Tuffy the East Texas Chow, the "junk yard dog" as Teddy-bear. (original) (raw)
A Mother with Five Husbands
Mr. Husband gave us his and Tuffy's story as he sat at his desk, surrounded by 10,000 parts (everyone of them guarded by Tuffy). Mr. Husband told us his name had been Husbands when his Grandfather had been using it, but he wrote large and the boxes on the Army forms were just one letter too small when he enlisted inWWI.
Husband can trace his lineage back to England via Tennessee, but he usually repairs and sells cars. He's certainly heard all the jokes about his name.
His favorite was when he was a boy; he would tell his teachers that his mother had five Husbands (he, his father and three brothers).
Since he's a husband named Husband, we told him of a Sheriff named Sheriff and he said that a neighbor of his was a carpenter named Carpenter. He also has neighbors named Fox, Coon and Crow. We assume he was speaking of humans.
We attempted to shake hands with Mr. Husband, as we got back in our car, but his hands were coated in what appeared to be a vintage Havoline, so he offered his forearm. We shook his forearm, but without any fast moves, after all, Tuffy was right there (looking about 20 feet to his left).
If you're on Highway 103 between Lufkin and San Augustine, look for the Celestial Chevrolet and please look out for Tuffy.
August, 2000
© John Troesser
Readers' Comments:
Great story. I just loved the photograph! Boy, it wouldn't take much for me to drive down and dognap him. My type o' guy. Thanks a million. I appreciate your hanging in with a true shaggy dog story. - Maggie