Did you know Ben does not have a tail? Neither does Dixie, because they are Pembroke Welsh Corgis. The Cardigan Corgi does have a tail, but the Pembroke does not. Not a great revelation to most of us, but to a little girl we met this weekend, this was a huge deal.

Rumor has it, the people who bred the corgi in the Welsh countryside hundreds of years ago were too poor to feed a large dog, so the corgi is necessarily a very tough dog in a small package. Also, dogs were often taxed unless they were needed to work the farm, so to avoid paying a tax on their family dog, their tails were docked to prove their working status. Or so the story goes.

This past weekend, we took Ben and Freki to our local town festival and walked the streets, socializing our puppy, listening to live bands, and just having fun. Ben is an old hat at this, but seemed a bit surprised to find he was not the center of attention. Freki hogged more than her fair share. However, that was after she realized Ben was enjoying being petted by innumerable strange people. And since she always wants whatever Ben has, once she realized it really was fun, she was quite the ham.

One little girl petted Ben, her hand in his thick coat.. I pointed out the differences between the two dogs- never miss a chance to educate- and she peered at his short, stubby legs and dense, red hair. Then I mentioned he had no tail. With a jerk of her head, she threw a questioning look to her mom, then took a step behind Ben, squatted down, her hands on her knees, and stared straight up his, er, rear. With astonishment, she announced, "His butt has no tail!"

Quite right, my dear. His butt has no tail. But he wags it just the same.

Ben turned 5 yesterday. He is so much fun and has become such a good 'big brother' to Freki. He got a new ball today, though, unlike previous balls which he popped within minutes of play, this one is tougher. He loves to chase balls, bumping them with his chest as he 'herds' them about the yard. It was rather hot outside today, however, and he left most of the playing to Freki who chased it as long as we kept it moving.

Ben, I know you weren't expecting a little sister in time for your birthday, but you are showing your kindness and spirit of fun by allowing her into your life. Atta boy!