March 13-17, 2001--Day 1: At the breakfast table, Rusty pats Mark on the back. He is glad that Mark will be home for awhile. He will see Mark after school. Cherry tells Rusty to have a good day. Later, not too far from Lost Forest, as Foreground Rabbit takes a leap, a box-like automobile, looking to be of '80s vintage travels the mountain road. In the passenger seat the silhouette of a woman asks, "Are you sure we're doing the right thing?" The driver replies, "We don't have time to care for a pet, now stop worrying about it!" The car rounds a hill overlooking Lost Forest. The driver says, "There's a ranch...we'll put her out close to the entrance!" As Foreground Chipmunk watches with concern, the driver adds that he is sure someone will find her and give her a good home. He tells the woman to stop crying; they just don't have time for a pet! The woman replies, "I feel so guilty...it doesn't seem right!" The man carries a large cat by the scruff, saying, "This is far enough away so that you can't find your way back...sorry about this...good luck!" He throws the amazed cat onto the road. As he drives away, the man orders the woman to "Stop whimpering, it's over and done with!" The cat sits, confused, in the road. Unfamiliar with the woods, the cat begins to wander aimlessly along the road. Soon she sees a fawn, and hoping it is a friend she runs over to investigate, her mouth open in a strange smile and her tail raised. The fawn, instinctively afraid of strange creatures bolts for the underbrush. The rejected cat cannot understand.
March 19-24--Day 1: The cat follows the fawn into the deep woods. The mother deer thinks her youngster is in danger and charges the cat, who decides she'd better retreat. The cat watches unhappily as the deer disappear into the woods. Feeling very sorry for herself, the rejected cat finds a cozy log to snuggle up in. Meanwhile as Foreground Hunchbacked Finch watches, Andy strolls by, on his way to meet Rusty at the school bus stop. As he passes Foreground Squirrel, he hears an unusual "meooww..." noise and decides to investigate. The cat watches Andy from her vantage point in the fallen log. Andy approaches, and the cat runs for her life. As Andy overtakes her, she stops, cocks her ears and realizes that there is something very special about Andy. Wearing an excited and pleased expression the cat relaxes and tries to make friends. Andy decides to take his new friend to Lost Forest. He carries her by the nape of her neck. Cherry opens the front door and says, "Andy, WHAT DO YOU HAVE?" Picking up the animal by its midsection, she quickly realizes it is a tabby cat. She asks Andy where in the world he found her. Andy gives no reply. Cherry, still appearing thin, cradles the cat and tells Mark that she has checked with the neighbors and no one is missing a cat. Mark says that he guesses they have a new addition to their Lost Forest family. He tells Andy that since he found their little friend, he is going to have to help keep an eye on her. Andy watches as the cat drinks from Andy's bowl.
March 26-31--Day 1 to Day 2: Cherry cuddles the cat, which lolls its tongue. Since the cat's name is unknown, Cherry suggests they call her Tabby. Mark says, "Sounds good to me!" (This is one of Mark's most common lines. It is most often uttered in response to a suggestion by Cherry. Rusty has also learned this phrase.) Cherry tells the cat to learn her way around Lost Forest. She instructs Andy to keep an eye on Tabby. Soon Tabby blunders into the yard and is eyed by a sleepy hen and a skeptical rooster. (Thus far, we have not learned if Tabby is spayed. If not, being of good size she should quickly come into heat, cats being poly-estrus cyclers. She should be pregnant in no time.) The rooster glares at Tabby, who begins to resemble a rabbit with open mouth and erect ears. The rooster attacks, extending its feet and flapping its wings. The cat leaves, looking almost pasted onto the dirt in the barnyard as it gallops off. Andy intervenes and chases off the angry rooster. He is immediately admonished by Cherry for chasing one of the farm animals. This is not the first time Andy has been chastised by Cherry for breaking up a barnyard altercation. Cherry asks Mark where Tabby came from, reasoning that she must have had a home at one time. Mark is sure she did. Unfortunately, some people find they don't want the responsibility for a pet so they just drop them off in rural areas. It is hard to believe, but instead of taking their pet to a shelter, they just abandon them. Cherry says, "That's terrible!" (Unfortunately, most animal shelters are overburdened. They are most often staffed by volunteers. The pets who are not adopted in a short while are often euthanized. Millions of unwanted pets are destroyed every year. If you are unable to care for a pet due to circumstances beyond your control, please make an attempt to place the pet in a good home. Often newspapers will allow free small ads for such reasons. ) While reading the newspaper, Cherry asks Mark if he knows his name has been mentioned for a national conservation award. Mark knows. His editor told him about it. Rusty smiles in the foreground. Soon, as Foreground Beaver gnaws a tree several hundred feet from the log home, Mark says he is grateful that readers appreciate what he tries to do for conservation. Cherry points out that if Mark wins, he will have to go to New York to accept the award. Mark will make those plans if it happens. At the breakfast table, Cherry silently holds a coffee cup as Doc asks Mark if he saw the article about wild dogs causing problems in their part of the state. Mark didn't read the article. As Foreground Rooster crows, Mark adds that Pete Smith, a neighbor was telling Mark how concerned he was. Doc hopes there's no rabies in the pack. Doc washes the dishes as Mark dries them. Mark thinks that all of their pets are up to date with their shots except for Tabby. Mark doesn't know about her.
