As I'm getting ready to let Chief off the leash, I have flashbacks to the adventures I've had with my crew. Thought I'd share this one with you....
The usual morning routine: get up, get coffee a bit of breakfast & then head out to feed the mares. The dogs, all 3 join me in this little adventure. It’s getting difficult keeping Laser by my side though, so frequently I tell him to stay in the yard while the girls accompany me out. Laser sits & supervises from within the yard.
On this morning, I decided to give the boy another chance. So all 4 of us went out to feed. Of course, as soon as he crossed through the gate he took off, with the littlest sister in hot pursuit. They acted with such precision I can not believe that there wasn’t a plan. Through the paddock, under the fences to Danny’s treasure chest of adventures.
Danny’s farm has everything a dog could possibly desire. It’s occupants vary over time, exotic game birds are always present followed by various hoofed creatures: deer, pigs, goats, ponies.... On this particular day it was the bunnies who got the dogs‘ attention. The bunnies, having tunneled under their habitat venture out at will, returning each day for food & naps. One bunny, a pretty black one, must be very smart as he has lived this double life for a few years now. Somehow managing to avoid the fox, hawks, owls & Laser.
On this fateful day the hunters left me behind ignoring my pleas to return. Trusting that Hope at least wouldn’t venture far, & knowing that I couldn’t catch Laser I went about my morning duties, praising Annabelle for sticking by my side & being “the only good dog here!” Soon afterward I heard my little Hope yipping & screaming. Convinced she’d met up w/a fox or raccoon I tossed the pitchfork & raced toward her yowls, heart in my throat. MUCH to surprise, when I arrived upon the scene, I saw Laser, standing next to the bunny habitat, over a hole, looking at what he clearly believed to be the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. But where was Hope? Just then I heard her yips & yowls from underneath us! She was in the rabbit tunnels, apparently chasing one of the inhabitants! Initially I feared she was stuck. How the HELL was I going to get her out? But then I realized, as the sounds of her yips moved, that she was chasing the bunny through the underground network of tunnels!!!! Realizing that this was a team sport, I grabbed Laser’s collar & pulled him away, dragging him (scolding him) all the way. Sure enough, shortly after removing the jaws of death from their position Hope returned. A little dirty, but otherwise none the worse for the wear.
