You know, you can tell a lot about a person by the way they treat their horse, or in the case of some, their mule.

Yes, indeed, some people can surprise you.

Take Festus Haggen for instance. To many he would seem a rough character. But take it from me and Ruth, he is one man that has a mighty big heart. Once he decides that you are friends, there is no getting rid of him. Tough on the outside, he has caring and gentle hands that he uses to check every inch of Ruth's legs after every ride, and he is sometimes called upon to look after others as well. I have it on good authority that Ruth is his best friend. Over miles of rough terrain and tough scrapes, Festus takes care of Ruth. And in turn, Ruth will do most anything Festus asks of him, which is saying a lot since he can be stubborn at times. But he can't help that.

Like I said, the way a person treats their mount says a lot.

Now, depending on who you ask, you will get different opinions on the Marshal of this town. The outlaws and spoilers who meet him will say he is too tough, unfair, among other things. Trust me, I have heard them. The Marshal's friends, of course, have kinder things to say about him. Including me. You see, I can tell you that he is a caring man, with a deep sense of doing what is right. Even though sometimes we ride for hours and hours on end through brutal terrain and questionable weather, I don't mind too much. I am strong and I like the trail. I am always on alert, searching the trail ahead and behind for danger. Ready to alert Matt the moment I sense something is out of place. Especially when we are camped and he lays exhausted by the fire. I sleep with one ear tuned to any sound that could indicate a stranger, or predator. And no matter what, Marshal Matt Dillon always takes care of me. He knows when I need a breather on a tough climb, he removes the rocks from my feet, and doctors the scrapes and cuts. He makes sure I have food and water before he feeds himself, even when he is bone-tired and weary. And it makes me hold my head a little higher knowing that I am the one he chooses to take him on these journeys.

Now it's not always sunshine and apples. No, sir. Sometimes we end up in some mighty tight spots together. Time or two I wasn't too sure the outcome would be in our favor. And there have been too many times I have had to carry him back to Dodge bleeding and slumped over the saddle. But I always know the way home, and I do my best to get him there.

Sometimes after these less than ideal returns, Matt isn't able to take care of any injuries I may have. That's where Doc comes in.

The sometimes crusty, cantankerous Doc Adams. If you are injured, this is the man you want on your side. Even uninjured, he is an ally you want. He and Matt are good friends, and I hear them banter with each other a lot. Now, even though Matt joshes Doc about being a horse doctor, and Doc pretends to be mad, he would never refuse to help an animal in need. He has had to doctor me enough times to prove that point. Carrying his black bag and smelling of ointments and powders, he is a welcome sight for a tired, sore, injured horse.

One person who is always a welcome sight is Miss Kitty. She is one of my favorite people, and it is a real pleasure when the Marshal decides to take her on an outing with us. She likes to rub my neck and sneak me apples and carrots when Matt isn't looking. Oh we get caught sometimes, hearing a gentle "Kitty, Buck doesn't need that many treats." And Kitty usually tells him that yes, in fact, I do. I am inclined to agree with her. Yes, indeed, there is really no sense in arguing with Kitty Russell.

Now I can tell you with complete certainty that there is a lot of good feeling between Matt and Miss Kitty. Yes, it's so obvious between those two that even I can tell, and that was before the outings started. And since I go on most of their outings with them... well, let's just say that it's a good thing someone is there standing guard, ready to nicker an alarm.

You can tell a lot about a person by the way they treat their horse. And these people treat this horse with kindness.