April 2-7--Day 2 to Day 3: Not far away from Lost Forest a pack of wild dogs prowls the countryside. The time of day appears to be dusk or night. The three dogs look exactly like wolves. Two Foreground Turkeys are alarmed as the dogs approach a farm and begin their destruction. What they destroy is not evident. The Foreground Turkeys are protected by a tall fence. In the next frame, two wolf-like dogs snarl at each other as a dog with long ears and a deer-like head seems to smile at one of the snarling dogs, its mouth open. In the background, a white cow with horns watches placidly. Next morning (Day 3) Joe Morgan kneels near a dead bird which could be a large chicken or a turkey. No turkey fence is visible. Joe says to himself, "Dog tracks...it must be that pack of wild dogs that has been terrorizing the area!" Soon Cherry tells Mark that Joe called, reporting the incident. Joe is notifying all the ranchers. Mark replies, "Wild dogs can be very dangerous...we'd better keep a close watch!" Cherry responds by noting that wild dogs can be very VICIOUS! As she balances some plates and coffee cups precariously, she wonders if they should worry about wild dogs coming to Lost Forest. As Foreground Bird (The bird has a light colored breast and brown plumage elsewhere. Given its beak and stance, it resembles a white-breasted nuthatch except that nuthatches have grey plumage. Without checking the bird guide, I would guess it is a pine ciskin.) watches from an evergreen tree, Mark's voice emanates from the house, stating that they should take precautions and not go too far from the house alone. He had better warn Rusty about the wild dogs. Meanwhile Tabby gallops about, happily exploring her new home. She comes upon a new animal, a skunk. Hoping it will play with her she runs towards it. Andy, dutifully keeping an eye on the cat, can't believe what he sees. He leaps over a fallen tree to rescue Tabby from the skunk. The skunk executes a handstand and sprays Andy. Later, Tabby, standing next to Cherry, gapes in open-mouthed horror at the foul-smelling dog. Cherry says, "WHAT is that smell? OH, NO!" Feeling outcast, Andy tries to wash away the pungent odor in a nearby lake without much success. To his great embarrassment, the other Lost Forest animals shun Andy. The rooster flails wildly as it flees his vicinity; a horse leaps nearly 5 feet into the air as it retreats. With a sad, dour expression on his face, Andy moves away from the house into the deep woods. Tabby follows Andy at a safe distance. Andy is unaware of this, apparently feeling very sorry for himself.
April 9-14--Day 3: Andy notices the open-mouthed Tabby following him and tries to discourage him with no success. Meanwhile the wild dogs, (One of the dogs strongly resembles Buck the Drunken Hunter from the previous adventure) enter the Lost Forest wildlife preserve. Suddenly, Tabby finds herself surrounded by the wild dog pack. Andy, hearing her terrifying cries for help, turns to see the vicious animals. As Tabby apparently grows (or, as the dogs shrink!), Andy rushes to protect her from the wild dogs. They attack him from every side. Andy is outnumbered and soon overpowered and weakened from his wounds. Tabby watches the dogs retreat from her perch on a tree limb. (Today's strip, 4.12.01 shows two frames featuring the dogs drawn in exquisite detail, very much in the style from the 1950s and 1960s Trail strips. The third panel is in contemporary style.)Andy is seriously wounded and weak from exhaustion. Tabby is worried; she comes out of the tree to console Andy by licking his face, but he is too weak to respond. She realizes she is unable to help her friend, so she curls up next to him, apparently not minding his hideous odor at all. Andy realizes he must get back to Lost Forest and struggles to his feet. Being weak and confused, he mistakenly heads deeper into the woods.
