Mingo was a once in a lifetime dog. We went to the farm where Mingo was born…….just to look. He separated himself from his litter mates and walked up to us. He introduced himself with little puppy barks. I do believe he had sized us up and said, “let us go home”. Mingo was smart and brave and started managing the cows in just a few weeks. He ran a tight barn and demanded the Holsteins keep their cloven hooves in line. He feared just two things. Thunder would bring him to my bed. I would hold him close and cover his head with pillows and blankets until the growling thunder gods went away.
The other thing Mingo feared was my driving. Women in our farm neighborhood did NOT drive.
One Saturday, I asked Mingo if he wanted to go for a ride. Well, of course he did!!!! I opened the door for him and then went to the driver’s side and got in. If a brown furry dog could turn pale, Mingo did.
“Oh my god, she is going to drive” I was just going to the township dump, only 3 miles away.
Mingo huddled against the door. Mingo whined. Mingo howled. I told him I had passed drivers education. Why on earth should he care if I had a driver’s license? He had a good time at the dump,but on the trip back home, Mingo whined and Mingo howled. I eventually gained his trust and he knocked off the criticism.