Out Our Way: "A rod, staff, .45, and Jack"

Psalm 23

Out our way, we still have vast herds of antelope, deer, bighorn sheep, and elk. We also have mountain lions, and in the Bear Paws we occasionally have attacks.

I know I have shared this story on numerous occasions, but it is the tale I was given to share again with you about "Jack, the Rez dog."

I won't go into the details again of how Jack and I came together, so let's just get into the account of when the lion popped up on a back trail in the Bear Paws. Doc and Jack and I were heading down an old jeep trail enjoying the scenery when Doc suddenly went stiff. There were large bushes and some thorn trees on one side of the trail and Doc had his eyes and ears focused on them. Plainly, he was scared.

A few months prior, he had a similar reaction while I was grooming him out by the corral , and when I looked over his back I saw the lion watching us from a nearby hill. From that time forward, if I was in the backcountry, I wore a .45 revolver. It only later occurred to me that if I had to shoot, not only would I likely miss despite hours at the range, but I would scare Doc who would toss me in a heartbeat and take off. Fortunately, it never came to that.

I am sitting on a terrified horse, fumbling with my revolver, when Jack just trotted by to the "offending bushes" and went after whatever was behind them. (Note, Jack was part wolf and a big boy). I didn't actually see it, but I assume it was a lion from Doc's reaction, and whatever it was took off in a hurry with Jack letting it know it needed to skedaddle. Then Jack came trotting back with his tongue hanging out and a big wolfish grin to let Doc and me know the crisis was over. Doc relaxed, I put the .45 back in the holster and Jack led us on for the rest of the ride.

I think of Jack these days, especially as so many hardships, betrayals, and horrific tragedies have come my way. It comforts me to remember that grin, his total reassurance that all was well, and that lion taking off for higher country. When I read the 23rd Psalm, I often think of Jack and remember the sudden sense of calm and relaxation in both Doc and me when it was clear Jack was there to handle things. There is something very special about a loyal dog who loves you without question - and if we will pay attention, they make pretty fine preachers of the Gospel message.

Be blessed and be a blessing!

Brother John

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The Rev. John Bruington is the retired pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Havre. He now lives in Colorado, but continues to write "Out Our Way." He can be reached for comment or dialogue at [email protected].