It was the day after the intense rugby tryouts for Amity Regional Rugby Club for the North East State and College Canine rugby competition; in which Tramp, Scamp and Ex-Junkyard Dogs Mooch, Scratchy and Sparky had trained and played well enough to be accepted into the team.

It was a fairly warm and partly cloudy but sunny late summer’s day in New Haven, Connecticut with the temperatures ranging around 84 degrees Fahrenheit, so it was a great day to be outside. And that was exactly the attitude of a number of canines gathered together at East Rock Park in Hamden; who were meeting for a friendly catch up and celebration; but also to meet each other for the first time. This group of canines consisted of four cocker spaniels, two mongrels, a bloodhound, a Scottish terrier, an Afghan hound, a French bulldog, a sheepdog, a Pomeranian, and two schnauzers.

The four cocker spaniels were talking with the Afghan hound, the sheepdog, and the French bulldog and the two schnauzers were talking with the two mongrels, the bloodhound and the Scottish terrier.

The Afghan hound, Ruby; the sheepdog, Mooch; and the French bulldog, Francois, were explaining the history of Tramp’s life as a stray to the three young spaniels, Annette, Collette, and Danielle; who were Lady & Tramp’s daughters. They had already heard of the stories from their father’s own mouth before, but these three spaniels were being treated to an extension of it from Tramp’s old friends. Francois, Mooch, and Ruby mentioned Tramp’s life in the junkyard and how he taught them everything that he knew before he went off on his own and left them to run on their terms. But Ruby left out the fact that, at one time, she had a crush on Tramp and was tempted to run with him; because she didn’t want to leave a bad impression on his daughters or mate and therefore cause an ugly fight.

On the other side, the two schnauzers, Tramp and his son Scamp, had introduced the bloodhound, Trusty, and the Scottish terrier, Jock, to the two mongrels, Sparky and Scratchy. Normally Jock was not very good at getting along with certain other dogs because he had a quick-fire temper and he would show any suspicious untrustworthy dog who was boss; but because he trusted Tramp and he knew that these mongrels were his friends, he knew that they were going to be fine; so he saved his judgemental attitude for another time. And Trusty, being gentle and slightly sensitive as he was, didn’t hesitate to speak to and get to know them. It was true that he used to track criminals with his grandfather, Old Reliable, but he was never aggressive or stern and he never judged dogs or people upfront before getting to know them. Deep down he was just a true kind, loyal and hard working bloodhound. He and Jock also congratulated the four now-rugby-playing canines on their selection for the local team and wished them luck on their upcoming season.

After a bit of time for all present canines in East Rock Park to get to know each other, Tramp eventually got up onto one of the park benches and called for everyone to gather around:

“Excuse me, everyone! Can I have your attention, please?”

All dogs stopped talking amongst themselves and quietened down while turning their eyes towards Tramp to listen in to the speech that he was about to make:

“Now, I want to first of all thank each and every one of you for coming to this gathering in this beautiful park here in Hamden. This is a very special occasion for all of us for a few reasons: Firstly, so that we could all meet and get to know each other. I feel that from the two lives that I have lived; as both a street and house dog; I have made many friends, but not being able to see my old friends as much just because I switched from one life to the other makes me feel bad. I truly love my family with all my heart and you are everything to me,…” he looked at his son, daughters and mate with a loving smile. “…but so are my original friends.” He then looked back towards the Ex-JD’s with a meaningful tone in his voice. “I say this because all of the times that we spent together and all of the fun that we had were so special to me that you became another part of my family. There was a special bond that we all shared and it really brought out the heart of our friendship. It was that extra boost that helped me to survive out on the streets. So I say to the Ex-JD’s that you are my brothers and sister in arms. You are my extended family; and you will always be an important part of me.”

The Ex-JD’s smiled in appreciation, but were also very touched by Tramp’s emotional words. Even Mooch and Ruby felt like crying because they were a couple of the most sensitive out of their Ex Junkyard clan.

“And my main family I love more than anything else in this world.” Tramp continued before looking at his beautiful mate, Lady. “You, Pidge, gave me everything that any living canine could ever ask for: You gave me love. It was the true quality of life that you introduced me to and you made me a better and more mature canine. I can’t tell you how much it means to me and you are everything that I live for. I love so much you, Pidge.”

“I love you too, Tramp.” Lady replied lovingly. She also felt very touched by her mate’s true confessions, even though she already knew; but up until now Tramp had never said it out loud.

“And as for my darling siblings…” Tramp continued, focusing his pupils on his offspring. “I love you all just as much. What I wouldn’t give to turn back time and see you all as pups again. You were all so cute and playful when you were little and I enjoyed every minute of spending the fun with you. Now here you stand before me almost fully grown up, and you have not changed one bit on the outside. You still look just as adorable as when you were younger, and no matter what happens, you will always be my pups.”

Annette, Collette, Danielle, and Scamp felt very touched as their father released such beautiful words from his mouth. Again, Tramp had not even told of his love for his children in this way until now. He then continued on speaking about his children’s special traits:

“Annette, so honest and wise; Collette, as beautiful as a supermodel; Danielle, cheeky but calm with a heart of gold; and of course Scamp, a little wild and adventurous at first but also good and decent on the inside. Even though we are special in our own way, our hearts beat as one, and that is why we are family. Remember that no matter where you go or what you do with your lives, you always will be special to your mother and I, and we love you for that very reason.”

And with that said, all of Tramp’s family came up and embraced him, feeling the love that their mate and father had put out to their hearts. The Ex-JD’s, Jock and Trusty felt for them and all let out a bit “Aaawwwwwwww!” as they happily watched this loving family express their affection for each other.

After the embrace was finished, Tramp concluded his speech:

“All in all, Let us all join together in celebrating this gathering of friends and family as we unite into one big family. Thank you very much, everyone and enjoy this day!”

All cheered and howled in congratulations for Tramp as he finished, and he gratefully embraced their support for him. After they settled down he then let Scamp take over to perform a speech after they briefly whispered something to each other. As the adolescent schnauzer stood in front of the small canine crowd, the Ex-JD’s panted in excitement as they waited for their friend and part mentor to speak.

“Thank you very much, and beautifully spoken, dad.” Scamp began, looking proudly at his father briefly before continuing: “And I want to thank you all for being here; my fellow Ex-JD’s, my Uncle Jock and Trusty, and my family. It is so wonderful that we could all get together today and create a bond to make one big family. Dad has summed up pretty much everything, but I would just like to thank you all for your help. Thank you to the Ex-JD’s for teaching me all the tricks and stunts out on the streets as well as being able to survive. Thank you Uncle Jock and Trusty for being there and supporting us in mum and dad’s absence. Thank you mum, dad, and my sisters for believing in and loving me in difficult times as well as teaching me to play safe. And…” He then turned to his Pomeranian mate. “…thank you, Angel, for being probably the wisest stray I have ever known and giving me a reason to live. If not for you, who knows what mess I would be stuck in without seeing a way out. I love you, baby.”

“I love you too, Scamp.” Angel responded, very flattered by her mate’s remark to her. “Don’t mention it.”

Scamp winked at her before refocusing his eyes back to the rest of the crowd and continuing on with his speech:

“And I am also really looking forward to start playing on the rugby field with dad, Sparky, Scratchy, and Mooch. This place that we are about to enter will be like no other place that we have been before; and it could be even harder than the tricks of the streets. It will be a long and difficult challenge and it will require tough hard work and willingness if we are to overcome whatever obstacles may come our way. But there will also be plenty of fun and excitement in this legendary sport, and therefore we are playing this