Grower Ted Reid from the Benburb area on the Tyrone /Armagh border, is well known in local circles as a man fond of a bargain. So it was in early December when Ted spotted an advert for a dog and kennel to be had at a very reasonable rate. Ted's son's girlfriend had been on the lookout to buy a pet dog for her man for Christmas and Ted reckoned this advertised hound would be just the ticket.
And so Ted and his other son went off down the Lisburn direction to fetch the dog and kennel. On arrival at the place the woman who owned the dog told Ted and Glen to collect the dog and kennel on their own, as she was too distraught to bear witness to the dog's leaving. The vendor also stated that the reason for selling was simply that she didn't have time to look after the animal.
It happened though that while attempting to load the hound and its kennel, it lashed out at Glen – he duly had to go to the hospital and get seven stitches in! Ted however thought the dog was just nervous and still proceeded to bring the mischievous mutt home - thinking that it would still be a fine present for his other son Nolan.
The next day when Ted went to feed it though the dog practically ate him too. Ted promptly rang the vendor to tell her to expect the return of the dog ASAP. As the saying goes –don't bite the hand that feeds you! Ted eventually did find a rather less voracious pup to fulfil the role of amatory gift.
Bar the seven stitches - all's well that ends well.
