I’ve heard from people who don’t know dogs that those of us who do see reasoning where there isn’t any. There’s no getting through to them.
Some background. One of Betty’s nicknames is “the enforcer.” Nothing happens that she doesn’t want to happen.1 Vinny and Coco are playmates. They play rough and they know each other’s moves.
This all took place in about two and a half minutes.
We were on the Mild Side on the inland side of the last hill before the bay.
There were two other pairs of dogs in addition to my owners. One pair passing through. The other pair’s person was sitting. Up on the hill near that bush at the center of the picture above I Chuck-It-ed the ball for Betty. With my camera raised I saw out of the corner of my eye this fellow running out onto the field. He’d been milling about with Vinny and Coco and now far behind Betty I figured
he was going for the pigeons. Eye at the view finder I waited. Instead he headed out across the field toward Betty. Zooming in while I tracked and took pictures I almost lost him2 just barely catching their greeting at the edge of the frame.
Like a rich man after money Betty chases the ball as fast as she can and she’s fast! It happens often that other dogs see her running and want her to play but Betty is all about the ball and fiercely protects it. I didn’t see their greeting ending well but then...
The brothers circled each other then my lead headed back to Vinny and Coco. Everyone had acknowledged everyone else earlier. This was more formal and something else.
I had to choose who to follow and like Vinny I was a bit concerned for Coco.
Half a second later she’d rolled over bringing it to an end. They are both just puppies. I quickly scooped and chucked the ball for a now impatient Betty then sighted these two.
That’s it. The play broke up. Betty needed her ball tossed. It’s a dog park. Everything happens seven times faster.
1) Betty won’t allow Vinny or Coco in the kitchen while I make everyone’s dinner. She goes out of her way to gruffly remind them. The thing is she knows I won’t start until she’s sitting. Dread knows this too and he wants his food. He scolds Betty if she doesn’t sit right away, he scolds Vinny and Coco if they defy Betty.
2) If allowed, the camera delays for 2 seconds showing the picture it just captured. The delay is overridden by re-pressing the shutter release. Though usual less, there may be upwards to a second of delay. Long enough to lose a moving target. I’ve since disabled the post shot display function.
PWBPeeps is a group that posts a daily diary and nightly open thread for animal lovers. We share photos, seek & give advice about pet health and behavior issues, support each other in times of sadness and stress, celebrate together when times are good, and on most days have an inordinate amount of fun.
You are welcome to join us!