First there is Captain Dinka (more affectionately known as Tank). Part Golden Retriever, part Yellow Lab. 8 1/2 years old. Naturally born leader. Bravely leads the group from her camouflaged position she has dug into Carol's favorite flower bed.
Here she is getting ready to interrogate extremist quail. Can't be to careful these days. She was explaining the hazards of trying to escape.
Whenever Captain Dinka is tied up in important meetings or taking a nap, (which is usually the case), she turns things over to the "Sarge", Annie. Annie is a 7 1/2 year old cross between a yellow lab and a doberman. Annie is in charge of the "bunny" squad. She is on constant patrol on the perimeter fence making sure there are no breaches. A fearless dog, until a storm comes up and then it is anxiety attack time. In the house, behind the chair or bed, shaking like a leaf.
Next in line is Private Bella. Bella is part chocolate lab, black lab, and whatever else happened up the alley. 1 1/2 years old. She is still in training at the moment. Her specialty now is anything that moves. Anything blowing through the yard is fair game. She is pretty deadly with reflections of light from doors, windows, etc. She has a real hi-pitched voice, so she is the danger, alert sounder. When she sounds off, the others have to roll. Danger abounds. This picture is of Bella cooling of in the sprinkler after a hot day of keeping everyone safe.
This picture is of all three, heads together, trying to decide if water-boarding will be necessary on the suspected terrorist quail. They travel without luggage, they live in hiding in the wild. They are pretty secretive. All indications of a terrorist cell. Could be others in the area. Waterboarding may be needed to discover the main bunch!
All kidding aside, these dogs have been our "kids at home" for the past 8 years. The have been great companions and protectors. I spent a few years working in juvenile justice system as an intake officer, surveillance and transport office. I was gone a lot at night, so it was a comfort to me to know that they were there with Carol.(The pistol on the lampstand was too).
The love that a dog shows for its master is the greatest love that can be shown. They are there for you 24/7. Agape love. They will give there life to protect.
We bought Dinka from a litter of nine, I believe. Annie was a pound puppy. Bell was a birthday gift to Carol from a Grandson. They are a great source of entertainment. They each have there little quirks, and routines that they go through each day. Dinka is starting to show her years. She sleeps a lot. Has to have medicine daily for achy joints. She has had two knee surgeries. They are house dogs. We have almost 1/2 an acre fenced off that they run in. They never have been penned up. They are the greatest!
God Bless all--johnnyb
Chuckle....you've just made my morning. Quail...water boarding...gotta love it.
ReplyDeleteDogs are good company, There is no way to know how many burglaries are thwarted because a dog is around or barking.
ReplyDeleteWhen we had a truck 'coast' into the driveway at 2 in the morning, I figured they weren't just stopping by for a friendly visit. The dogs, