Fate is a sweet dog, at least to people, but she is not the most generous of dogs when it comes to her pesky little brother Bud. Whenever he gets a treat, Fate stalks him, lying next to him, staring at him, psyching him out.

Bud is a curious and impulsive dog, when he hears a sound or movement in the kitchen, he leaves his treat and rushes to see what it is, and Fate strikes, rushing across to grab his treat and steal it.

When he returns, he is shocked and bewildered and goes looking for the stolen treat. He is met with growls and snarls, and usually comes running to me or Maria for help.

I stay out of dog disputes, Bud either has to learn to hang onto his treat or give them up. Bud is a smart dog, but Fate is smarter, a bit meaner.

Fate is the smartest dog I have ever lived with, she knows a dozen ways to get Red’s stuff. Bud is very generous, and he is not a wary dog. Sometimes Fate just stares him into turning over the treat.

She is relentless.

She does things Red would never do, and when Red was alive, Bud would often sit close to him while he chews on his rawhide sticks.

Fate wouldn’t dare to come too close.

This morning, we’re heading into town for the annual town Tag Sale, which we always missed because of the Open House.

This evening, I’m going with Maria to a public belly dancing performance at the Arlington, Vt., Town Hall.

The ABS (American Belly Dancing Style) organization is having a worldwide Flash Mob and she and her group will be dancing until dark.

I rarely get to see Maria dance, her classes are not open to men, and I wouldn’t intrude, but I’ll be there tonight hoping to get a video.

Monday is Columbus Day and we’re going to be home taking it easy. I can’t say we miss the Open Houses, although they were important for us.

Over the weekend, we’re going to do another podcast. We have an offer for several free wool sheep and we’re trying to figure out whether to accept it or not. We’ll talk about it.