! We'll be waiting! Land NOW! He took Katie by the paw and raced toward the departure gate.

I almost didn't NOTICE the Scotcorde as it landed!! I didn't know that Captain "Scotty" knew how to land "Sleek One" without fanfare, fly-bys, and airport security!!! I saw the huge jet pull up to the gate, and waited for the "furry explosion" to burst through the gate and into the concourse area. I glanced around quickly and noticed that the airport security was also awaiting the arrival of the scotties and their friends.

The door opened and one lone figure emerged from the Scotcorde...... Captain 'Scotty' !!!    He walked over to Riley, whispered a moment, then moved over to Katie. With an elegant bow, he took Katie's paw into his hand and began walking back toward the Scotcorde. Riley glanced over his shoulder and gave me a parting wave. Then, with a sigh, he picked up their suitcases and followed the Captain and Katie onto "Sleek One" !

I could only stare in open-mouthed amazement!   No scotties bursting through the doors!   No police in hot pursuit! No bedlam in the concourse area!  No BASH puppers arriving! Only the Captain had emerged from the jet, and only long enough to collect Katie and Riley, then hurry back the way he'd come.

I turned around and glanced at the large contingent of security that had gathered around our Gate. They all were clapping each other on the back, congratulating themselves for escaping a "scottie uprising" !!!

I turned toward the wide expanse of window, and watched as the sleek, silver jet accelerated down the runway. With frightening speed, the huge ScotCorde almost leaped skyward, as its landing gear snapped closed beneath the enormous wings.

With growing curiosity, I watched as the jet made a wide, graceful arc, then turned toward the setting sun, and disappeared into the golden red sunset.

Chapter 2 Where TO !

Katie and Riley were warmly greeted by all their friends as they boarded 'Sleek One' !   Webber stepped forward, grabbed Katie around her waist, and lifted her atop the large table in the center of the forward lounge.

"The Birthday Girl!!!" Webber announced.

Everyone began cheering.   Katie almost blushed... she had nothing against being the center of attention.   She was just more accustomed to being conniving, sneaky, and sly. This was something entirely new to her. Deciding to accept her fate, she smiled shyly.

It was the sound of BOUNCING that drew her attention.......causing her to turn suddenly at the familiar sound.  Looking across the wide cabin, she laughed out loud as she saw dozens.......no, HUNDREDS of tennis balls being thrown against the bulkhead walls. They ricocheted back across the cabin, hitting Melly Sagadin, Ginger Flewharty, Duffy Tracey, and Reagan Wion.

Reagan squealed, then grabbed the closest tennis ball and hurled it across the cabin, striking Hamish MacBeth Wilson squarely in the 'tushy' !

"Tennis, anyone?!?!?!" Hamish called loudly, and with a wicked gleam in his eyes, he grabbed several tennis balls and began bouncing them off the cabin bulkheads.

Scotties and their friends began diving for cover, as a barrage of tennis balls stormed the forward lounge of the ScotCorde. Snickers and giggles were heard as the Nine Pack in Training began rolling the balls across the floor, causing several of the Guardians, who were trying to calm the melee, to fall flat on their faces. Ed, Cassie, and Jazzy coordinated their efforts, rolling several at once, making it impossible for anyone to remain standing amid the chaos.

No one knew who noticed him first....... but suddenly everyone was grabbing tennis balls in their paws, trying to stuff them into the seat cushions, into pockets, any place that would hide the yellow balls.   As the others gradually noticed the growing quiet, they all began looking for the source of the intense silence.

Then they saw him, standing in the cockpit doorway, leaning casually against the doorjam. All the BASH puppers got to their feet, shuffling their paws guiltily. A gasp went through the group as they saw one last ball finish its trajectory, directly at the Captain. His devilish smile never left his face, his brilliant blue eyes never left his wee terriers, as his hand shot out to catch the ball in his outstretched hand.

"Are we having FUN, wee ones?!?!?!" he asked.

No one dared answer. The Guardians were still trying to collect the balls, still trying to recover some order to the lounge area.

Captain "Scotty" looked at the group and announced that he had no intention of interfering with the 'fun', but that he worried about the safety of the plane with the intensity of the ball playing.    He looked around at the forlorn faces, and smiled.

He opened the door to the aft cargo bay, showed them where the birthday decorations were stored, and pulled out several boxes of balloons.

"Play ball!" he announced to the terriers, then smiled as he watched them attempt the same ferocity with balloons that they'd used with the tennis balls!

He returned to the forward cabin, closing the cargo bay door behind him. He'd seen Dom and Callie standing guard over the ball playing. He knew that they would have no trouble maintaining control. There was not much chance of a 'balloon war' back there.

Captain 'Scotty' returned to the cockpit, gave the autopilot a quick check, then returned to the cabin. He was searching for the Elders.   He'd been very careful to watch for them as he'd entered the tennis ball barrage, but he'd not seen them anywhere.

As he stood in the now-quiet cabin, he detected the aroma of smoke!   FIRE????   Another whiff told him that there was no danger. Glancing up the spiral staircase that lead to the upper lounge, he smiled. He quietly climbed the carpeted stairs, pausing as he emerged into the luxurious Upper Lounge.

He'd found the Elders...... and many of the BASH gentlemen.   Ace Graves stood at the center of the room, a satin smoking jacket tied suavely around his waist. He was passing out cigars....... his own hand-rolled stogies, huge ones. The Elders were lounging in the elegant lounge, enjoying Ace's contribution to the BASH. Brewster Wynne had snuck a cigar and was trying to learn to blow smoke rings from Ali Riches and Dunc McGillivray.   Bailey Doud had grabbed one of the huge stogies and was hidden behind a chair, trying to blow his own smoke rings.

Captain 'Scotty' shook his head as he saw Brewster beginning to turn green from the unfamiliar experience. Grabbing the cigars from the paws of the youngsters, he led them back downstairs, encouraging them to join the ballgame in the rear cargo hold.

It had taken him quite a while to settle the group of party pups, and he sighed as he listened to the happy celebrations occuring in the huge jet. He'd placed several Guardians in the cargo hold, and several in the main cabin. Reassured that everything was progressing smoothly, he returned to the cockpit.   They'd almost reached their destination.

