The Chuckwagon Gang



  The Chuckwagon Gang

  Inspired by the Chocolate Miniature Dachshund

  Published by

  New Mexico Dachshund Rescue

  Copyright © 2015 New Mexico Dachshund Rescue

  Table of Contents

  Foreword

  Chapter 1 – Reluctant Rescuer

  Chapter 2 – Everybody’s Favorite

  Chapter 3 – Best Cook in These Parts

  Chapter 4 – Tex’s Timeout

  Chapter 5 – Back to Normal

  Chapter 6 – Fall Fun

  Chapter 7 – The Extra Flag

  Chapter 8 – Lena Lou

  Chapter 9 – White Mountain

  Chapter 10 – Sealing the Deal

  Foreword

  I cannot get over all of the varied types of Dachshunds! They come in white and black and many colors in-between. They have various spots and markings, as well as different coat types. Do you want a smooth coat, longhaired or wirehaired? There is a Dachshund out there to fit your specs.

  Our Dachshund hero in this drama is a chocolate smooth coat miniature male Dachshund. This little guy is going to steal your heart for sure. Have fun reading about yet another abandoned pup (all fictional, of course).

  I would like to thank my team for their assistance in preparing the book for publishing: Al Rosario, Illustrator; Jan Lawrence, editor; Drew Simenson, assistant editor, Lucinda Campbell, formatting and Heather Piedmont, marketing.

  Proceeds from the sale of this book will benefit New Mexico Dachshund Rescue and Dachshund rescue in New Mexico and Texas. Thank you for supporting our mission.

  I am dedicating this book to my dear friend, Marcia. You gave us our precious Buddy. We endured the heartache together when you lost two of your precious Dachshunds a few months apart. We patiently searched and waited for the right “reinforcements.” Our mutual love of Dachshunds has forged our friendship while Christ forged our fellowship. It has been an amazing adventure – my cup overflows!

  --Stella Dillenbeck on behalf of New Mexico Dachshund Rescue

  (Featuring the Dachshund Rescue Series by Stella Dillenbeck)

  Chapter 1 – Reluctant Rescuer

  The lights of El Paso pierced the night sky giving the city a glow that could be seen for many miles. While most of the city lay sleeping, Tex lay in bed wide awake. His best friend Marshall was deploying soon, along with others from his Fort Bragg unit. No, Tex could not sleep for he was not only missing him already, but was deeply worried for his friend. At the same time, he was very proud of the commitment that Marshall had in serving his country, even when it meant deployment to the war front.

  Tex finally nodded off into a fitful sleep. When he was not dreaming about boyhood mischief with Marshall, he was tossing and turning. He woke up feeling like he had not slept at all. A pot of cowboy coffee was definitely in order this morning. It was the very strong, hefty coffee only a cowboy can stand, but today he was going to need it for sure. Tex had the day off and Marshall was preparing for deployment, and the two of them were getting together at Marshall’s place on base to say their good-byes.

  The mood between the two long-time friends was uncharacteristically subdued. Tex had tried to put on a jovial outlook for his friend’s sake, but it fell short. Marshall had also made a pot of cowboy coffee and the two of them chatted over a cup or two…about the weather, the traffic and the ranch where Tex worked. Yapping about such menial things did not help their mood any, but it did keep them from mentioning the obvious, for they were going to sorely miss each other.

  Marshall and Tex’s time together was far too short, but Marshall had things he had to get done. Military red tape is known to be quite cumbersome and even more so when soldiers were going to be deployed for about one year. After giving each other a big bear hug, Marshall walked Tex to his car. Just as Tex was getting in his car, a dog darted out from underneath. Tex figured he had startled the poor thing when he opened the car door. The dog took off down the street, almost getting hit by two different cars. Marshall and Tex both took off after him and Tex finally was able to grab him and carry him to safety.

  The pup was so scared; his whole body shivered as he buried his nose under Tex’s arm. He was a Dachshund – a chocolate one – and he was not very big. When those big brown eyes shyly looked up into his, Tex began to feel the noose tighten around his neck. It wasn’t that he didn’t like dogs; he did. He simply had no desire to own one. Furthermore, he worked on a ranch as a cook, so a dog would be a nuisance for him. He was tied to a kitchen and a dog had no business being there. What could he do with a dog?

