Everyones' friend.....Fred the Dog

One of our most visible and lovable characters of the Fred's News years was Fred the Dog! Not only was he a character but he was ever so special. The family welcomed him as a ten week old pure-bred sable collie puppy. From the time we set our eyes on him we knew he would be Fred's News mascot. We gave him the usual long AKC name but to all who knew him he was just plain "Fred the Dog".

As a puppy, he would sit out back behind the restaurant in the shade, tied on a very long line. We didn't want to tie him, but until he new better, we feared he would wander into the road. Whenever he was outside with us or the kids he was allowed to roam freely in the large back shaded area. Fred the Dog became so well known that our patrons would bring their children just to see him. Although collie dogs can have a quick temper, not Fred the Dog. Kids would hug, squeeze and sit on him. When he'd had enough he would just disappear. As he got older and was no longer restrained by a rope, he would walk customers to the back door. If they opted not to use the back door, Fred the Dog would watch until they disappeared around the front. With his long nose he would pry open the back door and let himself into the restaurant. At that point he would hide along side the big old Coke cooler, wait for them to come and pet him. Everyone loved him. Fred the Dog knew he shouldn't be in the place, so he always slithered really close to large objects trying remain undetected. One time with out our knowledge he had done just that. Needless to say, the Health inspector, who was making his rounds to all the food establishments in the area, noticed Fred the Dog at the very end of the long counter trying to hide. He was being gently petted by Johann the Great Nephew. Of course we were questioned why a dog was in the establishment. Johann without missing a beat explained, "he's my service dog!". Right on Johann! Fred the Dog was banished to the loading dock. He always made it a habit to walk old Lucille back to her front door, located just a stones throw from the back dock. When they arrived Lucille would say" Thanks Fred, now go home" He always did.

Every morning Bill and I arose at 3:00 a.m. to begin the day at Fred's News. In his younger years, Fred the Dog was not that early a riser. He preferred to sleep, upstairs, on the third floor with the younger members of his family. As they would get themselves up and ready for school, one would let Fred the Dog out to do his thing. One morning he did not return from the back yard. In a panic, they came into the restaurant. We were getting ready to open at 5:30a.m. They announced to the few regulars and us that Fred the Dog had not returned from his morning duties. The place cleared out, an all points bulletin was put out on the beloved Fred the Dog. About forty-five minutes later he was spotted, up the road, coming out of the woods. He appeared a mess and frightened. One of the local school bus drivers named Doris, stopped her bus, picked up Fred the Dog and brought him home. That poor puppy was so scared and a mess. Needless to say he was thankful to be home. He never wandered again.

Memorial Day in this small Town was always a fun time. There was a small parade, food and festivities at the local firehouse. We always took Fred the Dog to the parade. He was such a well liked dog, that as we walked up and down the street waiting for the parade, kids would yell "There's Fred the Dog, let's go pet him!" Fred the Dog loved this attention and all of his fans. True to his nature, he let everyone have their moment, then looked at us as if to say, "let's move on please." This continued for many years until Fred the Dog became a senior citizen and to old to move around. However, people still brought their families to him. When Fred the Dog passed away, Old MacDonald and I awaited the news from Bill. We reminisced about that animal and the many lives he had touched. Any child's fear of dogs were calmed by Fred the Dog. He was special and sadly missed. Fred the Dog was honored by his friends with their unique stories and sympathy cards to us.