April 16-21--Day 3: Tabby follows Andy deeper into the woods. A steady rain begins to fall. Andy sees a lare box or crate with a trap door hanging above the open end. He believes this is a shelter and decides to take refuge in it. Actually, he and Tabby are entering a deer trap. Foreground Seagull flies off in alarm. When Andy hits the trigger, the door slams shut with a loud "WHAM." Inside the spacious trap, Andy attempts to dig out, but he is too weak. He collapses on the damp floor as Tabby watches with a sardonic grin on her face. Back at Lost Forest, Mark notes grimly that Andy and Tabby didn't show up for dinner. Cherry holds a dish and asks Rusty if he has seen them. Rusty, wearing a Cherry-esque hairdo, says that he saw them earlier walking towards the woods. Neither he nor Cherry have mentioned to Mark that Andy has been sprayed by a skunk. Mark, looking out the window at the downpour, says that with all the rain, Tabby and Andy probably crawled under a rock someplace. Cherry strokes her face and gazes out the window. Her hair is cut in a new shorter pixie-like do, and the sideburns of the previous adventure are gone. She is getting worried. Andy and Tabby should have been home a long time ago. Mark smiles as Cherry wields the restaurant-style coffee pot. He says they'll be home when it stops raining. But Andy and Tabby are locked inside the deer trap. As Mark returns from a search around Lost Forest, Cherry asks him if he found the missing pets, stroking his chest and arm. Mark says that Andy and Tabby are nowhere around the ranch. He will go further into the woods tomorrow and is confident he will find them. The rain has now stopped. Meanwhile, Foreground Squirrel watches with alarm as loud MEOW sounds emanate from the deer trap. Andy and Tabby are lonely and hungry.
April 23-28--Day 3 to Day 7: Cherry tells Doc that she has called the neighbors, who are going to look around for Andy and Tabby. Doc says that Mark and Rusty are out looking for them now. This must now be Day 4. Mark studies tracks which have been mostly obliterated by the rain. Rusty watches, his head stretching until he resembles Eddie Munster. Mark says the tracks look like dog tracks. Rusty asks if Mark thinks the wild dogs have attacked Andy and Tabby. It is possible, but Mark grimly hopes not. Several days pass without anyone finding the pets, bringing us to at least Day 7. Mark, walking with Cherry, looks tired and sad. He tells Cherry that it doesn't look good. Andy and Tabby seem to have just disappeared. Two Foreground Deer observe the couple as Cherry tells Mark that everyone in the area is looking for their pets and that hopefully they will show up. Mark is not consoled. He appears to be on the edge of an emotional breakdown. Cherry, her face very gaunt, watches Mark worriedly, her lips uncharacteristically parted. Mark says, "It seems strange Andy not being here, he was so much a part of our lives!" His words tell us he is inwardly already mourning Andy's demise (Mark says nothing of poor un-vaccinated Tabby!). As Cherry, Mark and Doc sit around the table, Cherry informs the men that the local radio station made an announcement about Andy and Tabby being lost. Mark replies, "Good...maybe that will help!" As Foreground Beaver sunbathes and squints, a voice, either Cherry's or Doc's emanates from the house, saying, "Mark, don't forget you're scheduled to be in New York for the conservation awards program in a few days!" Mark responds curtly that he can't think about that as long as Andy and Tabby are missing. In the spacious deer trap, Andy is motionless, nearly unconscious from loss of blood and lack of food. Tabby is also growing weak. Luckily there are pools of water on the ground (We do hope the liquid is water.) for the animals to drink. Bill Ellis, Mark's editor, calls Mark and offers his condolences. He knows how close Mark and Andy were. Mark, the depression apparent on his face, thanks Bill. Andy saved Mark's life many times and Mark does not know how he will do without him. Bill reminds Mark about the upcoming conservation awards dinner in New York. It is good publicity for Woods and Wildlife magazine. Mark hangs up and bows in despair, holding his head in both hands. He cannot think of going to the dinner with Andy missing. Cherry is sure Bill will understand. Meanwhile, Foreground Beaver holds a branch in his mouth and watches a young wildlife ranger named Tom check one of his deer traps near a stream. Opening it, he shouts to himself, "GOOD HEAVENS, THAT'S NO DEER IN THE TRAP! A SAINT BERNARD AND A CAT!" Examining the collar, Tom realizes this is Mark Trail's dog. He immediately radios his chief, telling him that he's found Andy locked in a deer trap and that he looks to be in bad shape.