He circled the area for quite some time, wanting his wee ones to enjoy their time in the sky. Finally, when the last glow of the sun was just right, he picked up the microphone and announced to the cabin, "Wee ones, we've reached our destination. If you would look out the windows on the starboard side of the plane, you'll be able to see our destination."

"WOW!!"

"Ohhhhhh, my GOSH!!!"

"Wouldja LOOK at THAT!!!"

He could hear the gasps arcoss the plane, and smiled.    These wee ones of his were going to have their paws full of fun THIS time!!!

Snickering to himself, he banked the plane, and prepared for landing.  It was time these wee ones had their fun ON THE GROUND!!!

Chapter 3 What a DITCH !

Captain 'Scotty' taxied to a stop at the far end of the runway. He could hear the eager scotties, impatient to begin their adventure! Gently pushing his way through the crowd around the door, he lifted the safety latch and swung the cabin door open.  He watched as the stairway was rolled into position, then grinned as he saw the newest
Guardian Jake's large collie paw grab Aggie Bruce by the collar, pulling her back from the empty chasm beyond the doorway.

"Patience, wee ones!!" the Captain admonished, giving the group a serious glare. He tried to maintain the fierce stare, but the devilment twinkling in those terrier eyes around him reduced his glare to a dimpled smile.

The terriers knew their Captain...... they knew he'd never stay angry at them, and they did realize that he was only watching out for their safety. But the stairway was so SLOW as it 'turtled' its way across the tarmac!!

Captain 'Scotty' FINALLY stepped back out of the doorway, but only long enough to allow the Guardian Brigade a chance to descend the stairs first. He smiled as he watched Callie and Jake eye the eager terriers crowding the doorway at the top of the stairs. He could tell that they weren't sure they LIKED what they'd gotten themselves into. They turned toward Dom and Jubilee, who smiled and patted them reassuringly on the back.

"It's not going to be bad..... not at ALL!!!   You should have been with us when we fought those Gorkons!!!   Now, THAT was wild!!!"   Honey Bear's huge malamute paw patted Jake good-naturedly and laughed as she watched him pale visibly.

"Nah, this will be a piece of cake!!" Dom agreed. "Just a stroll in the park. Trust me!!!"

The newest Guardians missed the look that passed between the lab, Jubilee, and Dom, the ever-faithful dalmation. They'd rolled their eyes heavenward and had their paws crossed behind their backs. The experienced Guardians knew all too well how quickly these BASH adventures could turn into Guardian nightmares.

The Guardians braced themselves as the terriers exploded through the doorway, barreling down the stairs in a mass of fur and flying paws. They were hard-pressed to keep the enthusiastic mob under control and barely managed to steer them toward the waiting bus.

The terriers' large protectors smiled to themselves as they saw the bus driver's face. Panic was written all over his face as he watched in open-mouthed horror. Terriers climbed aboard the bus and proceeded to hang out the windows, shouting gleefully to their friends still waiting to board the bus.

KayCee Donnelly and Jubilee hurried aboard the bus and began luring the scotties into seats. Neither was ashamed to admit that they were using treats as bribery items to insure that the wee fannies were safely seated. The driver, obviously frightened, was surprised to see how quickly the wild mob had been brought under control.   Doubtfully, he turned toward the door as the last terrier scurried up the steps, and crowded into the nearest seat.

He waited until the huge malamute in the doorway nodded her head, then he put the bus into gear, trying to make fast work of this trip. He knew that he'd break all speed records getting to their destination. He kept glancing into the overhead mirror, watching as the lab and the large spotted dog continually paced the aisles .

In short order, the bus pulled off the winding road, onto the tourist 'overlook' .   The terriers didn't notice the bus engine idling as they shoved and pushed their way off the bus. The Guardians didn't notice the fear that gleamed in the driver's eyes. They were only interested in the safety of their wee ones.

"Wow!!!   Look at this DITCH!!!" shouted Polly Riches, hanging WAY over the edge.

"The ditch at OUR house isn't NEARLY this big!!" Bonnie Belle Mitchell squealed as she, too, leaned WAY over to get a better look.

Bartholomew and Emmitt were pushing and shoving each other, seeing how close to the EDGE of the 'ditch' they could get without falling IN!

Sera Goetz and Holly Grant-Atkins were bored with the big 'ditch' and had started a hop-scotch game at the very edge of the huge hole.

Austin Tucker and Angus Sauls were snapping photographs as fast as their throw-away cameras would allow,encouraging their friends to dangle their paws over the edge so they could take their picture!!!

"Hey!!" Haley Devine announced. "I know what THIS place is!! It's the GRAND.........."

It was the SCREAM that drew everyone's attention!!!!

Jake, the ever-vigilant collie, and the youngest of the Guardians, was racing toward the very EDGE of the 'ditch'.   He reached the rim just as the rear paws of the wee terrier disappeared over the side!!!

Everyone held their breaths........    Jake had the terrier by the tail !!!!!!!!

GASP .................................

Chapter 4 WHEEEEEEE !

