August 13, 2025 • 11 mins
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
At the gate by Mila. Joe Closser, a shaggy Airdale
scented his way along the high road. He had not
been there before, but he was guided by the trail
of his brethren, who had preceded him. He had gone
unwillingly upon this journey, yet with the perfect training of dogs,
he had accepted it without complaint. The path had been lonely,
(00:21):
and his heart would have failed him, traveling as he
must without his people. Had not these traces of countless
dogs before him promised companionship of a sort at the
end of the road. The landscape had appeared arid at first,
for the translation from recent agony and to freedom from
pain had been so numbing in its swiftness that it
was some time before he could fully appreciate the pleasant
(00:42):
dog country through which he was passing. There were woods
with leaves upon the ground through which to scurry, long
grassy slopes for extended runs, and lakes into which he
might plunge for sticks and bring them back to But
he did not complete his thought, for the boy was
not with him. A little wave of homesicknesness possessed him.
It made his mind easier to see far ahead, a
(01:04):
great gait, as high as the heavens, wide enough for all.
He understood that man only built such barriers, and by
straining his eyes he fancied he could discern humans passing
through to whatever lay beyond. He broke into a run
that he might the more quickly gain this enclosure made
beautiful by men and women. But his thoughts outran his pace,
(01:24):
and he remembered that he had left the family behind.
And again this lovely new compound became not perfect, since
it would lack the family. The scent of the dogs
grew very strong now, and coming nearer, he discovered to
his astonishment that of the myriads of those who had
arrived ahead of him, thousands were still gathered on the
outside of the portal. They sat in a wide circle,
(01:47):
spreading out on each side of the entrance, big little, curly,
handsome mongrel thoroughbred dogs of every age, complexion, and personality,
all were apparently waiting for something, some one, And at
the pat of the Ardale's feet on the hard road,
they arose and looked in his direction. That the interest
passed as soon as they discovered the newcomer to be
(02:09):
a dog puzzled him in his former dwelling place. A
four footed brother was greeted with enthusiasm when he was
a friend, with suspicious diplomacy when a stranger, and with
sharp reproof when an enemy, But never had he been
utterly ignored. He remembered something that he had read many times.
On great buildings with lofty entrances, dogs not admitted the
(02:32):
signs had said, and he feared this might be the
reason for the waiting circle outside the gate. It might
be that this noble portal stood as the dividing line
between mere dogs and humans. But he had been a
member of the family, romping with them in the living room,
sitting at meals with them in the dining room, going
upstairs at night with them, and the thought that he
(02:53):
was to be kept out would be unendurable. He despised
the passive dogs should be treating a barrier after the
fashion of their old country, leaping against it, barking and
scratching the nicely painted door. He bounded up the last
little hill to set them an example, for he was
still full of the rebellion of the world. But he
(03:14):
found no door to leap against. He could see beyond
the entrance, dear masses of people, Yet no dog crossed
the threshold. They continued in their patient ring their gaze
upon the winding road. He now advanced cautiously to examine
the gate. It occurred to him that it must be
fly time in this region, and he did not wish
(03:34):
to make himself ridiculous before all these strangers by trying
to bolt through an invisible mesh, like the one that
had baffled him when he was a little chap Yet
there were no screens, and despair entered his soul. What
bitter punishment these poor beasts must have suffered before they
learned to stay on this side the arch that led
to human beings. What had they done on earth to merit?
(03:56):
This stolen bones troubled his conscience, run away sleeping in
the best chair until the key clicked in the lock.
These were sins. At that moment, an English bull terrier,
white with liver colored spots, in a jaunty manner, approached him,
snuffling in a friendly way. No sooner had the bull
terrier smelt his collar than he fell to expressing his
(04:18):
joy at meeting him. The Airdale's reserve was quite thawed
by this welcome, though he did not know just what
to make of it. I know you, I know you,
exclaimed the bull terrier, adding in consequently, what's your name?