April 30-May 5--Day 7: The Head Ranger phones Mark, notifying him that Andy and Tabby have been found in the deer trap. Andy is described as in BAD shape and NEAR DEATH. Mark says, "I'LL BE RIGHT THERE!" As he sprints awkwardly for the door, Mark relays the news to a speechless Cherry. He says that Andy is cut badly, something that the ranger did not tell him This serves to illustrate the close bond between Andy and Mark. On some primitive, architypal level, Mark appears to know that Andy is in bad shape because of being cut up by the wild dogs.. At the site, Mark walks from his unique jeep-style vehicle. The ranger is sorry about the situation and knows that Mark would want to "take care" of Andy himself. As Foreground Goose grazes, the ranger adds that the cat seems to be "all right," but Andy is "unconscious, but still alive!" As Mark bends over Andy in the deer trap, he says, "Oh, man, you poor old friend...it's tough seeing him like this!" Mark tells Andy he has to pull through because they have a lot of stories to cover. Tabby, meanwhile, stands on the prostrate Andy. As an inappropriately gleeful Foreground Porcupine watches, Mark tells the ranger that they must get Andy to a vet fast and asks if they will give him a hand. The ranger tells Mark that they will take Tabby back to Lost Forest. With a tear in his eye, Mark asks the ranger to tell Cherry that he will be at the hospital. The veterinarian tells Mark that Andy's wounds look like dog bites and were probably made by the wild dogs in the area. He can't promise anything. Andy has a fever and probably pneumonia; it will take time before anything is known. Mark, wearing a look of exhaustion and utter despair tells the vet to just do his best. He does not want to lose Andy; they've been through a lot together. Cherry arrives and Mark tells her the veterinarian is doing all he can. Mark hopes it's enough. Cherry says, "I'm so sorry Mark!" (With this statement it becomes apparent that Cherry is expecting Andy to die. But her next action contradicts this notion completely. No wonder Mark is having a nervous breakdown.) She then grabs Mark's arm and hugs him as she tells him not to give up hope. Mark apparently doesn't hear Cherry. He replies, "Now I know how people feel when they get attached to a pet then lose it." (The missing comma in the preceding sentence is not this scribe's fault. Mark's grammatical decline seems to reflect his worsening depressive state.) Cherry asks Mark what he plans to do about the awards program, now that Andy has been found. The awards dinner is in two days. Mark says he doesn't know what to do. Moments later, Mark says he doesn't think he'll go. He can't leave knowing that Andy might not make it. He tells Cherry to go on back to Lost Forest. Mark will be home as soon as he hears what the doctor has to say. (Mark appears to be withdrawing from his loved ones as he sinks deeper into the black pit of despair.)