Jake dared not release his death grip on the wee terrier's tail. Not daring to turn around, for fear of losing his hold on the wiggling scottie, he shouted back over his thick ruff, "Dom!!! Callie!   Get over HERE!!"
He could feel the scottie beneath his paw wiggle again and almost had a heart attack when he heard the wheaten scottie holler into the canyon below with a loud, "WHEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!"
He felt someone standing next to him and dared a quick glance to his left. There stood an older westie, his paws braced on his hips.
"Angie Riches, you get up here THIS MINUTE!!! What do you THINK you're doing?!?!?! You're gonna be in SUCH trouble when Mam finds out you're hanging by your tail over this ditch!!"
Jubilee and Dom raced up at that minute and grabbed the wiggling scottie firmly by the rear paws and swung her back to safety. They stared fiercely at Angie who looked disappointed at being prevented from continuing her yodeling into the huge hole.
The argument between the Guardians and the wee yodeler was heating up when Lucy Sheets shouted, "OHHH, NOOO!"
The Guardians swung around, ready for ANOTHER catastrophe. Everyone stared in shock as their tour bus sped off in a cloud of dust !
"Well, THAT stinks!!" Dughul Wilson announced, looking around at the barren desolation that surrounded them. "NOW what do we do?!?!"
"Why, we hitch a ride!!!" Bess Brown replied. She stepped to the side of the dusty trail and lifted her skirt ever so slightly, revealing a shapely furry leg.
"You GOOSE!" her brother Wallace retorted. "Didja notice that we're the ONLY creatures out here?!?! There's no one around for MILES!!!   Who're you gonna hitch a ride WITH, HMMMMMM ???"
A spirited discussion soon had everyone voicing their own suggestions for the best solution to their dilema. The Guardians were trying to quiet the shouting terriers, when they heard the unusual noise.
Everyone stopped talking and turned toward the strange sound.   They laughed out loud when they saw Lucky Laddie Zeigler walking up the dusty road toward them, leading a long string of pack mules.
HEE HAWWWWW !!!!
HE HAWW!
"Ohhhh, no ya don't!" Spoiled Stormy announced. " I'm not getting onto one of THOSE ridiculous animals.   OHH, no........ nuh unh!!   NOPE!!"    She stood in the center of the dusty road, her paws crossed firmly across her chest, one paw tapping impatiently in the dust.
Bo'sun Howatt, Baxter Tucker, Sam E Williamson, and Darby Yeager immediately approved of the idea and raced toward their adopted 'noble steeds'.   The others gradually agreed that it was the only way back to civilization, and soon all were climbing aboard the mules.
Honey Bear reached up to take 4 scotties off one very overloaded and groaning mule. "Give the poor beast a break," she suggested. "Poor mule has never SEEN terriers before. At least allow them time to adjust to you before all 15 of you climb up there on that one poor mule!"
She proceeded to rearrange the terriers, using her great malamute bulk to force the issue when necessary. The only way they were going to get Stormy aboard one of these beasts was by using motivation.   Honey Bear turned and shouted, "Dunc McGillivray, get over here!"
Dunc quickly took stock of the situation and climbed aboard a nearby mule, then patted the spot just in front of him.
"Sit here, Stormy m'dear. We can enjoy the ride together!"
Stormy cleared the distance to the mule's back in one graceful leap. She smiled broadly to the few terriers on the ground, then told them to hurry and get aboard.........they had traveling to do!!!
Soon, the entire BASH bunch was aboard and moving slowly down the dusty trail.   Laughter spread through the happy group as they noticed Callie and Honey Bear, who were having difficulty staying aboard the mules...... their legs dangling dangerously close to the ground.   The two guardians finally abandoned the mules, choosing to trot alongside the pack train.
Abby Sagadin was the first to notice it. They'd left the dusty road on the rim of the canyon and were traveling down a much narrower trail........ down into the canyon!!!
"Uhhhhh, hey everyone!!!   Is this the way to the Holiday INN???" she asked, concern clearly written on her face.
Duffy Barfield and Puck Grieco agreed, adding the fact that they could no longer see the horizon.
"We're LOST!!!! Let's go BACK!" Shiloh Quarry suggested, then realized that the trail was much too narrow. There was no way they were going to turn around without losing several of the mules over the side of the cliff beside them.
A sigh was heard from several of the Guardians, who now realized that things had gone from bad to MUCH worse!! They worried about panic among the terriers, but almost laughed at the response they witnessed.
The terriers were thrilled with the excitement of the adventure. Midget Wion, Millie Phillips, and Breeze Oglesby were even encouraging their mules to even greater speed down the narrow, winding trail.

Campbell Donnelly began singing "Bury me Not on the Lone Prairie" at the top of his lungs.   Shortly after, strains of "Happy Trails to You" were heard among the elder terriers, as they thought back to their Roy Rogers puppyhood.
Heather Sue Devine was practicing her acrobatic skills and had begun twirling around on the back of the mule, her paws raised high into the air.

"Sit DOWN, Heather Sue!!!" Dom shouted, then gasped as she lost her balance, almost falling into the deep chasm below.

Dom realized that the faster they got to the bottom of the trail, the safer they would be. He rearranged the Guardians, placing them strategically around the pack train.

"DOM!!!" Connor shouted. "We've lost some MULES!!!"

Dom and Jubilee swung around, staring back up the steep, narrow trail. Indeed, they were missing 4 mules.... they were nowhere to be seen!

They had simply vanished!!!!!!!!!

Chapter 5 Wet Behind the Ears !

Dom whirled around to glare at Connor.

"What do ya MEAN, we're missing some mules!?!"   he barked.   This was getting more and more complicated, and things didn't look like they were going to improve anytime soon!

Connor gestured back up the trail behind them. "They're not THERE!!!"

Jubilee and Callie hurried to the rear of the mule train, ready to begin backtracking to locate the missing mules and their passengers. Neither one wanted to even THINK of looking over the edge of the steep trail.

The mules were stopped, the scotties got off to stretch their legs and wait for their Guardians to locate their missing friends.

Everyone was worried, but no one wanted to admit it.

Jubilee and Callie had not gone far before they began hearing loud arguing coming from around the next bend in the trail. They smiled at each other, then hurried toward the noise.

"YOU get him up!!   I've tried. He's as stubborn as YOU are, Tucker!! Terra Belle Warner had her paws on the reins and was tugging with all her might. The mule didn't budge. His mule tushy remained firmly planted in the center of the steep, dusty trail.   Robbie McGillivray was pushing from behind, to no avail.

Annie Laurie Quarry grumbled loudly. She had tried to squeeze her mule past the stubbornly immovable mule, but Darby Lawrence and Bailey Mulcahey, sharing the mule with her, refused to make the dangerous attempt.

"I'm not scared!! Let's get on AROUND them. We're missing the FUN!!!"   Annie Laurie continued grumbling. She glanced over her shoulder at the 4 mules waiting behind them. Everyone was offering suggestions, wanting to get the mule moved so they could get on with the trip.

Jubilee breathed a visible sigh of relief at seeing only a traffic jam, instead of a catastrophe. Callie trotted forward and took the reins in her teeth.   Her great Bouvier bulk began leaning back on the reins, as Jubilee raced around behind and began snapping her jaws dangerously close to the stubborn tushy. The mule was convinced he was about to be eaten. He leaped forward, almost knocking Callie over in his haste to move forward down the trail and away from the lethal teeth.

