Friday, July 18, 2008

Rabbits & Cats & Dogs, Oh My!!

Who knew that a condominium complex could house a menagerie of animals--mostly of the nocturnal sort!! During the past few pre-dawn walks with Kipper, we have encountered quite a variety of God's little creatures. Thankfully I have seen them before "Mr. Let-me-at-em!" has! Otherwise we could become the alarm clock for an entire building!! Rabbits, squirrels, assorted cats and dogs have wandered the same areas we have! As you know, his nose is much more sensative and he seems to "sense" the presence of some critter that has either been there, done that in the area we're in or is hiding out in one of the bushes nearby. I on the other hand must rely on my half-awake, bleary eyes to catch a movement or distinguish shapes in the moonlight. I've kinda learned where "cat alley" is and where "Rabbit corner" is so we try to steer clear of these at these times.

Also, we have discovered that those big, yellow, very loud machines that appear outside our big windows to mow the grass also cause one certain dachsund to absolutely go bonkers!! We must be able to see outside at the time they are doing their thing or we really can't control ourselves!
Thankfully, the mowers seem to be efficient in their tasks and the process is short in length. Now I know what happens when I'm not home! Kipper is busy defending our home from these strange "invaders of our space". I do feel more secure knowing that! :)

Kipper absolutely loved his vacation time with my family. He and my parents seemed to have an instant bonding experience. He and Mom became quite good buddies as they shared the backseat all the way to Alabama. At their home, he loved the big fenced in back yard as he could happily and quickly run freely and amuse himself. It was even more "heavenly" if my dad happened to be outside at the same time--Mom gave him the nickname "shadow" as he did follow them everywhere he could. I called him "velcro dog" but I think Shadow sounds better! I was so pleased that both he and they meshed their routines so well. I enjoyed having extra eyes and hands to take of him and entertain him. Did I miss those pre-dawn walks? Um---NO!
My sister and brother-in-law graciously adapted to having an indoor dog for a couple of days too. Their 2 dogs are outside dogs. Kipper enjoyed them also--I'm not sure who napped more--Kipper or my brother-in-law!!

The world is a place of wonder and excitement for my dog. He seems to be curious about so many things--kinda reminds me that I need to maintain that attitude also. I need to appreciate the creative world I see, the family God has provided me, and the love that surrounds me.

Rabbits & cats & dogs, Oh my!---we're off to see the world through a dog's eyes!!