May 7-12--Day 7: Back at Lost Forest, Mark asks Cherry if Tabby is all right. She is fine and hasn't stopped eating since she got home. As Foreground Fox chases Foreground Rabbit, Cherry adds that there are no wounds on Tabby; Andy must have protected her from the wild dogs. Mark says, "That sounds like Andy...he's a great animal." Back at the veterinary clinic, the vet tells Mark he's done everything he can. Andy has a 50-50 chance of making it. The vet will know more when Andy's fever breaks. A pleasant young woman employed at the clinic tells Mark that Bill Ellis, Mark's editor, is on the phone. Mark tells Bill that Andy is still in serious condition. Bill replies that he has made all of the arrangements for Mark's trip to New York and plans to meet him there. Bill is sure that Mark will be receiving the award, and it will mean a lot to the magazine. As Foreground Squirrel eats a nut, several of the Lost Forest buildings in the background now boast a flat roof. Bill tells Mark that the owner of Woods and Wildlife will be there to congratulate Mark personally. Mark appreciates that but he is not going to be there. Bill shouts, "WHAT?" He tells Mark firmly that he has to be there. Mark replies that Andy is near death; Mark can't leave him. Mark's voice is emanating from a Lost Forest structure. All of the Lost Forest buildings now have the flat roofs, which are being ignored by Foreground Squirrel, who is busily inspecting nuts. Lost Forest now looks as though it might have been built by Frank Lloyd Wright. Bill sternly tells Mark that this is the most important award in the field and to please reconsider. As he speaks, J.R. Williams, the magazine's owner walks in. He takes the phone and says, "Trail, this is J.R. Williams...what's this nonsense about you not coming to the awards dinner?" Mark replies that his dog is on the verge of death. J.R. says, "There's NO DOG on earth worth the sacrifice you are making--DON'T BE STUPID! Winning that award will mean a lot to my magazine, Trail...if you want to keep your job YOU BE THERE TO ACCEPT!" As Cherry holds her hand to her mouth as though suppressing a giggle, Mark angrily replies, "Right now ANDY MEANS MORE TO ME THAN MY JOB--GOOD DAY, SIR!" After Mark hangs up he tells Cherry that he thinks he's just been fired.
May 14-19--Day 7 to Day 9: Cherry tells Mark that he looks exhausted. She urges him to try to get some rest. Mark thinks he will, but he wants to be awakened if anything changes with Andy. Meanwhile two birds resembling Black-Capped Chicadees with damaged bills hold the Foreground position. After Mark goes to bed, Cherry picks up the phone and says, "Hello, operator, will you get me Bill Ellis...he's the editor of Woods and Wildlife magazine!" Evidently the operator is a good one, for very soon Cherry is speaking with Bill Ellis. She says, "Bill, this is Cherry...you know how close Mark is to Andy. Surely you can understand him not wanting to leave when he is near death." Bill understands, but as Cherry knows, Bill does not have the last word. Foreground Buck sadly rips leaves from the trees. Cherry asks Bill to get J.R. to change his mind about firing Mark. Bill will do what he can. Mark wakes up on the sofa, holding his head. Cherry holds a cup of coffee on a saucer and says, "You managed to get a little sleep, Mark...how about some coffee!" Mark groggily replies, "Great...any news about Andy?" As Foreground Bald Eagle terrifies Foreground Squirrel, Cherry replies, "The doctor said we should know something about Andy soon, he's beginning to regain consciousness!" Mark hopes it's good news; he loves that old dog. As Mark reminisces about his adventures with Andy, the veterinarian comes in bearing a clipboard and tells Mark that Andy has come through the crisis. He is hungry and ready to go home. (Apparently, Andy has made a full recovery in less than one day. It is also apparent that either he no longer smells like a skunk or everyone's sense of smell has been bludgeoned into submission by Andy's unrelenting reek.) Mark says, "THANK HEAVEN! Isn't that great news, honey?" Tears well up in his eyes. Cherry hugs Mark and replies, "It's wonderful news!" Mark hugs Andy and says, "You big lovable ox, am I glad you're okay!" Cherry reminds Mark that the awards dinner is tonight. ( Earlier in Day 7 the awards dinner was two days away, so we are now at Day 9. Andy's recovery, therefore, took two entire days, not just one as we earlier supposed.) Mark may be able to get there in time. Mark is not going to worry about that. His reward is having Andy back. The vet says Andy will recuperate faster at home with his friends. At Lost Forest, Sassy mounts Andy and Tabby mounts a gigantic Rusty. Rusty ignores this, pets Andy and says, "ANDY, ARE WE GLAD TO SEE YOU...We're HAPPY to have you home.
