Disclaimer:
The characters and situations of the TV program Big Valley are the creations of
Four Star/Republic Pictures and have been used without permission. No copyright
infringement is intended by the authors. The ideas expressed in this story are
copywrited by the author.
Tanner J Scott was good at his job and very loyal. When travel became too difficult, he shared
the saddle gratefully. He would happily
leap up and settle in. Most days he
preferred to wander through the fields and a dip in a lake or river was always
fun along the way. When they worked, he
was good at keeping the herds in line.
He learned early not to nip at the heels of steers, but rather shout
them into action. He could run circles
around any other hand and did so with glee.
He was best described as a mutt.
His mother was German and his father was unknown. He didn’t mind. It allowed him his own personality. He had short brown hair that was easily maintained. He was small, but made up for his lack of
stature with heart.
Nighttime brought him a full belly and peaceful
sleep. Although he liked being close to
others, he was content to sleep out under the stars. It allowed him his freedom.
When he couldn’t sleep, he’d chase small animals for entertainment. His favorite entertainment was tag. He didn’t play often, but he relished the
one on one time with the one he loved.
Heath had arrived on the Barkley ranch four months
ago. He still woke some mornings in
disbelief of the changes in his life.
He occasionally forgot and referred to himself as Thomson. Jarrod had helped him legally change his
name to Barkley, but he had spent a lot of time with his original name and it
didn’t leave him easily, despite the painful memories it represented. He had a home, a family and if he chose,
money to do and go wherever he wanted.
Things had been improving daily with Nick. Their tempestuous early relationship had
been his major stumbling block. It made
him laugh. It had not been easy moving
into the family. People still looked
at him and leered, or turned away or snickered. His family had been banned from certain homes and had been forced
to step up to his arrival. They had
born it all with style and grace. He
felt their love for him and it comforted him and sustained him like nothing
else in his life, save his own mother’s love.
And yet, it had been the first evening, in the study, watching the men
he would come to love and call brother that he saw something he longed
for. He wanted the bond of brotherhood
that he had seen that night. Four months
later, it was his as well. No matter
what the hardship, he had brothers and the ties were strengthening daily. That was his truest pleasure.
Breakfast ended and the family departed to their separate
ways. Nick and Heath headed out the
front door. Tanner, seeing his master’s
approach, jumped up and ran to his side.
He was rewarded for his excitement by a strong head rub with extra
concentration behind the ears. He
squirmed with pleasure at his master’s touch and leaned in for more.
Heath smiled. Four
months ago, he thought Tanner was the only living thing that truly loved
him. They had been together for three
years now. Heath had been attacked on
the way home from a successful poker game.
When he painfully woke at the end of a dark alley that cold winter
night, Tanner, a puppy then, was curled up at his chest. Together they healed and had not parted
since. He had considered asking his new
mother to allow the dog in the house, but so far Audra had never convinced her
to allow an animal in the house, he decided it was best not to ask. Instead, he built Tanner a nice doghouse
just outside the kitchen door.
“You spoil that darn dog ya know.” Nick’s gruff voice intimidated Tanner. He backed a bit behind Heath. They had not started off on the right foot.
On that first night, sensing his owner’s unease, Tanner
had stuck close to the bunkhouse door.
He had carefully watched the dark man enter and attacked as the same man
had dragged his master out the door to the main house a few minutes later. He had tried to help him. He jumped at the big man’s feet and tried to
trip him. Nick had been barely aware of
the dog but in the journey, had unintentionally kicked Tanner away. It stunned the dog long enough to allow the
two men to get too far ahead. As he ran
to catch up, the large oak door was slammed shut in his face. Tanner had made his way to the correct set
of windows and paced outside, anxious for his owner. He didn’t whine, neither he nor his owner ever admitted to
agony. He merely waited stoically until
he had a clear move.
Whereas Heath’s heart had softened over the months for his
brother, Tanner’s had not. He refused
any attempts on Nick’s part to make amends.
Nick had even attempted to lure the dog to him with a large juicy steak
pilfered from Silas, but Tanner was as stubborn as any of the Barkley men. He had decided Nick Barkley was bad for he
and his master. If the men didn’t know
better, they suspected Tanner even fought against Nick. Duke McCall, Barkley foreman, swore he saw
the dog rile up some cows Nick was getting ready to bring in.
Nick liked to let everyone think he had given up on
winning the dog over, but he hadn’t. He
had decided he needed to give the animal time.
It vaguely annoyed him that he was going to such efforts for a dog, but
it was Heath’s dog. In just the short
time he had known Heath, he felt the loyalty that Heath inspired and deep down,
he knew the dog was a kindred spirit.
He set his mind to winning the dog over. It hadn’t been easy. He
had held his tongue on several occasions.
He suspected he was also a bit jealous. The dog was dedicated like no other. He went most everywhere Heath did, and yet
always seemed to know when to hang back.
For example, on trips to town, Tanner stayed just outside. Heath had decided that too many people
frightened him. Trail rides appeared to
be Tanner’s favorite though, each day he playful ran along side the horses. When he tired, Heath would whistle and
Tanner would leap into the saddle and settle in front of Heath.
