Rip's boon companion was his dog Wolf, who was as hen-pecked as his master. For Dame Van Winkle looked on them both with the same vinegar eye, regarding them as companions in laziness, one leading the other astray. Wolf was as spirited as his master until he crossed the threshold of the house, then his tail dropped to the floor, or trailed between his legs, and he would creep along with many a sidelong glance at the mistress. The smallest waving of a broomstick or a ladle would send him yelping to the door or under the table.