  Tex had to think this through carefully. There was no way Marshall could keep the dog. After a brief discussion Tex and Marshall agreed not to call animal control, but Tex would make every effort to find the owner. The pup was three years old at the most. Tex reluctantly admitted he needed to take the dog, at least for now. It would sure be a relief if he was able to return the pup to its rightful home, though.

  Marshall gave Tex a playful slap on the back. They were both laughing as Tex got in the car. The pup was still shivering as Tex put him on the seat next to him; this time trying to put his nose under Tex’s leg. Tex smiled as the dog finally settled for nestling against his leg. As reluctant as he had been to take the dog, he was already getting attached to the poor little guy. By the time Tex was driving off of the base, he had already given him the name Amarillo. He would call him Rillo for short.

  Chapter 2 – Everybody’s Favorite

  For the second time that morning Tex was getting a playful slap on the back. This time it was from his boss, Harvey. Harvey teased away about the dog being so long on body and so short on legs. Tex was momentarily flustered, but he knew the boss was teasing him. As he continued his thought patterns of what he was going to do with Rillo, Harvey’s wife, Adele, came out of the ranch house to see why her husband was laughing. Adele got all excited when she saw the pup; she loved Dachshunds. Tex explained how Rillo appeared to have been abandoned on base and how he had reluctantly rescued him. He was quick to explain he was hopeful the owner could be found. Adele told him not to worry himself about the pup one bit as she would care for him when Tex was cooking. Tex was relieved, not only because he had answers for Rillo’s care, but also because Harvey was now teasing his wife and not him.

  Rillo was all Dachshund. He was full of vim and vigor and mischief. His curiosity knew no bounds. Then again, neither did his stubbornness. He went right out to the back of the ranch house to claim his turf and let everyone within earshot know it was his. Tex marveled at how quickly he was fitting into the routine. The dog wasn’t the least bit intimidated by the size of the spread, the bigger dogs, the cattle or the horses – not to mention the ranch hands.

  Rillo’s presence helped keep Tex’s mind off of Marshall’s deployment for a couple of days. He eventually found his thoughts drifting back to his friend, though, for Marshall’s warfront tour of duty was around the corner and Tex was dreading it. At least he had his little buddy; he pulled Rillo a little closer and gave him a gentle hug. He was sure glad to have the pup. His companionship was going to be needed in the year ahead.

  Rillo ate the same time the other dogs did, eating the same food they did. And surprisingly enough, he consumed just as much as the bigger dogs, and then came begging for more. Adele worried about him gaining weight, but just shrugged it off. It looked like he could probably burn all of the extra calories just by running after the other dogs around the ranch, which he loved to do. After all, they knew the ropes and he figured he would soon know them, too. Adele did get to see Rillo between meals occasionally, though, because he routinely came back to her for attention and treats when Tex was working.

  Rillo was Tex’s shadow th
roughout much of the day between meals. Tex had literally saved his life, rescuing him from the street on base. Two weeks had gone by without anybody coming forward to claim the pup. A deep bond was forging between the two of them as the realization set in that they were “forever.” They were closer than a brand on a cowhide. Tex didn’t have even the slightest yearning to have a dog before. But now that he had Rillo, it was hard to imagine life without the little pup. Rillo kept things stirred up at the ranch. You would think he was the boss.

  Harvey and Adele had owned the ranch for 25 years. It was their dream and their life. Hiring Tex was one of the best decisions they had made. He was the best Chuckwagon cook in their parts. People came from miles around to eat his cooking. Now that Tex had brought Rillo to the ranch, they were all the more glad to have Tex on board. None of them could imagine the ranch without him, or Rillo either, for that matter. They had three German Shepherds, a Collie and two black Labs, but Rillo was their favorite. Everybody loved Rillo.

