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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>I'm delighted to report that Vernon Q and Paddi B
have added a new game to their repertoire -- joining the ever-popular loveseat
tag (two bassets chase each other around the loveseat, occassionally reversing
direction), woodshed tag (likewise, but with a woodshed instead of the
loveseat... it's often played after loveseat tag is curtailed by unreasonable
humans) and of course the Basset 500.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>This one is called "Basset Bullfight." Your bassets
might enjoy it... or already do it! To begin, one basset (Vernon) faces the
other (Paddi) and paws the ground mightily, just like a raging bull. He then
leaps in the air repeatedly, turning 360 degrees while doing so, so he is once
again facing Paddi. Both participants then bow and rush at each other. Once they
are nose to tail, the two bassets circle two or three times, then spring apart.
The procedure is then repeated.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>As an alternative, Paddi and Vern sometimes add a
round of "Battling Stags." For this one, each basset rises on his or her hind
legs and bashes into the other, just like great battling stags in the forest
(although somewhat shorter.) This game is best accompanied with deep barks,
since that way it can be sure that everyone in the neighbourhood will know the
game's afoot.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Paddi and Vern are currently exhausted by all this
activity and are asleep on the couch... if they were awake I know they would
send drool to all in need. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Mary</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>and the sleeping bulls... er, stags... er..
hounds</FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>