Tam O'Shanter? They call me Tammy, was the answer, with
a pardonable break in the voice. I know them, said
(04:41):
the bull terrier. Nice folks, best ever, said the airdale,
trying to be nonchalant and scratching a flea which was
not there. I don't remember you. When did you know them?
About fourteen tags ago when they were first married. We
keep track of time here by the license tags. I
had four. This is my first and only one. You
(05:04):
were before my time, I guess, he felt young and shy.
Come for a walk and tell me all about them,
was his new friend's invitation. Aren't we allowed in there,
asked Tam, looking toward the gate. Sure you can go
in whenever you want to. Some of us do it first,
but we don't stay like it better outside. No, No,
(05:28):
it isn't that the wire, all you fellows hanging around here.
Any old dog can see it's better beyond the arch.
You see, we're waiting for our folks to come. The
airdale grasped it at once and nodded understandingly. I felt
that way when I came along the road. It wouldn't
be what it's supposed to be without them. It wouldn't
(05:50):
be the perfect place not to us, said the bull terrier. Fine,
I've stolen bones, but it must be that I have
been forgiven if I'm to see them here again. It's
the great, good place, all right. But look here, he added,
as a new thought struck him. Did they wait for us?
The older inhabitant coughed in slight embarrassment. The humans couldn't
(06:15):
do that very well. It wouldn't be the thing to
have them hang around outside for just a dog not dignified.
Quite right, agreed Tam. I'm glad they go straight to
their mansions. I'd hate to have them missing me as
I am missing them, he sighed. But then they wouldn't
have to wait so long. Oh well, they're getting on.
(06:39):
Don't be discouraged, comforted the terrier. And in the meantime,
it's like a big hotel in summer watching the new arrivals.
See there is something doing now. All the dogs were
aroused to excitement by a little figure making its way
uncertainly up the last slope. Half of them started to
meet it, crowding about in a loving, eager pack. Look Out,
(07:02):
don't scare it, cautioned the older animals, while word was
passed to those farthest from the gate. Quick quick, a
baby's come. Before they had entirely assembled, however, a gaunt
yellow hound pushed through the crowd, gave one sniff at
the small child, and with a yelp of joy, crouched
at its feet. The baby embraced the hound in recognition,
(07:22):
and the tube moved toward the gate. Just outside, the
hound stopped to speak to an aristocratic Saint Bernard, who
had been friendly. Sorry to leave you, old fellow, he said,
but I'm going in to watch over the kid. You see,
I'm all she has up here. The bull terrier looked
at the airdale for appreciation. That's the way we do it,
(07:42):
he said, proudly. Yes, But the airdale put his head
on one side in perplexity. Yes, but what asked the guide,
The dogs that don't have any people, the nobody's dogs.
That's the best of all. Oh, everything is thought out here.
Crouched down, you must be tired and watch, said the
(08:04):
bull terrier. Soon they spied another small form making the
turn in the road. He wore a boy Scouts uniform,
but he was a little fearful for all that, so
new was this adventure. The dogs rose again and snuffled,
but the better groomed of the circle held back, and
in their place a pack of odds and ends of
the company ran down to meet him. The boy's scout
(08:25):
was reassured by their friendly attitude, and after petting them impartially,
he chose an old fashioned blackened tan and the two
passed in. Tam looked questioningly. They didn't know each other,
he exclaimed, but they've always wanted to. That's one of
the boys who used to beg for a dog, but
his father wouldn't let him have one. So all our
(08:48):
strays wait for just such little fellows to come along.
Every boy gets a dog, and every dog gets a master.
I expect the boy's father would like to know that, now,
commented the air. No doubt, he thinks quite often I
wish I'd let him have a dog. The bull terrier laughed.
You're pretty near the earth, aren't you. Tam admitted it.
(09:11):
I've a lot of sympathy with fathers and with boys,
having them both in the family, and a mother as well.
The Bull Terrier leaped up in astonishment. You don't mean
to say they keep a boy, sure, greatest boy on earth?