Jubilee smiled sweetly as Callie looked back in her direction.   Jubilee had no intention of biting that mule... but the MULE didn't know that!!!

The remainder of the mules moved quickly forward as the terriers cheered their Guardian rescuers.  They soon rejoined the packtrain, to the wild cheers and shouts of their friends.   The Guardians resumed their places and the journey to the canyon floor was made without any further incidents.

As they reached the canyon floor,the BASH puppers could hear the roaring coming from around the bend. The terriers leaped off the mules, eager to find the source of this new sound.

Murray Reyner and Mac Everitt raced down to the river's edge and peeped around the large rock at the bend of the river. They turned back to the group shouting, " WOW !!! Look at THIS!!"

Everyone scurried down to the riverbank to peer around the rock.   Gasps of amazement were heard as the terriers looked at the river before them.   The river was racing through the canyon, over and around rocks, creating huge crashing waves. The river was stirred to a white froth as it madly raced onward.

"COOL !!!!   A roller coaster ride, for SURE!!" Cammeron Meverden stood still for a second, obviously pondering a great decision.   He raced back to the last mule, and threw off the tarpolin that covered the huge bundle atop the mule.

Sherman Mathison couldn't stand it any longer. He knew that the fastest way to find out what Cammeron was UP TO was to help him with whatever plan he was hatching.   Sherman raced over and helped Cammeron unload the huge bundle.

"Bingo!!!" Cammeron shouted gleefully.......   Sherman looked quizzically at him, but not wanting to miss what was DEFINATELY going to be fun, he merely helped drag the huge pile of rubber to the river's edge.

"HEY, gang!!   We're gonna go for a leisurely float down a river!" Cammeron announced proudly as he pulled the cord on the nearest rubber bundle.

Immediately the rubber bundle began growing.......and hissing.......and growing!!!!   Everyone hopped back out of the way...... except for Dughul Wilson, who had wanted a closer look and ended up UNDER the great rubber beast.

"Where'd everybody GO?!?!?!"    he mumbled from beneath the still-growing rubber creature.

Dom and KayCee laughed as they lifted the now-inflated raft from Dughul and watched him stumble from under the heavy weight.

"Okay, everyone...... this looks like it'll be the fastest way OUT of here!!! " Dom announced. He glanced back toward the exhausted mules. He knew they would not be using THAT transportation again anytime soon.

The terriers squealed excitedly, then climbed into the huge rafts. The only thing that reassured the Guardians was the fact that the rafts had been provisioned with vests, stuffed into the sides of the rafts. It took mere minutes to get the terriers into their life-vests and loaded aboard the rafts. The 6 rafts were evenly loaded with terriers, and included at least one Guardian in each large raft.

Wanting to take no chances, Jubilee had attached ropes around each terrier, to insure that they would remain in the rafts as they journeyed down the river.

"All set!" she announced, and the Guardians pushed the heavy rafts off from the banks, then leaped back into the rafts as they moved out into the speeding river.

The trip immediately took on an entirely different feeling. The rafts rode the waves upward, pointing toward the sky, then fell headfirst down the face of the wave, before crashing into a foaming wall of water and heading back up the next wave.

Squeals of glee were heard from the rafts, and the Guardians had no intention of showing the terriers how truly worried they were about the safety of the puppers.

"Watch OUT!!!" Heidi Delli Carpini shouted as she grabbed for the rope around her waist.   She was desperately pulling the rope back into the raft. Honey Bear, in the front of the raft, tumbled to the rear and took the rope into her huge malamute paws. She paled visibly as she looked out behind the raft.

Bobbing along behind the raft, sometimes lost in the foam and froth of the violent river, were 4 wee terrier heads.   Each terrier was attached to the one behind, all connected by the ropes around their waists. The life vests kept them afloat.....barely. But the violent river was determined to separate them from the ropes and from the raft to which they were attached.

"PULL!!!" Honey Bear shouted as she leaned backward with all her might.

The other rafts were helpless. They could do nothing to help. They were having problems of their OWN!!!!

Chapter 6 Land HO!

Honey Bear continued to pull on the rope, desperately trying to reel in the 4 terriers bobbing amid the whitewater behind the raft.   The terriers in the boat tried their best to help, as well. Hoagy Devine,Sadie Yeager, Brody Gamble, Sophie Donnelly, Gus Oglesby, and "Blast Off" Baxter Walker grabbed hold of the rope and put their heart into the effort as they tugged with all their might. Everyone watched as the heads disappeared into the white foam, then reappeared seconds later.

Jubilee, Bear Powers, and Gracie watched helplessly as Honey Bear's raft fought against the current. Suddenly Jubilee spotted a wide, sandy bank just ahead. All they had to do was paddle to the shallow water, and aim for the bank.

She shouted to Dom, who was watching from the lead raft. He immediately agreed to Jubilee's plan, and threw a rope to the raft behind. It took only a minute for the terriers in each raft to grab the rope of the raft ahead of them. The raft convoy began paddling desperately for shore, dragging the still-bobbing terriers.

The terriers immediately realized that they were rapidly nearing the shore, and redoubled their efforts. As each raft ran aground, the terriers leaped out and began tugging on the rope of the raft behind them. After what seemed like hours, the last raft was brought ashore, followed quickly by the exhausted foursome still floating at the rear.

Everyone ran up to help the weary swimmers. Blankets were thrown around them.

"Thanks!" Sparcky Tucker replied as the blanket began spreading its warmth. Janice, Bruce, and Jazzy collapsed onto the sand, totally exhausted.

Dom, Callie, and Jubilee quickly gathered nearby driftwood and stacked it on the bank. Emmitt and Connor spent quite some time with the sticks, but finally got a spark which gradually grew into a blazing bonfire.

The terriers curled up around the fire, warmed themselves, and dried off after their soaking trip down the river. It didn't take long for the group to forget the danger of the last hours.

Mackenzie Quigley broke out the carrots, Sherman Mathison and Pickles Mullins opened the oreos and snicker-doodles. Everyone gathered around the fire to enjoy the snack-fest!

