Rufus Rides a Catfish (And Other Fables from the Farmstead)

Rufus Rides a Catfish (And Other Fables From the Farmstead) is a collection of whimsical fables based on "true" bedtime stories told to the author by his father in the mid-1970s. Growing up on a farm in rural South Dakota served as inspiration for these tales. The main character is a cat named Rufus who is the self-appointed protector of the farmstead and all its inhabitants, including several talking animals.

Rufus is a farm cat. As such, his code of ethics drives him to the highest standards of moral character and noble thoughts. This may seem corny to you, but it is a duty he takes quite seriously. The animals and people under his protection benefit from his selfless devotion to this cause, even the dog, whose constant exuberance he finds tiresome. Nonetheless, patience is also one of Rufus’ many virtues. He is a warrior, a hunter, a philosopher, a mentor, and a friend. Rufus is a farm cat.

Fathers and sons. The bond is as old as time itself. One often hears the term, ‘blood is thicker than water’ when referring to the importance of family relations. Some would say that the father/son bond is the strongest example of that paradigm. Bud and Trip find that this is not always the case, especially when they are working together on large or dangerous projects around the farmstead where actual blood may be involved.

One of the noblest creatures to ever live on Rufus the Cat’s farmstead was Hic the Pig. He was a pig of modest means and very few words. In fact, he would not speak at all unless there was something to say. This humble characteristic was one that Rufus admired very much, especially when he considered the behavior of the dog. There was one very strange thing about Hic though, that made him unique in the world of domesticated farm animals, but nothing Rufus couldn’t handle … naturally.

Old Marietta Wipply had a soft spot for Bud. She also had a surprise for him, if only he would come over for tea and snacks on Monday afternoon and pay her a visit. Between all the work that needed to be done on the farmstead and his job at the university, there was scarcely any time for such an indulgence, but he made an exception for the sweet, old dowager. Her fondness of Bud was second only to her love of cats and birds, which she kept in great numbers in her small, but comfortable house. What was her surprise? Well, let’s go find out!

Birthday parties are the best, and Rosie could always be counted upon to make the most out of any special occasion! But this was no ordinary birthday! This year, Ellie was becoming a teenager. This was a big deal, and it warranted a big celebration. There would be a slumber party, special gifts, an enormous cake, ice cream, and of course, pony rides on the family’s new horse. At least those were the plans. Now, wouldn’t life be just wonderful if everything went according to plan? Alas.

One of Rufus’ duties, as warden of the farmstead, was to indoctrinate newcomers when they arrived. Usually, this was little more than a clerical process, except for the horse. But that was due to the horse’s belligerence and foul temper. Now, however, there was a very different challenge. The two newly-arrived steers seemed to be … distracted, maybe even dim-witted.

Something strange is going on over at the Wayne farm. As protector of this land, Rufus is obligated to investigate. Lulu the Labrador is the one who actually discovered the peculiarities while she was out 'running around and around over to da nudder dog’s house' last night. As tiresome as Rufus finds Lulu, his sense of honor and duty compels him to escort her back to the scene as he examines the mysterious events just down the road. Could it be something supernatural, or is it just the delusional imagination of an overstimulated, irrational dog? The game is afoot!

Old Circe, the foul-tempered matriarch of the sheep herd, has escaped from the lambing house and is now missing. Normally, Rufus does not concern himself with 'sheep' issues, they’re such a churlish lot, but Circe is about to give birth. In light of this detail, her safety now is his duty. What neither he nor his people yet know is just how unusual and awe-inspiring her 'blessed event' will be. A gilded miracle is about to unfold on the farmstead, the symbolism of which is yet to be revealed!

The bumbling bovine brother bards are back. The better part of a year has passed since these two simpletons joined the family at the farmstead. Now, it’s almost time for the county fair. Will they be ready?

A new kitten on the farmstead has caught Rufus’ attention. As protector of this land, Rufus believes it to be his obligation to train this new arrival, who may one day take his place. Sadly, the young newcomer appears to be long on energy and short on common sense! At the same time, Mother Mae, the chicken, is convinced that someone is 'eating her babies!' Is the arrival of the new kitten coincidental or is something more nefarious afoot? Join Rufus in his investigation to uncover the culprit in The Mysterious Case of the Disappearing Ducklings!