  Chapter 3 – Best Cook in These Parts

  Marshall sent Tex an e-mail to let him know he had arrived in Kuwait. He was waiting with the others in his deployed unit for transport to their assigned Afghanistan base. Marshall indicated he would be in touch again when he got to his base station. Tex was sure glad to hear from him as he was keenly missing his friend.

  In the meantime, Tex plugged away at his cooking duties at the ranch. He never got tired of the cooking preparation or the compliments about his cooking being “the best in these here parts.” Harvey and Adele not only paid him well, but also constantly praised him. They wanted to keep him on board as the chief chef for a long time. Oh yes – and Rillo, too.

  Most of the time Tex spent his morning break between breakfast and lunch with Rillo roaming the ranch. He kept a watchful eye out on the ranch for when an extra pair of hands might be needed. The ranch hands were grateful. They also did their jobs well, but sometimes a little help to get over bumps or through obstacles was in order; it was not an insult to their manhood at all to have Tex’ assistance. Tex generally spent his afternoon break between lunch and dinner resting. With Rillo romping all morning, he was due for a nap, too. Tex would find his little buddy and the two would take a well-earned nap together.

  On one particular day after their nap, Tex headed back to the chuckwagon kitchen to check on his brisket. He put a little extra kick in it that morning with some Hatch chiles and some Mexico jalapenos. He was pleased with the taste. The brisket was tenderizing nicely but still had a few more hours to cook. He knew there would undoubtedly be compliments about his brisket tonight, but he humbly wondered why. The oven cooked the brisket; he just checked for taste, tenderness and for when it was done. When the brisket was ready, he sliced and served it with the other side dishes they were having.

  Rillo headed over to Adele’s after naptime. He knew he could always count on her for a mid-day treat. Today was no exception for she had a chunk of Monterey jack cheese waiting for him. He begged for more but Adele set her foot down, telling him that dinner was soon and he must wait. He licked her hand, wagged his tail, and then trotted out the door to see what was happening with all of his ranch buddies. Surely there was some kind of mischief he could get into.

  Adele came running when she heard a commotion at the barn. There were all kinds of hissing, snarling and growling noises, followed by an occasional yip. As Adele suspected, Rillo had cornered the new 4-week-old kittens. Thankfully mama cat was not too far away and was there in a flash to protect her babies; none of them were hurt. Rillo was face-to-face with one angry mama cat and he was getting the short end of that stick. When Rillo saw Adele he ran over to her yelping away. If he thought he was going to get any sympathy from her, he was mistaken. She scolded him instead and he hung his head. Silently she hoped he learned his lesson.

  Chapter 4 – Tex’s Timeout

  Tex was making his morning ranch rounds when his cell phone rang. It was Marshall’s brother, Myron. Tex immediately froze in his tracks for Myron never called him. He heard the words, but they were rejected even as they were spoken. “There is no easy way to say this, Tex, but Marshall’s unit was hit by an IED. He is gone, Tex. He didn’t make it.” Tex was frozen to his spot on the walkway. He could not move; he could not budge because his whole body had gone numb at the unexpected and incredibly sad news. His long-time friend was gone. It simply could not be.

  Harvey and Adele were equally as shocked at the news; they were also quite concerned about Tex as they knew how close the two were. They told Tex to take the next week off with pay. They had already made arrangements for their relief cook to cover for him. Tex nodded in agreement. He was still in shock and could not get his tongue to move. He was grateful for the paid time off; he would need it. Someday, when the time was right, Tex would duly thank Harvey and Adele. Right now all he could do was hug Rillo and cry.

  Rillo did not mind the holding and the hugging, but he sure did not like Tex being so sad. The pup would snuggle up against him, occasionally licking his tears, but Tex could not even feel it as the numbness was still overtaking him. Rillo hung close, though, and comforted as best as he could. At least they had each other.

  Myron called again the next day to inform Tex the service would be a military one with full honors on base at Fort Bragg. Marshall would be decorated as a war hero, receiving a Purple Heart and a Medal of Honor. This service would be followed by another one at Arlington as this was the family’s desire. Myron also said the family would be honored for Tex to join them in Arlington. All Tex could say was “sure.”

