I have owned an Airedale as a pet bitch and have missed her entertaining ways ever since she passed on some years ago. 

The story from your "John Henry", referring to the four Airedales chasing one mouse, reminded me of a similar incident......... 

I named my Airedale bitch "Skittles" after an English Victorian fun-loving "Lady" - the emphasis being on FUN. 

One evening I took Skittles with me to visit friends who owned two Labradors - we met at our local Dog Training Class. My friends said that it was OK for us to take all (three) of the dogs to their local "pub" (English Drinking establishment, where friends meet to drink, chat and relax).

We were enjoying each other's company with the dogs laying peacefully at our feet - the Labradors were sleeping but Skittles was only "resting", keeping her senses about her in this "unusual" atmosphere.

Suddenly and without warning, our small round table was lifted into the air, sending our drinks spilling over into our laps and onto the Labradors and onto the carpeted floor.

While we were trying to rescue the spilling glasses, I realised in an instant what was happening - Skittles had seen "something", very quickly raised herself to a stand position thus lifting the table of drinks!

However, despite my instructions to her, Skittles was "on the move", she had spotted a black cat laying on a window shelf, staring at her intensely.

For a second or two nothing further happened, I thought (foolishly) that Skittles had heeded my verbal instruction.

Unfortunately at that very instant the cat lost the staring contest and decided to "exit stage left, at speed".

Oh dear! That was just what Skittles was hoping for, a CHASE !!!!!!

Across the bar area, under tables , over chairs even up the curtains - so intense was the chase - Skittles chasing the cat, me chasing Skittles!

The pub was silent, all drinkers watching the chase to see if the cat would escape the attentions of the Airedale (Skittles).

Fortunately the cat did escape and after a few moments Skittles and I composed ourselves back at our table - she looking up at me with an expression that said "what's all the fuss about, I was really enjoying that......".

Drinkers returned to their glasses and conversations, Skittles lay down again - as before, she was not asleep, but watching out for more "fun"!

 

I have more stories of "fun times" with Skittles, but I'll keep those for another time.....