VERY Good Dogs

Before I highlight good dogs, I want to reflect on empty feeders. After five days, I see a few Goldfinches and House Finches on the niger seed. Cardinals hang out…waiting. Broods of House Sparrows stop by, as well as Starlings and Grackles, infrequently. And always, the Northern Mockingbird. It’s peaceful but lonely out there and, for me, it's painful to visit. Only a few hummingbird sightings make me smile but my camera isn’t with me lately. I’m looking forward to better times in a few weeks!

I concentrate on the self-reliant birds. There’s an abundance of American Robins here this year.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Everyone has heard of dogs graduating from Obedience School. Don’t be fooled! Dogs don’t graduate. Their owners graduate and deserve the diploma. Congratulations to my daughter Gina, and Billy, for good dog training. My granddogs have certificates displayed on their refrigerator!

Mr. Biggins retreats to his “place” on command,

and Bammy, a.k.a. Bamma-Lamma-Ding-Dong, obeys also.

They “stay” on their place until they hear “free”. They needed to hear a strong, consistent voice at home. That’s all.

They don’t have vicious fights anymore. They're two males who like each other and have learned who rules – neither of them.

No more sleeping in the adult bed, no more jumping on sofas, and everything’s OK.

They “come” when called, and “down stay” and “heal” during walks. They’re wonderful boys who happily accepted an invitation to Gramma’s for a cookout yesterday.

Bammy paces through the house and uses his bottom ledge of teeth to open Gramma’s pantry. He’ll stand there for hours unless we call him.

If he isn’t in the pantry, we’ll find him opening the outside toybox :o)

Gramma, throw me a turkey leg or a squeaky ball, please?

Mr. Biggins spends most of his time with his best girlfriend, Bel-Bel. Mr. Biggins and Miss Little – no matter. Bella rules.

Mr. Biggins. What a handsome man-dog, who still squats like a girl.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

More good news about good dogs:

We’ve been negligent dog trainers for too long. The Licker Sisters could benefit by obedience training. It might not be too late.

Nearing her 12th birthday, Chloe, the girl with an attitude, allowed a nail trimming without a fight or sedatives yesterday. Oh, she growled and made ugly faces during her pedicure but she was GOOD. I wish I had my camera at the vet’s office to photograph Michael’s smiling face when he saw her being a GOOD patient. We’re so proud of her!

I was g-g-good, too. Take MY picture?

Bella is always good at the vet. Our sweet one.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Upon awakening this morning, I made my usual visit to the front porch and thought I saw at least four Eastern Bluebirds exit a Crepe Myrtle a few feet away… No, I must being seeing things, I thought.

A few minutes later, I saw a bright male Eastern Bluebird on one of my feeders, looking damned beautiful in the rising sun. Did I nearly stumble and fall on the way to the garage for a cup of worms? Yes.

A few minutes after I served worms, I found a female on a lonely maple located beyond the back fence.

I had to leave the house for a few hours and I’m sure they didn’t find the worms before the Mockingbirds cleaned the cup.