Billy Delli Carpini emptied the last of the water out of his guitar and pulled a log near the fire. He began strumming the soggy guitar and arrooo'ing softly.    Riley joined him and they soon had the canyon walls echoing with the strains of "Doggy,Doggy,Don't Give Up on Me!"

Heather Tracey slid down onto the log next to Riley and joined in the singing, then requested "Water, Water Everywhere!" The silliness continued as each terrier invented a new song, making up the words as they went.

Everyone relaxed around the fire, as they enjoyed the singing, munched on the nibbly goodies, and laughed with their friends. The Guardians leaned back against a large rock and breathed a huge sigh of relief.   Reggie Lawrence, the golden retriever, and a new Guardian recruit, looked around at the terriers and shook his head. He couldn't even IMAGINE having such incredible events happening to these terriers.... one event right after another. He wasn't even going to THINK of what the future held, it was just too scary to even consider!

As if on cue, they heard the squeals of excitement........ ohhh, no....... what NOW !!!

With a ragged sigh, Reggie stood up and searched the sandy bank for the source of the squeals.   When he spotted the small group of scotties on the far side of the sandy shoreline, he gasped in shock!

How could they have not noticed THAT????????    He could only shout for the other Guardians!!! As they heard Reggie's warning, they all turned to watch in horror......

Bella Sauls, Pagan Marie, Bailey Mulcahey, Stormy Kubicek, Bucky Sheets, Lucky Laddie Zeigler, Aggie Bruce, and Holly Grant-Atkins had discovered a CAVE.   All the Guardians could see was the rear ends of the terriers as they all disappeared into the huge dark chasm.

As they raced across the sandy bank toward the cave entrance, they hoped the other terriers would NOT notice the new attraction......... but they were too late........ the cave was calling to them..... another adventure was afoot!

Dom tried desperately to block the entrance of the cave, but by the time the Guardians reached the cave, most of the terriers had already disappeared into the empty, black void!

Looking around the shoreline, there were only 3-4 scotties remaining near the fire. Everyone else had disappeared into the black hole in the canyon wall!!!!!!!!!!

Chapter 7 The Cave Speaks

Dom, Reggie, and Jake tried desperately to get the adventurous terriers out of this dark, menacing cave. Jubilee turned one last time to make certain that the four terriers remaining at the campfire were safe before she, too, entered the cave.

"What GOOD babies!" she thought to herself, then hurried into the cave to help Dom.

The BASH explorers hadn't gone far. They were crowded around a large, wooden 8X8 beam that ran up the length of the cave, and supported an identical beam that ran across the the cave ceiling.

Honey Bear, the huge malamute, was trying to convince the group that the beam should not be disturbed. The terriers had no intention of listening to her. Tas Flewharty produced his pocket knife and began carving his name in the ancient beam. With a final flourish of the knife, he turned to his friends, held the knife in his outstretched paw and announced, "TA-DAAA!"

"Great idea, Tas!!!   Let's ALL carve our names into our "BASH BEAM" !!!"   Bartholomew suggested, then snatched the knife from Tas' paw and began carving his very LONG name into the beam.   Other terriers pushed closer, eager to take their turn at the "BASH BEAM".

Suddenly, the cave brightened considerably. Entering the cave were the four terriers who had remained at the campfire. Their paws were clenched tightly around the driftwood torches they held high overhead.

Casey Grieco, Megan Bruce, Dougan, and Zoe were quite pleased with their creations and were beaming proudly. Their friends hurried over and began congratulating the four for the wonderful light that had been brought to their 'carving ceremony' !!!

The terriers turned their attention back to the beam, and continued passing Tas' knife from one terrier's paw to the next. Prince Maxxie Meverden located a sharp stone lying on the ground, and began using the stone to carve his name into the special beam. More and more names appeared on the "BASH BEAM", some carving more deeply than others. Everyone wanted THEIR name to be the most prominent one on the beam.

Emmitt Bad Boy took his turn at the beam. As he took the knife in his paw, he announced, "They will remember that EMMITT was here. They'll be able to read this in AUSTRALIA!!!"

He then set about creating the most elaborate carving on the beam. Everyone laughed and encouraged him to carve deeper and larger!!   The terriers had brought their natural exuberance to the moment. Their natural determination and zest for life was now directed toward the carvings on their "BASH BEAM"!!!

Kamin, a Norwegian Elkhound and another of the new Guardian recruits, turned to Honey Bear, who was standing nearby, watching the group.

"Uhhhhh, Honey Bear, I don't think they should be carving their names into that rotting beam. That'll weaken that beam, and we'll all be in a heap of trouble if it gives way!"

Honey Bear looked at the beam.... and at the huge crowd that had gathered near the beam.   She counted....... 1,2,3,4---129 !!!!! Ohh, no!!!

She raced off to find Dom and Jubilee. She hurriedly explained their dilemma and the possible consequences of the terriers' actions!

Dom rolled his eyes. "What ELSE could happen! It wouldn't..... it just wouldn't DARE!!" he thought to himself, then raced across to the group that had gathered at the beam.

He and the entire Guardian Brigade had begun to try to convince the terriers to leave the beam alone.

Sir Eko the Hearing was the first to hear the deep grumbling coming from the walls.

"Hey, guys! We may want to do as the Guardians ask!!    Listen!   SHHHH!!!" Sir Eko instructed.

Everyone froze.....not a paw moved. Now they could hear it....... a deep rumbling, almost a groaning sound.

Where was it COMING from????

Sir Eko put his ear to the well-carved beam. He could hear the groaning more clearly now!!

"The beam is giving way!" he shouted.   "RUN!!!!!"

Dughul Wilson, Reagan Wion, Rosie Oglesby, Alex Mathison, Perry, Angel, and Jazzalyn all ran....... only they ran DEEPER into the cave!! The other terriers, not wanting the younger ones to become lost, ran after them. The Guardians couldn't believe their eyes!!! The terriers WERE running....... the wrong way!! They'd run farther INTO the deep, dark cave!!!

With a shout, Dom ordered the Guardians to follow the terriers. "At least they stayed TOGETHER!!!" he told his large friends, as they all raced away from the now-straining beam.

The BASH group raced around a bend in the cave and stopped. Gracie and Reagan made certain that no one strayed from the group.   Dom, Jubilee, Callie, and Kamin peeped around a huge boulder in the cave, watching the beam.