Ten this year. Well, well this is news. I wish
they'd kept a boy. When I was there. The Airdale
(09:34):
looked at his new friend intently. See here, who are you?
He demanded, but the other hurried on. I used to
run away from them just to play with a boy.
They'd punish me, and I always wanted to tell them
it was their fault for not getting one. Who are
you anyway, repeated Tam talking all this interest in me too?
(09:55):
Whose dog were you? You've already guessed, see it in
your quivering snout. I'm the old dog that had to
leave them about ten years ago. They're all dog. Bully, Yes,
I'm Bully. They nosed each other with deeper affection than
strolled about the glade, shouldered to shoulder. Bully, the more
(10:17):
eagerly pressed for news. Tell me how are they getting along?
Very well? Indeed they've paid for the house. I I
suppose you occupy the kennel. No, they said they couldn't
stand it to see another dog in your old place.
Bully stopped to howl gently. That touches me it's generous
(10:38):
in you to tell it, to think they missed me.
For a little while, they went on in silence, But
as evening fell and the light from the golden streets
inside of the city gave the only glow to the scene,
Bully grew nervous and suggested that they go back. We
can't see so well at night, and I like to
be pretty close to the path, especially toward morning, Tam assented,
(11:02):
and I will point them out. You might not know
them just at first, Oh we know them. Sometimes. The
babies have so grown up. They're rather hazy in their
recollection of how we look. They think we're bigger than
we are. But you can't fool us dogs. It's understood.
Tam cunningly arranged that when he or she arrives, you'll
(11:23):
sort of make them feel at home while I wait
for the boy. That's the plan, assented Bully kindly. And
if by any chance, the little fellow should come first,
there's been a lot of them this summer. Of course
you'll introduce me. I shall be proud to do it.
And so, with muzzles sunk between their paws and with
(11:44):
their eyes straining down the pilgrim's rowed, they wait outside
the gate. End of At the Gate by Ma La
Joe Closser
At the gate by Mila. Joe Closser, a shaggy Airdale
scented his way along the high road. He had not
been there before, but he was guided by the trail
of his brethren, who had preceded him. He had gone
unwillingly upon this journey, yet with the perfect training of dogs,
he had accepted it without complaint. The path had been lonely,
(00:21):
and his heart would have failed him, traveling as he
must without his people. Had not these traces of countless
dogs before him promised companionship of a sort at the
end of the road. The landscape had appeared arid at first,
for the translation from recent agony and to freedom from
pain had been so numbing in its swiftness that it
was some time before he could fully appreciate the pleasant
(00:42):
dog country through which he was passing. There were woods
with leaves upon the ground through which to scurry, long
grassy slopes for extended runs, and lakes into which he
might plunge for sticks and bring them back to But
he did not complete his thought, for the boy was
not with him. A little wave of homesicknesness possessed him.
It made his mind easier to see far ahead, a
(01:04):
great gait, as high as the heavens, wide enough for all.
He understood that man only built such barriers, and by
straining his eyes he fancied he could discern humans passing
through to whatever lay beyond. He broke into a run
that he might the more quickly gain this enclosure made
beautiful by men and women. But his thoughts outran his pace,
(01:24):
and he remembered that he had left the family behind.
And again this lovely new compound became not perfect, since
it would lack the family. The scent of the dogs
grew very strong now, and coming nearer, he discovered to
his astonishment that of the myriads of those who had
arrived ahead of him, thousands were still gathered on the
outside of the portal. They sat in a wide circle,
(01:47):
spreading out on each side of the entrance, big little, curly,
handsome mongrel thoroughbred dogs of every age, complexion, and personality,
all were apparently waiting for something, some one, And at
the pat of the Ardale's feet on the hard road,
they arose and looked in his direction. That the interest
passed as soon as they discovered the newcomer to be
(02:09):
a dog puzzled him in his former dwelling place. A
four footed brother was greeted with enthusiasm when he was
a friend, with suspicious diplomacy when a stranger, and with
sharp reproof when an enemy, But never had he been
utterly ignored. He remembered something that he had read many times.
