Having a dog is like having a two –year old. They need a lot of attention, affection and they need to be kept clean and fed—and they need to go “out” to do their “duty.”
I walk Sparkle (the delightful puppy who allows me to live in her house) at least twice a day. These are long walks—usually we are out for a half hour—sometimes almost an hour.
We traditionally take a walk late at night—and I do mean late. In fact, we’ve been out as late as midnight. I’ve never felt nervous being out at that time because of where I live.
Recently, that illusion has been shattered.
They’re back!
I saw them for the first time about a month ago as we headed down the driveway for the vest-pocket park across the street from my home. They were lurking in the shadows of the night.
Rather small for their species and sleek, the deer looked up as Sparkle began to bark at them.
I stopped.
The deer stopped and stood as still as statues. Sparkle pulled on her leash to try to go toward them, still barking urgently.
In the dark of night and through the haze, they were mystically beautiful to see.
But I wasn’t sure what they might do—would they run away, would they come toward my impertinent little dog who thinks she can take on all of the Animal Kingdom?
I hurried Sparkle back into the house reasoning that if she couldn’t “hold it” until morning, she could use the emergency pad in the utility room.
We’ve seen them several times since. The other night was a bit of a surprise because they weren’t in the little park. Instead they were feeding on the bushes in front of the house around the corner. Sparkle and I quickly changed our route, and when we came back, the deer had moved to the house right next to mine. As we approached our driveway, the deer startled and ran away.
It is little unsettling to see the deer—but it still seems wonderfully exciting at the same time.
But I decided that I need to take Sparkle out earlier for her final walk of the day.
After all, the deer need their space—and so do we.
Image courtesy of Bing Free Images
You might also keep a good distance from the sandhill cranes. They greatly dislike dogs and with their long necks and beaks could be dangerous to a dog who got off the leash and ran up to them barking.
The deer are such beautiful creatures. Unfortunately, with all of the new construction and clearing of land, we have invaded their home territory. What are they to do? Where are they to eat? There is no answer… except to cohabitate, like you and Sparkle are doing!