It was sudden, it was deafening!   Suddenly, the cave ceiling just gave WAY!!!! It seemed as though the entire canyon had collapsed into the cave opening!!! The rumbling knocked several scotties off their paws, breathing was difficult due to the intense dust from the collapse, and the darkness was profound!!    Only Ace Graves' bic lighter, and the torches of the 'Campfire Four' provided any light in this now-dark world of theirs.

The Guardians hurried to the cave-in and began inspecting the damage. The beam had shattered into a million pieces....... it had not been able to take the load after being weakened by the carvings of the terriers. Jubilee looked at the millions of tons of huge boulders that were now between them and that sandy bank by the river.

Worriedly, she turned back to glance at Dom. She knew, and she could see by the look in Dom's eyes that he, also, knew.....they were TRAPPED!!!!!!!

Chapter 8 Down and Dirty

The BASH puppers were numb with shock!   How could that have HAPPENED?!?!?!   The entrance to the cave just wasn't THERE!
The "Campfire Four" suddenly became the center of attention. Everyone crowded closer to one of the torches, wanting to be near the meager light the torches provided. Bohdi Tucker, Pogo Flewharty, and Doogie Lawrence stepped closer to the bic lighter that Ace Graves held, then squinted into the dark beyond the torchlight.
Katie WC looked at the huge boulders that now blocked their exit, then turned to her friends. "We're going to have to find another way out. Let's just keep going...there must be another way out of this cave."

Webber Riches and Riley were standing in the glow of one of the torches, having what appeared to be a very serious conversation. They both nodded in agreement, then turned to the group.

"Did anyone notice anything UNUSUAL about this cave??" Webber asked cryptically.

The BASH puppers looked at each other, confused by Webber's question. Several terriers shrugged their shoulders...... they had no idea what he meant.

Riley's paw made a wide gesture around the chamber where they stood.

"When was the last time you saw wooden TIMBERS bracing the walls of a CAVE?????" Riley asked.

Gasps were heard as the terriers realized the truth of Riley's words.

"This isn't a cave........ it's a MINE!!!!   And, since it's a MINE, there must be other tunnels, other chambers!!! We only need to LOCATE the other mine shafts, and then make our way OUT!!!" Riley and Webber seemed quite proud of themselves. Their paws were crossed in front of them, their chests were puffed out.   These two guys were VERY pleased with themselves!!!!

And, at this moment, the OTHER terriers were also singing their praises. The mood of the group lightened considerably, as they began winding their way deeper into the mine.    The torchlight cast eerie shadows on the tunnel walls, causing the younger terriers much concern.

Mickie and Shiloh Quarry, along with Janice and Sam, were convinced that they were being attacked by large, dark shapes and began barking fiercely in the narrow tunnel.   Holly Grant-Atkins, Alex Mathison, Polly Riches, and Sera Goetz joined the group of wee defenders, adding their voices to the barking chorus.   Their noise echoed through the tunnel, vibrating off the walls, creating absolute bedlam.
Even Gypsy Rose Kitty became disturbed by the echoes of the loud, fierce barking of the wee puppers. Only Ziggy's reassurance convinced Gypsy Rose Kitty that all was well, and that it was merely the over-eager voices of youngsters.
The other terriers were quickly tiring of the ever-increasing noise being made by the young terriers. Mandi Reyner, Rose Goetz, and McKenzie Sue Barfield finally resorted to drastic measures. They reached down into the ONLY bag of supplies that had accompanied them into the tunnel. They pulled out the few remaining carrots and offered them to the young noise-makers.

Immediately, the barking ceased. FOOD had been spotted, and it mattered not that the food was merely vegetable in nature. After all, food was FOOD when you were trapped in a dark, shadowy tunnel!!!

Gracie, Reggie, and Kamin took one of the torches and stayed with the pups as they finished their treats, then hurried the youngsters back to join the rest of the group. Rapid progress was made through the tunnel as they grew accustomed to the darkness.

Puck Grieco had taken his turn at the front of the group with the torch, and noticed it first. As he moved down the tunnel ahead of the group, he began to notice that the size of the tunnel was beginning to widen. He turned back to Honey Bear, who trotted along right behind him.

"The tunnel is getting larger, Honey Bear! It's different, here!" he told her.

The terriers were informed of the changes ahead and immediately began moving faster. They could sense good things just around the next bend. They were sure of it. It just HAD to be!!

And, indeed, the tunnel DID widen....... into an enormous room. When all the torch-bearers arrived in the great space, the terriers realized WHERE they were. This was the mine's STORAGE area!!! Their faces broke into wide grins as they looked around the room. Hanging from beams and pegs around the chamber were all the supplies that they would need to escape from the mine!!!!

Bonnie Gamble, Molly Reyner, Malena Mullins, and Bailey Doud began rushing around collecting all the coils of rope they could find. They returned to the center of the room, their paws clutching huge coils of the precious rope. They tossed the ropes into a pile, and hurried off again, eager to gather MORE supplies for their escape.

The rest of the terriers joined in the scavenger hunt, as they quickly scooped up dozens of miner's helmets with lights that STILL worked!

Scarlett Barfield, Heather Tracey, Breeze Oglesby, and Puck Grieco located several pick-axes that would be VERY valuable in their escape and carried the heavy tools back to the growing pile in the center of the chamber.

The room was stripped bare in a surprisingly short amount of time.  The BASH puppers then began sorting their goodies into piles, and began arranging them into bundles for everyone to carry. Everyone was busy, everyone was happy...... things were looking up. They were about to become Earthdogs, and dig their way OUT of this mine.

The mood of the terriers was almost playful as they began hoisting the bundles onto their shoulders, preparing to continue their journey.

Dom and Jubilee had made certain that the bundles would not be too heavy for the wee terriers, and had distributed the heavier items to the Guardians' loads. The last bundles were just being placed onto wee, furry shoulders when they heard it.

Callie quickly called Sir Eko the Hearing over near the wall.  From the other side of the tunnel wall, he could hear scratching. He looked at Callie, then at the concerned faces of the terriers. He took a deep breath, and whispered "There's scratching coming from the other side of this tunnel wall. SOMETHING is down here, DIGGING....... toward US !!!!!!"