  Tex needed more time off from his cooking duties since he was going to Arlington for Marshall’s service. Harvey and Adele told him to take as much time as he needed. What a blessing it was to have such understanding and generous bosses. Tex being Tex, though, was already thinking in his mind how he could make up for the time lost. Yes, he would find a way to return the kindness.

  Adele assured Tex she would keep a watchful eye on Rillo while he was gone. Tex sure hated leaving his pup, but taking him was out of the question. Besides, Tex had other priorities and would not be able to give Rillo the attention he was accustomed to receiving. The shock of Marshall’s death was starting to wear off and Tex was sure glad he could be there to comfort the family. Somehow, with God’s help, they would all get through this.

  Tex flew into Reagan National Airport and he was greeted there by Marshall’s immediate family. Marshall’s mother clung to Tex; it was as if she could somehow make a connection to her lost son through him. Together they all made it through the service, the honors, the memories, the 21-gun salute and Taps. They all broke down, though, as Marshall’s mom was presented the United States flag “on behalf of a grateful nation.”

  Chapter 5 – Back to Normal

  On his return flight home Tex reflected on his trip, the loss of his friend Marshall, the memorial tribute to him and the time with his family. As hard as it was, he had to also acknowledge the blessing of his close friendship with Marshall and his all-too-short life. Tex would make another trip to Arlington after the tombstone was placed. Who knows? Maybe he would make several trips out there. But right now it was good to be going home.

  Harvey and Adele had to wait in line to welcome Tex home. He had his own little personal greeting committee named Rillo. He was one happy pup to have his dad back and he was making sure everybody knew it. Tex was equally as happy to see him, too. The deep, hearty belly laugh sure did him good. He was also comforted by knowing he wasn’t going to be able to get out of Rillo’s sight for a while.

  Tex asked Adele for a couple of days off for resting. He said he would be ready to go back to work when the jet lag wore off and he adjusted to the time change. He had been wrong about Rillo taking off, though. The next morning Rillo headed out to make his ranch rounds while Tex slept soundly. The restless pooch figured he had slept long enough and there had to be some kind of doggy trouble he could find.

  This time it was Tex who heard the co
mmotion in the vicinity of the barn. He had only been awake for a couple of minutes when a string of Rillo’s barks filled the air. Tex went running towards the noise to see what was going on. As he neared the barn, Tex realized it was only the dog’s bark he was hearing. No, it was not a cat. When he opened the barn door, Tex busted up laughing. There in the rafters was a lone barn owl. He let out an occasion “hoot,” and it was driving Rillo nuts. Tex picked him up and tried to explain about the creature living there, but you cannot explain things like that to a dog. Finally he lifted him up for a little closer look. Rillo sniffed the owl, decided he was okay after all and jumped down to continue his ranch rounds. Tex stood there and shook his head. What a dog!

  Adele was driving up as Tex was leaving the barn. She had run into town for errands. Now she was wondering what she missed, so Tex shared the barn owl incident with her. Of course that had them both laughing. Adele was glad to see Tex laugh; she knew it would be good for him. Silently she was grateful for that hooting barn owl.

  Tex got rested and back to his beloved kitchen and the chuckwagon gang. He was more than ready to get back into the swing of things and have everything on a more normal keel. He rolled up his sleeves and went to work. He was determined to make the best brisket ever and the fixings to go with it.

  Perhaps it was because everyone was so glad to have Tex back or perhaps he really did have the best brisket ever. Whatever the reason, the compliments about the food were more than normal. Everyone that had eaten the evening meal was ranting and raving how excellent it had been. Harvey and Adele were stoked. It was sure good to have their prized chef back.

  Chapter 6 – Fall Fun

  Fall at the ranch was the busiest time. Things fell into a feverish pace as the temperatures started to drop. Plus, the ranch annually hosted two fall events that brought crowds in from miles away. The first was the Ranch Rodeo. The second was the Harvest Festival. Both events included their popular cowboy band that entertained the crowds with country, bluegrass and swing music.