May 21-26--Day 9: Mark notes that Andy is glad to be home. Doc stands silently, his hands in his pockets. As Andy licks Cherry, she says, "You don't realize how much you miss a pet until he's gone! I think Tabby is thanking Andy for saving her life." Tabby extends a paw towards the cautious St. Bernard. Cherry tells Mark that the awards program is on tv. She and Mark don't want to miss it. Mark and his friends watch the conservation awards program on their large console-style television as Andy and Tabby play. The announcer says that the rules require a contestant to be present to receive an award, but Mark Trail, one of the finalists, couldn't attend. Bill Ellis of Woods and Wildlife magazine will address that issue. Cherry's and Mark's smiles are engimatic as Bill tells the audience that Mark didn't attend because of his affection for his dog, who was near death. Because of this, the awards committee has reconsidered the rules. Since kindness towards animals is one of the committee's main interests and qualifications, Mark's decision tells them a lot about his character and his work. He exemplifies, above all other contestants what the award is all about. Foreground Beavers drop their lodge building activities and watch attentively as Bill goes on to say that the committee voted unanimously for Mark Trail to receive this year's award. Mark smiles broadly, all thoughts of despair now far behind him. Cherry tells Mark they are so proud of him. Rusty adds, "Yeah, we sure are...CONGRATULATIONS!" Mark had no idea the committee would make an exception to the rules. Cherry agrees with their decision. They gave the award to the right person. Mark says, "Thank you!" Cherry tells Mark that Bill is on the line. Mark wonders if he still has a job. Mark thanks Bill for the award. Bill says Mark deserves it and that Mr. Williams wants to talk to him. J.R. admits to Mark that he was wrong to put his own interest first. He apologizes and hopes Mark will remain with the magazine--with a big raise! Mark's work is one of the reasons the magazine has been so successful. (MUCH ADO TIME! There has been some confusion among the Trailheads regarding the setting of some scenes in this episode. Some have speculated that the flat roofed buildings in the background of some panels are the veterinary clinic. I've maintained that they are the Lost Forest buildings, morphed into sudden Frank Lloyd Wright style. Let's examine the panels! On the May 5th panels Cherry and Mark are at the clinic. Mark tells Cherry to go home, saying he will be along as soon as he talks to the doctor. On the Monday, May 7th panels, Mark asks Cherry how Tabby is doing. Tabby was, we recall, returned to Lost Forest by the deer-trapping ranger. Cherry tells Mark that Tabby hasn't stopped eating since she arrived. Most of the buildings in this view have the flat roof, but one still has a pitched roof. It seems reasonable to suppose that Cherry went home after the May 5th panels and that the May 7th discussion is taking place at Lost Forest. However, Mark's mental state is duly noted; there is, I admit, room for doubt. The May 8th panels take place at the clinic. I would maintain that this is Day 8, with Mark checking in on Andy. Mark is talking to Bill on the phone at the clinic. On May 9th, we see the same buildings we saw on May 7th. This tells us that either both scenes were located at the clinic or both the clinic and Lost Forest have identical buildings. On May 10th, all of the buildings now have flat roofs. Mark's conversation extends to the May 12th panels, and Cherry is now on the scene. Since no typical Lost Forest interior is evident, I admit that perhaps all of the flat roofed buildings are clinic buildings, albeit morphing buildings.)
May 28-31--Day 9: J.R. apologizes to Mark again. He hopes Mark will stay with Woods and Wildlife; they NEED him. Mark will receive a substantial raise. Mark replies, "You just said the magic words, Mr. Williams! I look forward to getting back to work!" As Andy smiles and rests his head in Mark's lap, Mr. Williams replies, "Great...congratulations again, Mark!" As Mark and Cherry walk around a lake at Lost Forest, Cherry says, "While you were at the vet's a ranger called and said they captured the wild dogs!" Mark says that's good news. Cherry adds that the ranger said there were no rabies among them, so the community doesn't have to worry about that. Mark replies, "Thank goodness, that could have been terrible! It sure has been an unusual week...being fired, winning an award, then getting a raise." Cherry says, "I guess you can blame it on Andy!" Mark admits that he is very fortunate to be able to do work he enjoys and get paid for it. "Plus receiving an award for doing it!" adds Cherry. Foreground Little Otter watches as Mark gushes on, "Having you and Doc and Rusty supporting me means more to me than anything!" Cherry replies, "That's because we love you!" As dramatic cumulo-nimbus clouds build in the south, Mark touches Cherry's chin and says, "I'm hoping to spend a little time at home before my next assignment!" Cherry responds, "I'd like that!" Later, as Mark carries a saddle, Rusty leans over the corral fence and asks, "Are you going to have time to do any fishing with me, Mark?" Mark replies, "I'm sure going to make time!" Cherry shouts from the distance, "Mark, telephone...it's your editor!" Smiling, Mark says, "So much for having time at home!"