Sirius Rex, 1984, photo by Donald---------------- Sunday, April 27, 2008 Acrostic Puzzle by Emily Cox & Henry Rathvon, edited by Will Shortz One might encounter some difficulty in locating a copy of “The Pant Glas Story” by Elma Williams, but today’s acrostic allows us a glimpse in the form of a quotation from same: Quotation: DOGS WAVE TAILS IN SEVERAL INDICATIVE WAYS THERE IS THE WIDE SWEEP OF EXPECTANCY OR THE MORE VIGOROUS MOVEMENT OF GREETING OR TAIL UNDER TUMMY A SUBTERRANEAN WAGGLE WHICH CAN BE PLEASURE TINGED WITH GUILT OR FEAR. Author’s name and title of the work: ELMAWILLIAMSPANTGLASSTORY The defined words: A. Top-level canines, EYETEETH; B. TV role for eight generations of one acting family, LASSIE; C. 1812 invention featuring a pendulum, METRONOME; D. Swift hunter or colorful cover, AFGHAN; E. Yarn used in weaving bark, WOOF; F. Nobel scientist with canine experiments, IVANPAVLOV; G. Stuff to be picked up; group from which to make a pick?, LITTER; H. Wrapping that may make a pill more palatable to a canine, LIVERWURST; I. “Come Back, Little Sheba” author, INGE; J. Valley around Leeds, England, AIREDALE; K. Like the hairless breed Xoloitzcuintli, MEXICAN; L. Human pal of Scooby-Doo, SHAGGY; M. Half-pint, run, miniature, PEEWEE; N. “The Call of the Wild” genre, ADVENTURE; O. Ratter from East Anglia, for short, NORWICH; P. Regarded as a faithful friend, TRUSTED; Q. Like an Irish wolfhound or St. Bernard, GIANT; R. Shade of a beagle’s ears, often (2 wds.), LIGHTBROWN; S. First character to recognize Odysseus upon his return, ARGUS; T. Four-legged Monopoly token, SCOTTIE; U. Shook, trembled, vibrated, SHIMMIED; V. Playful struggle for dominance (3 wds.), TUGOFWAR; W. Kind of school where students may learn to beg, OBEDIENCE; X. St. Bernard’s job description?, RESCUER; Y. Cry of complaint from a pound, YAWP. I'll not argue with "Argus", but I cannot find "Argos" with that alternate spelling -- however, Wikipedia gives us this beautiful little paragraph: In Greek mythology, Argos was Odysseus’ faithful dog. He waited for his master's return to Ithaca for over twenty years while most presumed Odysseus dead. He was the first (after those to whom Odysseus revealed his identity) to recognize the King returning from the Trojan War, even though Odysseus was disguised as a beggar to discover what had been going on in his palace during his absence. It was said that as soon as Argos recognized his master, he dropped his ears and did his best to wag his tail. Having fulfilled his destiny of faith by laying his eyes upon his master once more, he released a final whimper and died.
