Such excellent writing and insightfulness. It's amazing that your presentation of Buck, his 'horsenality' and thoughts seem so spot on. I truly can't harness the words necessary to express how wonderfully unique I find this story to be! (I know that you understand that my thoughts are even more 'scattered' than usual, but I just hope you understand how all-fired excellent I feel this story to be...)

I'm being beckoned by my own sweet fur-baby, so gotta run! ...Okay, hobble.

Can't wait 'til the next leg of their journey.

Peaceful blessings!

Absolutely brilliant idea to have Buck lose his connection with his human when said human was not himself.

Interesting and very different viewpoint. I'm really enjoying it. I am not a reader who would skip and I'm glad I didn't. Buck made sense out of Matt's situation with Mike. I don't know why some readers can't do the same!

Excellent story. Interesting reading this ATC from Buck's point of view. Enjoying it.

Janie

That was an excellent chapter, and even though I am one of those who hates the idea of MLS, I am glad I read your/Buck's version of the sad tale. I really liked how you indicated that Matt's connection with Buck was gone while he "was" Dan...somehow it made the fact of his whole personality change more real. The scene with Kitty was so sad and it makes his absence from her now even harder. Great writing.

They is a really cute story seeing Matt through Buck's eyes. Later, can you write a story through my cats' eyes; I would like to know what they think of me!

I’m one of those die-hard Kitty fans who can’t bear to watch MLS, a Matt luvs Kitty 4eva junkie who shudders at the mention of that woman with a man’s name. I tried to watch it once, all in the name of fic research, but at first sighting of Mrs. Walton, whipped out my fast draw remote control and watched the remainder in jerky fast-mo through squinted eyes from behind the mask of my hands. I am a big relationship wussy in my little fantasy Gunsmokeland.

But once in a blue moon, some brave fic author comes along to try and set things write, I mean right, with Kitty-done-wrong episodes like MLS, and it is balm to the M/K ship fan’s heart. This right here is one of them. Chapter 2 illustrates the fact that, without a shadow of a doubt, Matt Dillon was completely AWOL in his mind and in his heart when he was present in body with She Who Cannot Be Named. This is accomplished in both Buck’s usual astute observations of his human and during the ATC portion, achingly portrayed in the scene between a grief-stricken and remorseful Matt as he begs forgiveness from a devastated Kitty.

If you hate MLS like I do, it would be a mistake to skip this chapter. Some fine apologizing going on here by the big man.

As strange as it sounds, a horse telling this unique story lends it quirky, fun realism, for our stoic, stalwart, and taciturn marshal doesn't go round spouting his innermost feelings of undying love or his philosophies on life. Luckily GunShy has conveniently provided us a front row seat to them all through Matt’s constant companion Buck, a most observant, sensitive, whimsical and endearing horse, if I do say so myself.

Great story, I love the fact that it is being told by Buck. Who would know Matt better than his horse except Kitty. Keep writing, I can't wait to read the next chapter.

I'm one of your readers who chose to read the portion of this chapter that dealt with Matt's Love Story, or as the episode title should have read, Dan's Love Story. The future aside isn't unheard of in fiction. This interlude, like when other writers jump ahead in their hero's life, allowed the reader to gain further insight into Matt Dillon's character & Buck's understanding of the man, his woman & also Buck's own connection with the man who is Matt Dillon. It was a brilliant move to have Buck lose his connection while Matt was lost to Dan & for Matt to be unclear as to what he felt while he was Dan. It makes the present trip to Mexico that much more poignant.

Sensitive, excellent portrayal of the emotions involved in MLS. Even Buck didn't know his human!

Matt is a man to keep his feelings and emotions deeply buried - but here through the use of Buck's senses - you show his depth of character. his occasional dreams and his genuine feelings for Kitty which are always pushed aside because of the badge he wears. Great chapter.

I liked this .. you are very good.
"Matt's love story " on Gunsmoke was because he had sex , but because we are to believe he could fall in love with someone other than Kitty. Lost his memory Ok. Had sex Ok but love no way

Buck is a rare horse stubbornly loyal to his owner and something of a philosopher,

Great chapter, can't wait for more!

What a great start! You have really got into the horse's mouth, so to speak, and we are actually seeing an episode imaginatively from Buck's point of view, as opposed to just re-telling the episode. I can't wait to read more!