The wagging tail, the eager bark, the unconditional love – these are the hallmarks of the human-animal bond, and few stories capture this essence as profoundly as Willie Morris’s “My Dog Skip.” This evocative memoir, which inspired a beloved film, offers a poignant and humorous glimpse into a childhood in a small Mississippi town, inextricably linked with the adventures of an extraordinary dog. The narrative is a nostalgic journey, celebrating the simple joys and profound connections that a beloved pet can bring into our lives.
The story begins with the author’s rediscovery of a faded photograph, a snapshot of his canine companion, Skip, from over forty years prior. This simple image sparks a flood of memories, illustrating the enduring impact Skip had on Morris’s formative years. The tale then transports the reader back to 1943, when a nine-year-old Willie eagerly awaited the arrival of his new puppy, ordered by his father from a breeder in Springfield, Missouri. The puppy’s hesitant first steps into Willie’s life, his tentative exploration of the house, and his eventual cozying up in Willie’s arms mark the beginning of an inseparable bond.
The Arrival of Skip
Upon arriving at the Illinois Central train depot, Skip, a puppy with a “black face with the long snout,” was introduced to his new home. Willie’s description of the puppy’s unsteadiness and his immediate affection—nuzzling Willie’s hand and giving a “moist lick on my chin”—immediately establishes the deep connection that would define their relationship. As an only child, Willie found in Skip not just a pet, but a confidant and playmate, an “only dog” who would become an integral part of his world.
A Precocious Expert
Willie recounts his extensive prior experience with dogs, from large bird dogs to purebred fox terriers. This background, however, only served to highlight Skip’s unique intelligence and affectionate nature. Unlike previous pets, Skip seemed to possess an uncanny ability to understand Willie’s words and moods. The author describes Skip’s attentive gaze, his head tilting as if comprehending every word, and his whole-body oscillations, much like a pendulum, when he understood.
Skip’s responsiveness extended to Willie’s daily requests. Whether it was retrieving his leash for a squirrel hunt, eagerly anticipating a swim in the bayou, or sensing the arrival of friends like Bubba, Skip was always ready. The author even trained Skip to retrieve his tennis ball from an antique cabinet, showcasing the dog’s remarkable trainability and eagerness to please.
Skip’s Understanding of the Household
The unique dynamic within the Morris household was mirrored in Skip’s interactions. The author explains that Skip recognized family members by their given nicknames: “Big Boss” for his father, “Bossie” for his mother, and “Little Boss” or “Willie” for himself. Skip’s playful hide-and-seek games with Willie’s father, searching the house until he found him in the closet, further exemplify his intelligence and playful spirit.
Life in an Unhurried Town
The narrative paints a vivid picture of the small Mississippi town where Willie and Skip grew up. It was a place of around ten thousand inhabitants, characterized by its unpaved streets, narrow main thoroughfare, and stately, albeit slightly decaying, old houses. The town’s landscape was dotted with magnolia, pecan, and elm trees, creating a serene and almost timeless atmosphere. This was a world before the advent of sprawling supermarkets and digital entertainment, a time when neighbors knew each other and front porch conversations were a common pastime.
The town’s economy, heavily reliant on cotton, dictated a way of life intertwined with nature’s rhythms. Willie describes the townspeople as playing “seven-card stud against God,” emphasizing their acceptance of fate and the unpredictable nature of life. The abundance of alleys behind the main streets provided a sense of freedom and secret exploration for both Willie and Skip, who reveled in their unrestricted romps.
Skip’s Unconventional Talents
Skip’s extraordinary abilities extended beyond mere companionship. The author recounts Skip’s prowess in chasing squirrels up a towering oak tree in their front yard, an activity that often drew curious onlookers from passing cars. This spectacle, with Skip leaping several feet into the air, became a local curiosity, prompting passersby to inquire about the dog’s quarry.
Football Star Skip
Perhaps Skip’s most astonishing talent was his aptitude for playing football. Willie ingeniously trained Skip to carry a football, avoid fumbles, and respond to quarterback signals. In their backyard games, Skip would participate in huddles, stand on his hind legs, and follow Willie down the field, expertly dodging tacklers and scoring touchdowns. He even mastered the “Statue of Liberty” play, retrieving the ball with his teeth and weaving through the opposing team. The sight of Skip playing football would often attract astonished crowds, with onlookers marveling at the dog’s incredible athletic abilities.
Driving the DeSoto
Another remarkable feat Skip achieved was “driving” the family’s green DeSoto. At thirteen, Willie began driving, and Skip was his constant companion. Willie trained Skip to prop himself against the steering wheel, with Willie crouching below the dashboard, guiding the car. Passersby would be astonished to see a dog seemingly at the wheel, a spectacle that became legendary in their small town. This included a memorable incident where Skip’s “driving” caused an old man to fall off his porch in disbelief.
Later, during a trip to a rural area, Willie placed Skip behind the wheel as they passed a church revival. The sight of the dog “driving” caused a profound and instantaneous silence among the assembled congregation, a moment that remained unforgettable for Willie, underscoring the almost mystical quality of Skip’s actions.
“My Dog Skip” is more than just a memoir; it’s a testament to the unique and enduring bond between humans and animals. Willie Morris’s lyrical prose and heartwarming anecdotes celebrate the joy, intelligence, and unwavering loyalty of a beloved canine companion. The story reminds us of the simple, profound moments that shape our lives and the indelible paw prints our pets leave on our hearts. For those who have experienced the love of a dog, Skip’s story resonates deeply, evoking cherished memories and a renewed appreciation for our four-legged friends.