On great buildings with lofty entrances, dogs not admitted the
(02:32):
signs had said, and he feared this might be the
reason for the waiting circle outside the gate. It might
be that this noble portal stood as the dividing line
between mere dogs and humans. But he had been a
member of the family, romping with them in the living room,
sitting at meals with them in the dining room, going
upstairs at night with them, and the thought that he
(02:53):
was to be kept out would be unendurable. He despised
the passive dogs should be treating a barrier after the
fashion of their old country, leaping against it, barking and
scratching the nicely painted door. He bounded up the last
little hill to set them an example, for he was
still full of the rebellion of the world. But he
(03:14):
found no door to leap against. He could see beyond
the entrance, dear masses of people, Yet no dog crossed
the threshold. They continued in their patient ring their gaze
upon the winding road. He now advanced cautiously to examine
the gate. It occurred to him that it must be
fly time in this region, and he did not wish
(03:34):
to make himself ridiculous before all these strangers by trying
to bolt through an invisible mesh, like the one that
had baffled him when he was a little chap Yet
there were no screens, and despair entered his soul. What
bitter punishment these poor beasts must have suffered before they
learned to stay on this side the arch that led
to human beings. What had they done on earth to merit?
(03:56):
This stolen bones troubled his conscience, run away sleeping in
the best chair until the key clicked in the lock.
These were sins. At that moment, an English bull terrier,
white with liver colored spots, in a jaunty manner, approached him,
snuffling in a friendly way. No sooner had the bull
terrier smelt his collar than he fell to expressing his
(04:18):
joy at meeting him. The Airdale's reserve was quite thawed
by this welcome, though he did not know just what
to make of it. I know you, I know you,
exclaimed the bull terrier, adding in consequently, what's your name?
Tam O'Shanter? They call me Tammy, was the answer, with
a pardonable break in the voice. I know them, said
(04:41):
the bull terrier. Nice folks, best ever, said the airdale,
trying to be nonchalant and scratching a flea which was
not there. I don't remember you. When did you know them?
About fourteen tags ago when they were first married. We
keep track of time here by the license tags. I
had four. This is my first and only one. You
(05:04):
were before my time, I guess, he felt young and shy.
Come for a walk and tell me all about them,
was his new friend's invitation. Aren't we allowed in there,
asked Tam, looking toward the gate. Sure you can go
in whenever you want to. Some of us do it first,
but we don't stay like it better outside. No, No,
(05:28):
it isn't that the wire, all you fellows hanging around here.
Any old dog can see it's better beyond the arch.
You see, we're waiting for our folks to come. The
airdale grasped it at once and nodded understandingly. I felt
that way when I came along the road. It wouldn't
be what it's supposed to be without them. It wouldn't
(05:50):
be the perfect place not to us, said the bull terrier. Fine,
I've stolen bones, but it must be that I have
been forgiven if I'm to see them here again. It's
the great, good place, all right. But look here, he added,
as a new thought struck him. Did they wait for us?
The older inhabitant coughed in slight embarrassment. The humans couldn't
(06:15):
do that very well. It wouldn't be the thing to
have them hang around outside for just a dog not dignified.
Quite right, agreed Tam. I'm glad they go straight to
their mansions. I'd hate to have them missing me as
I am missing them, he sighed. But then they wouldn't
have to wait so long. Oh well, they're getting on.
(06:39):
Don't be discouraged, comforted the terrier. And in the meantime,
it's like a big hotel in summer watching the new arrivals.