Chapter 9 EWWWWWWWW!

Bucky Powers and Agnes Donnelly pressed their noses to the tunnel wall. They could SMELL the 'digger' as it approached .... and it wasn't pleasant! They sneezed loudly, trying to clear the stench from their nostrils.

Sir Eko the Hearing continued to listen closely. The digging sounds were growing dangerously close now.

Suddenly, he grabbed Bucky and Agnes by the collars and pulled them away from the wall as he began backing away.

Turning to the terriers, he warned, "The digging is about to break through. Prepare yourselves. It could be either friend or FOE!!!"

With one final moment to listen to the sounds, Sir Eko shouted, "Here it comes!!!!!"

Everyone backed further away from the wall. They could see tiny bits of the wall beginning to crumble. They stared in awe as a tiny, almost imperceptible hole appeared. It gradually grew larger. Some sort of mouth could be seen at the hole now.

Everyone held their noses..... the stench was overpowering!!!

Suddenly, the wall burst open.   Out through the opening came.............................

Chapter 10 You're a WHAT???

O'Reilly Nuckles, Bert Williamson, Wolfgang Yeager, Scottie Tucker, and Mac Tracey all reacted as one. They bristled, they bared their teeth, they growled deeply in their throats. They were NOT letting this 'thing' into their tunnel!!!

Karey Lawrence, Gus Oglesby, MacTavish Williams, and Barney Powers weren't ABOUT to let this smelly beast join them in this mine!! Karey raised up, propped his paws at the very edge of the hole, and began snapping at the offensive creature. Barney, Gus,and MacTavish quickly joined him, and together, the terriers proceeded to drive the creature back into the hole it had dug.

Bailey Doud, Pagan Marie, Pickles Mullins, Rosie Oglesby, and Scooter were right behind the barking terriers, offering assistance, and trying their best to get closer to the hole. Everyone wanted 'at' the creature, and the Guardians were hard-pressed to keep a safe distance between the creature and the wee-est terriers.

Bruce, Brewster, Connor, and Riley were trying their best to reach the hole, followed closely by Sofy and Alexander Bradberry, and MacDuff Flewharty. They were determined to add their teeth to those being aimed at the beast.

Every terrier in the tunnel had gone on 'full alert'..... legs braced wide apart..... tails erect, some almost touching their backs...... growling low in their throats. They were defending their territory and their friends. They would NOT allow this creature to advance any farther.

Maggie and Katie were trying desperately to dig a side tunnel to intercept the evil creature. Maggie Nuckles, Lucky Laddie, and Midget McFeisty joined the digging team, as the dirt began flying in all directions.

The terriers had gone into a frenzy, all trying to force the smelly beast further back into the tunnel. The Guardians were, for once, rendered speechless. They had never seen this many scotties go into 'terrier mode' before, and the sight was almost terrifying in its intensity.

Dom knew that the Guardians HAD to step into the midst of the terriers, and he hated to give the order. He didn't want to go into that EITHER!!!

Just as he turned to Honey Bear, preparing to give the order, he heard a wee, small voice from the center of the terrier frenzy. He stepped up on tippy-paw, straining to see over the crowd. He stared in shock as he watched Sir Eko the Hearing, Ali Riches, and Doogie Lawrence, each holding tightly to Miss Sassy Williamson's paws, walk up to the very edge of the tunnel opening.   Dom watched in horror..... those terriers were going to be ripped to shreds. The Guardians braced themselves, preparing to enter the fray.

The silence was sudden and unexpected. The Guardians watched in amazement as Sir Eko raised his paw for quiet. The terriers seemed to have turned their 'frenzy' off as easily as turning off a light switch. They stood quietly, watching Sir Eko.

When he had everyone's attention, he motioned to Miss Sassy. She hesitantly stepped forward, and began speaking in a quiet, soft-spoken voice.

"Look to the beast," she commanded with quiet authority. Her paw motioned toward the hole, and the terriers did as they were instructed.

They could only stare in shock. The evil-smelling, vicious beast was in TEARS!!! Huge, crocodile tears were streaming down its face.

The terriers backed away from the hole as Miss Sassy reached her paw out to the beast. It hesitated for a second, then seeing that the furry, teeth-filled creatures had backed away, the beast plopped down onto the tunnel floor.

Miss Sassy stood very close to the beast, speaking softly and patting the beast reassuringly. She and the beast seemed to talk quietly among themselves. After a lengthy conversation, Miss Sassy stepped back and addressed the terriers.

"She is no danger to us," Miss Sassy began. "She has come to help us, and was heartbroken at the reception she received. I explained to her that we merely were defending our wee-est youngsters, and that we had no knowledge of her species........ or their eating habits, for that matter!"

The terriers laughed nervously. This creature was here to HELP them?? They listened closely as Miss Sassy continued.

"She wants to tell us of her species. Please give her your attention.   Ohhhh, and she is very sensitive, so please do nothing to offend her."

The terriers, being well-raised, were the perfect audience for the creature.   She plodder her huge bulk farther into the tunnel, seemed to make herself comfortable, and began speaking in a very low, rumbling voice.

"Our species is very old. We have lived our existence down here in the undergrounds of the Earth. We hurt no one, we merely digest the earth and the minerals held within the earth. Our lifespans extend many hundreds of years, and we have seen much. At one time, we were merely one species, but several generations ago, our genes were introduced to new bloodlines. We have become mutants, and have learned to deal with our unnatural appearance and the smell that came when the new species was introduced. We are willing to help you exit this underground world of ours, and offer to help you dig an exit to the surface."

The terriers cheered wildly, then quieted immediately and smiled sweetly, as Miss Sassy glared fiercely at the group.

Ali turned to Miss Sassy, asking the question that everyone wanted answered. "What are they called?? What species ARE they??"

Miss Sassy spoke quietly to the beast, then turned to the terriers, her eyes wide. She was obviously trying to control herself, and the terriers could SWEAR she was fighting back a smile. She announced to the group, "They're known as PUHDUL-Moles!!!"

The terriers almost choked!! They fought the laughter that wanted to burst forth. With paws covering their mouths, them tried to smile sweetly. They would NOT insult these beasts, especially as these creatures were about to set them FREE!!!