In the evenings, when many men would sit and stare into a
campfire, Heath and Tanner played.
Heath always kept a small, but tightly wound ball of string. Tanner was an excellent retriever. On a chilly night, Tanner could either be
found cuddled between Heath’s chest and the fire. On a warmer night, he cuddled into the crock of his legs. Nick had always liked dogs, but he had never
had a relationship with one, as Heath did.
He smiled at his brother. He may
not have grown up with family and material things, but he knew a good
relationship when he had one. Nick
watched the duo enviously at these times.
He wondered how the man, who had known such horrors in his life, could
hold onto the spirit of play. Nick
admired his new brother. He worked,
loved and played hard.
“Boy Howdy Nick, he ain’t spoiled. If he was living in the fine house and
sleeping in my room, then he’d be spoiled.
He’s just glad to see me.” Heath
broke off the strokes and continued to the stable where the men saddled their
horses. “Maybe we can train one of
Audra’s new kittens to greet you Nick.
Then you wouldn’t feel so badly.”
They soon set off for the day’s work, with Tanner close on Charger’s
heels.
* * * * *
Heath had ridden to Senora to claim a horse Jarrod had
purchased. It was early fall and the
perfect time of year for such a ride.
The days were warm and the nights cool.
Tanner followed dutifully along.
He seemed to be keeping an eye on the stallion that Heath guided. Tanner seemed a bit uneasy and it brought
about the same feelings in Heath.
Despite the tingles, Heath decided to indulge in another night on the
trail. If he had pushed, he could have
been home by late evening; he was only 3 hours or so away.
He settled in a nice grove of trees by a creek. He saw to the horses and made his camp. After a dinner of rabbit, that Tanner had
helped scare out, they played. As darkness
circled the camp, Tanner’s ears perked up.
He allowed a low growl to escape his lips. Heath drew his weapon closer, scanning the deepening horizon for
anything. He detected nothing. Tanner wandered off and explored the
perimeter, but also found nothing. They
both cautiously settled in for the night.
Tanner wasn’t sleeping well. Rather then snuggle in; he paced the camp frequently. Heath was aware of the dog’s tension as well
and didn’t sleep either. He opened his
eyes and listened for movement. He
heard nothing but the normal sounds of night.
Lying there, he decided it was an omen.
There was a bright moon to guide them, so he stood up, stretched and
proceeded to break camp. In a short
time, he was saddled and ready to go.
Tanner seemed to like the idea of moving on as well, and ceased his
pacing to move in along side.
They had not moved more then 50 yards when the first shot
rang out. It burned through Heath’s
shoulder with such ferocity; the impact threw him from his saddle. He rolled free of the horses and drew his
gun. His right arm hung limp and the
gun in his left was not an advantage.
He was not close to shelter, but the panicking horses provided a
diversion. He saw Tanner run off into
the woods and heard his angry barking.
Suddenly two horses broke from the woods and distracted Heath. Following their lead, he missed the two
additional horses until it was too late.
He fired once and managed to hit one of the riders. The other was taking aim at him. The influx of horses had scattered the
others and his protection was gone. The
second shot entered his side with piercing agony. Blood now pumping from the shoulder and side were quickly sapping
his reserves and Heath succumbed to the darkness.
Tanner was smart enough to know he didn’t stand a chance
against 6 horses and two men, even if one was injured. He retreated. As they rode out, he ran to the side of his fallen master. There was no response. He planted a few kisses on the oblivious
man’s face and turned and ran.
Tanner J. Scott had been named in honor of a man in
Heath’s unit. He wasn’t the
sharpshooter the rest of the men were, but he never gave up and had heart. Heath had insisted that the dog possessed
the same characteristics. Nick had
always teased Heath about giving the dog a full name. That night, Tanner earned every word of his name.
Running on instinct, Tanner sought help. It was unreasonable to assume that a dog of
his short stature would run so far and so long, but after 6 longs hours, as the
sun was peaking over the main house, Tanner entered the yard.
His first attempt was the kitchen door. He got no response, so he ran around to the
front door. He tried barking, but his
breaths were too shallow to produce much response. He jumped and scratched at the door, but again got no response. Finally, he pulled it all together and began
to bark and jump on the door. Silas
happened to be heading through the foyer at that moment and went to the door to
investigate. As soon as the door was
partially opened, Tanner stuck his head in and pushed. He ran straight through Silas’s legs and
directly to the dining room. Silas
followed, frantically shouting at the pup.
Hearing the commotion, all eyes turned to the
doorway.
“That sounds like Tanner.” Jarrod exclaimed. “Maybe
Heath’s home?”
“Heath wouldn’t let Tanner in the house. Wonder what’s up?” Nick replied curiously.
Their answer came immediately as Tanner charged into the
room, with Silas close at his heels.
“I’m sorry Mrs. Barkley.
Tanner just charged right in.”