See there is something doing now. All the dogs were
aroused to excitement by a little figure making its way
uncertainly up the last slope. Half of them started to
meet it, crowding about in a loving, eager pack. Look Out,
(07:02):
don't scare it, cautioned the older animals, while word was
passed to those farthest from the gate. Quick quick, a
baby's come. Before they had entirely assembled, however, a gaunt
yellow hound pushed through the crowd, gave one sniff at
the small child, and with a yelp of joy, crouched
at its feet. The baby embraced the hound in recognition,
(07:22):
and the tube moved toward the gate. Just outside, the
hound stopped to speak to an aristocratic Saint Bernard, who
had been friendly. Sorry to leave you, old fellow, he said,
but I'm going in to watch over the kid. You see,
I'm all she has up here. The bull terrier looked
at the airdale for appreciation. That's the way we do it,
(07:42):
he said, proudly. Yes, But the airdale put his head
on one side in perplexity. Yes, but what asked the guide,
The dogs that don't have any people, the nobody's dogs.
That's the best of all. Oh, everything is thought out here.
Crouched down, you must be tired and watch, said the
(08:04):
bull terrier. Soon they spied another small form making the
turn in the road. He wore a boy Scouts uniform,
but he was a little fearful for all that, so
new was this adventure. The dogs rose again and snuffled,
but the better groomed of the circle held back, and
in their place a pack of odds and ends of
the company ran down to meet him. The boy's scout
(08:25):
was reassured by their friendly attitude, and after petting them impartially,
he chose an old fashioned blackened tan and the two
passed in. Tam looked questioningly. They didn't know each other,
he exclaimed, but they've always wanted to. That's one of
the boys who used to beg for a dog, but
his father wouldn't let him have one. So all our
(08:48):
strays wait for just such little fellows to come along.
Every boy gets a dog, and every dog gets a master.
I expect the boy's father would like to know that, now,
commented the air. No doubt, he thinks quite often I
wish I'd let him have a dog. The bull terrier laughed.
You're pretty near the earth, aren't you. Tam admitted it.
(09:11):
I've a lot of sympathy with fathers and with boys,
having them both in the family, and a mother as well.
The Bull Terrier leaped up in astonishment. You don't mean
to say they keep a boy, sure, greatest boy on earth?
Ten this year. Well, well this is news. I wish
they'd kept a boy. When I was there. The Airdale
(09:34):
looked at his new friend intently. See here, who are you?
He demanded, but the other hurried on. I used to
run away from them just to play with a boy.
They'd punish me, and I always wanted to tell them
it was their fault for not getting one. Who are
you anyway, repeated Tam talking all this interest in me too?
(09:55):
Whose dog were you? You've already guessed, see it in
your quivering snout. I'm the old dog that had to
leave them about ten years ago. They're all dog. Bully, Yes,
I'm Bully. They nosed each other with deeper affection than
strolled about the glade, shouldered to shoulder. Bully, the more
(10:17):
eagerly pressed for news. Tell me how are they getting along?
Very well? Indeed they've paid for the house. I I
suppose you occupy the kennel. No, they said they couldn't
stand it to see another dog in your old place.
Bully stopped to howl gently. That touches me it's generous
(10:38):
in you to tell it, to think they missed me.
For a little while, they went on in silence, But
as evening fell and the light from the golden streets
inside of the city gave the only glow to the scene,
Bully grew nervous and suggested that they go back. We
can't see so well at night, and I like to
be pretty close to the path, especially toward morning, Tam assented,
(11:02):
and I will point them out. You might not know
them just at first, Oh we know them. Sometimes. The
babies have so grown up. They're rather hazy in their
recollection of how we look. They think we're bigger than
we are. But you can't fool us dogs. It's understood.
Tam cunningly arranged that when he or she arrives, you'll
(11:23):
sort of make them feel at home while I wait
for the boy. That's the plan, assented Bully kindly. And
if by any chance, the little fellow should come first,
there's been a lot of them this summer. Of course
you'll introduce me. I shall be proud to do it.
And so, with muzzles sunk between their paws and with
(11:44):
their eyes straining down the pilgrim's rowed, they wait outside
the gate. End of At the Gate by Ma La
Joe Closser
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