In short order, there were other Puhdul Moles emerging from the hole. The terriers soon got into the spirit of the dig, as they stood side by side, digging eagerly.

The Guardian Brigade wasn't quite sure what to make of the sight they were witnessing. The puhdul moles were making rapid progress through the earth, heading upward toward the surface. The terriers, wanting to be helpful, were right beside the moles, digging furiously. Dirt flew as the diggers continued their progress.

They were all going home.........

Chapter 11 Home? WHAT Home???

The team of diggers, puhdul moles and terriers, quickly found their digging rhythm. The next several hours were spent digging, constantly digging.   The terriers began taking shifts, and were almost ashamed to admit that the moles could dig circles around the scotties.

"Yeah, but look at the SIZE of those moles!!" Fala remarked, as he and Hoagy continued digging , side by side.

Hoagy agreed, then resumed the digging. The terriers were determined to keep up the pace being set by the puhdul moles.

The hours passed, and still the digging continued. Finally, after what seemed an eternity, the puhdul moles stopped and plopped back to face the terriers.

"She says we've reached the surface," Miss Sassy reported. "There are only a few inches of soil between us and the world above. She feels that WE should dig the remaining soil ourselves. They have come too close to the surface. They now plan to return to the depths below."

The terriers waved good-bye to their new "Earthmole" pals, and stood to watch them disappear back down the newly dug tunnel.

As soon as the terriers were alone in the tunnel, Riley moved to the end of the tunnel and began digging furiously. Others joined him, digging enthusiastically. Everyone was ready for the sunshine..... they wanted to feel the breezes in their fur.

It was Bonnie Belle who reached it first. Her paw broke through the soil, but instead of grass and sunshine, she encountered a FLOOR......... a wooden floor!!!!

"OHhhhhh, swell!!! We've dug under a BUILDING!!!! NOW we'll have to dig another tunnel AROUND this!!" she grumbled as she tapped the wooden floor above her head.

"I'm tired, I'm dirty, and I'm NOT digging any farther!!!" Stormy announced. "Someone get up here with those pick-axes and get RID of this flooring !!!"

Dunc, Brewster, and Bailey Doud smiled to themselves, then moved to the end of the tunnel, the pick-axes in their paws. They began swinging, and the wooden flooring splintered, creating a hole that continued to grow as the terriers swung wildly.

When the hole in the wooden floor had been widened enough for the group to safely exit, Riley turned to Katie. It's been YOUR birthday adventure. YOU get to exit FIRST.

Katie smiled, and took the 'leg up' that Riley offered. She was boosted to the top of the hole. Her paws grasped the flooring, and she pulled herself up, to peer over the flooring into the building.

The other terriers waited impatiently. They were ready to get OUT of this tunnel. Katie hadn't said a word........ but she was now laughing!! Between the gales of laughter, she managed to call back down to the group, "Y'all may want to get UP here and SEE this!!!   You'll NEVER guess where we ARE!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

That was all the terriers needed. Curiosity aroused, they all scurried up the tunnel. The sight that met their eyes as they peered over the flooring into the room reduced the group to uncontrollable laughter. No one would EVER believe THIS!!!

Katie realized WHERE they were, and quieted the group.

"Remember WHERE we are!!! Use your best manners!!!" she advised. Then she climbed into the room, dusting herself off as she went. The other terriers also climbed out of the tunnel, and soon the room was filled with dirty scotties and their BASH friends.

Katie walked over and introduced herself, "I'm Katie WC, and these terriers and I have been on a BASH adventure. We apologize for making the hole in your floor. But, we know that Spoiled Stormy will be GLAD to provide y'all with the funds to replace the flooring, as well as remodeling the entire facility!!   We've heard quite a bit about this place, and we're so proud to be here. If you wouldn't mind, we'd LOVE to spend the afternoon here with you."

The director of the facility approached Katie. "We welcome you to the OLD SCOTTIES' HOME!! We'd LOVE to have you spend the afternoon with us.   How are you at crocheting doilies?!?!?!"

Snickers were heard, then quickly hushed. The terriers felt it was only right to finally DO what they'd always SAID they were doing!!

The afternoon was spent peacefully, as terriers lounged around the great community room of the OLD SCOTTIES' HOME. Doilies by the hundreds were crocheted, and placed onto the table in the center of the room.

As the last rays of the sun shone in through the large picture window, the adminstrator returned.

"There's a man in a uniform at the front door. He said to tell all of you that 'your ride was here'!!!"

"Captain SCOTTY!!!   We can go HOME!!!" the terriers cheered, then remembering their manners, they said farewell to the senior citizens.

They filed quietly out of the OLD SCOTTIES' HOME, then raced across the lawn to the waiting Scotcorde. Captain 'Scotty' could barely identify SOME of the terriers. They were covered in mud and debris, and bits of yarn were sticking out of their fur. He said nothing, just waved them aboard.

He knew and the Guardians knew........ the terriers would need no watching now. They would sleep deeply until each was returned home.   The Captain dimmed the lights in the cabin , then quietly moved back toward the cockpit. He turned back to see the terriers, already curled up into every available chair. The Guardians were stretched out on the floor, where they could still be available if needed. Captain 'Scotty' smiled.   His wee ones DID know how to have an adventure!!!
Turning around, he moved into the cockpit. The engines of the huge jet roared to life, and almost immediately lifted off, taking the BASH adventurers home.

"This MUST have been SOME kind of adventure," he thought to himself. " I can't WAIT to hear THIS tall tale!!!"

The Scotcorde streaked across the sky, taking the adventurers home. Another BASH had come and gone. All was well with the world.

And so, we close this quiet, uneventful tale.
Until the next BASH is called, we bid you farewell.

THE END

This ORIGINAL story has been created and written by Carol Johnson .
Original artwork is the exclusive property of artist, Karen Donnelly.
This is NOT to be reproduced in ANY way
without the EXPRESS written consent of the author !!!
©Copyright 2003-20011 All rights reserved.

| Site Menu |
| Links | Awards | Email | Guestbook | Tell a Friend |

Webmaster: Katie & Riley's Mam

Needles and Pins