Ballard Street by Jerry Van Amerongen for September 24, 2019

Ouch! Ben should have worn longer gloves.

If this dog has not been neutered, you seem to be in an advantageous position, Ben.

I think Ben will find a different use for those clippers right away.

That is going to be one surprised dog in three…two…

…he realized he was nothing more than fresh meat.

On Ballard St, there’s a distinct difference of opinion as to which mammal is the boss.

They named the dog “Bitey” for a reason!

The Ballard Street Dogcatcher will have to take Bitey and Ben in!

Ah…. this illustrates a problem many tyrants don’t understand.

Not that Ben is (necessarily) a tyrant…

Being feared doesn’t offer protection…. except perhaps from the admittedly weak.

In fact, fear invites self-defense, sets up challenges, and draws attacks….

whether from the terrified, trying to head off the threat…. the rebellious,refusing to surrender…. or the merely boastful, with something to prove.

Bitey may be like a cat I know, who will attack anything he fears may be about to strike.

Which, in Toby’s case, includes brooms and vacuum cleaners… and the recliner, which once pinched his tail and is now a sworn (and tattered) enemy.

The lesson, though, is this:

It’s being loved, not feared, that’s more likely to save you in a hostile world.

A Milk Bone in your pocket is worth two chips on your shoulder.

My fault people.

Sorry.

I pay Bitey two Milky-Bones a week to protect my hedge from the crazy squirrels, Not Mr. Ben!

Bad Bitey! No bonus Scuby Snack this week. :(

Ben’s been drinking too much tea.

That dog has a bad memory about a man with sheers.. revenge for the cruelest snip of all.

Why are these in black and white and not color like the originals?

If that had been Little Rudy, Ben would really have something to worry about…

Good afternoon Balladeers and Miss Susan!

Good evening Balladears. Ben is a poor study of canine instincts.