Tanner had stopped, unsure of where to go. Jarrod summoned the dog with a small piece
of bacon, but he refused. Those that
feel dogs are dumb have not met Tanner.
He knew he needed to relay his message and fast. There was only one way to do it. He moved to Nick.
Nick’s hand went out slowly to the approaching dog.
“He never goes to you Nick.” Audra’s voice was small.
Nick and Tanner had just about met, when Tanner moved
forward and gently took the proffered hand in his jaws and began to pull. The whole family sat in stunned silence.
“Silas, was Heath in the yard?” Victoria inquired hesitantly.
“I didn’t see him Ma’am.”
“Nick, go with him.”
Nick stood up and Tanner bolted out the direction he had
just come from. The family
followed. Tanner scratched at the
door. Nick opened it and Tanner ran
again. He waited in the yard and ran
back and forth between the gates and the corrals.
Nick shouted orders to the men. “Hitch up the wagon.
Saddle some horses. Someone ride
to town for Doc. Merar.”
Jarrod had already moved into the stable and was saddling
his horse, Nick followed. It was clear
Tanner wanted them to follow. Within
minutes, they set off, following the dog that was traveling at unbelievable
speed.
After an hour, Tanner seemed to be slowing. They stopped their horses by a small stream
and lured Tanner in for a drink.
Tanner’s sides were heaving with effort. It broke the two men up.
Nick snatched Tanner and climbed into the saddle with him. At this time, knowing Heath’s journey, they
could anticipate the direction. They
rode another hour. Nick had expected the
dog to settle and rest, but he didn’t.
He toyed with putting the dog in the wagon that followed, but suspected
the dog needed to be in his arms more.
After 2 more hours, Tanner began to squirm more. He became uncontrollable and jumped from
Nick’s saddle. He darted off across the field and the men sped up. Before them was a stand of trees and a lone
figure sprawled in the tall grasses.
The noon sun beat down on the men in the wagon. They had found Heath. It wasn’t good. He had lost a lot of blood, but they had managed to rouse him
briefly and get some water into him.
Jarrod sat in the back of the wagon, cradling his brother’s unaware
frame. Settled next to the man, was
Tanner. The dog was exhausted. He lay just as limply, with his tongue
lollying from his thirsty mouth. Jarrod
offered the dog small sips of water from his hand. He couldn’t help but smile at the loyalty of the animal. Tanner didn’t seem to want to rest. Every few minutes he would rise, and sniff
at his master and gently nudge him.
Tanner J. Scott earned a new home that night. Audra and Victoria created a plush bed that
was placed at the end of Heath’s bed, however he seldom used it. Silas was the only one who knew the
truth. The dog frequently climbed up
and slept next to his master. It had
been necessary to pick him up and carry him outside to get him to leave the
sickroom until his master woke up.
Jarrod had attempted to hold him back as Dr. Merar worked to save
Heath’s life, but it was Nick who was successful. It seemed that the time in the saddle with a common purpose, had
broken the wall between them.
It was Tanner who raised the alarm three nights
later. Tanner had been curled up in the
nook of Heath’s legs when he sensed the danger and issued his low growl. Heath was still too weak to be aware of his
surroundings. Tanner jumped off the bed
and pushed through the slight opening in the door and made his way down the
hallway to Nick’s room. Nick had also
left his door ajar. He had been forced
to leave Heath to his sleep alone and this was the only agreeable
compromise. Tanner jumped on his bed
and growled loudly. Nick attempted to
shove him away in his sleep, but Tanner resisted and growled louder. Nick finally roused and pulled on his
pants. Tanner ran out the door and Nick
grudgingly followed.
“Damn Dog! I let
him out before bed.” Nick continued to
mumble curses at the dog as he trod down the stairs.
Tanner hadn’t gone to the door, he ran to the gunroom
door. Nick had no idea why he went
there and made for the front door to correct the dog. Tanner refused to come.
Nick began to open the door and Tanner ran, not at the opening, but at
the door itself. He jumped up and
pushed it closed. He then turned to
Nick and barked.
“What’s up boy?”
He moved to the foyer table and took his gun from its holster. Tanner went nuts. He ran to the door and paced back and forth.
“Someone out there boy?”
Nick slowly opened the door and Tanner bound out barking
and growling as if four times his actual size.
It was over in minutes.
Nick took refuge on the porch and watched as two men came out of the
corral leading several of their horses.
Tanner was already attacking one on the leg and Nick called out a quick
warning. The commotion had begun and
lights began to appear in windows in the bunkhouse. The two men turned and shot, but Nick shot faster.
It turns out the unlucky horse thieves had come to the
wrong ranch. And Tanner didn’t forget.
Nick and Tanner forged a new friendship. Jarrod even accused Heath of being jealous,
as Nick took over fetch and tag duties with Tanner while Heath recovered. Audra played her part, by distracting
Victoria, as the dog ran up and down the hallway in pursuit of whatever object was
being thrown. After some time, it was
hard to tell whom Tanner spent more time with. Not only did the Barkley’ gain a son, but a loyal defender as
well.