Walking Togo’s Path

From Mia Cope

Some of my more recent readers are perhaps confused. Actually, several critics have suggested that all of the readers of Notes from Casa de Togo experience confusion at some level. In an effort to clear some of the cloudiness, let me explain a few things.

Togo was my predecessor at Casa de Togo. For eleven years, he was the driving force behind most of the great progress made in this place. Togo was a mixed breed dog — Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, Labrador Retriever, and German Shepherd. And his great-grandfather was a full-blooded gray wolf.

Togo, like me, told his stories to Daddy and then Daddy uploaded them with some degree of accuracy to the interweb. Togo’s stories tended to be a bit more adventuresome than mine are. Momma said that’s because Togo was a bit more mischievous than I am.¹

This grand estate that I manage is named Casa de Togo in his honor. And this blog site is entitled Notes from Casa de Togo because Daddy, before I came along, was not sure that he would continue writing here but couldn’t bear to let Togo fade into history. Even the web address honors the late great hero — togo.substack.com. This is altogether fitting since Togo, famous for his philosophies as well as his escapades, was known in the neighborhood and around the world as the muse that kept Daddy going.

I feel quite honored to walk in his footsteps. And I actually do that. Perhaps you’ve heard of Abraham’s Path, a route in present-day Turkey tracing the pilgrimage of Abraham and his family to the Promised Land? I’m letting you in on a Casa de Togo secret. We have a similar sacred route right here in Abilene. And, of course, it’s known as Togo’s Path.

This was the course set by Togo back in his day. At least four times a week, he would lead proudly through the twists and turns, regardless of the weather. And it has been my good fortune to continue his tradition.²

I don’t strike the imposing poses that Togo did, but Daddy tries to capture me in the same grandeur that he portrayed Togo.

Mia, left. Togo, right.

As the official guide to Togo’s Path, I want to invite you make this historic pilgrimage with me and Daddy — Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, unless I’m on vacation. The Path takes us by three feral cat feeding stations, right through the middle of the university campus, and, of course, a stop at the famous “Jacob’s Dream” sculpture. It truly is a religious experience. If you’re not an experienced walker, that’s okay. I enforce a number of sniffing breaks along the way.

Daddy can even tell a few Togo stories as we walk. There is no charge for the guided tour. I am working on some memorabilia to sell at the Casa de Togo Gift Shop, though. I can’t decide between hats and T-shirts.

Anyway, be a part of history. You too can claim that you have walked Togo’s Path! And of course, I’ll be glad to have my picture made with you. It’s quite a bundle of joy that can be yours.

1. Momma also says that she is a little relieved that I am mild-mannered. She’s says that Daddy is not as spry as he used to be.

2. The other three days of the week are devoted to neighborhood security. Daddy says that a number of folks text him when they are going out of town to ask me to watch their properties. Another Togo tradition that Daddy and I continue to honor.