Rats

The local terrier trials are quite the spectacle. Beside the usual folks (firefighters manning the food tent, RV-owners pursuing canine glory, and bumbling pet owners testing their dog’s luck against professional training) is one woman whose pre-competition rituals win her every blue-ribbon. As her turn approaches, she holds her dog against her face, cheek to cheek, and begins to whisper. First quivering then thrashing in her arms - the dog, riled beyond compare, leaps into the bushes to find the hidden caged rat. Quietly observing, we hear her menacing chant: "raaatss… raaats, diirrtyy FILTHY crawlling raattss: kill them. muuurder. muuurder.”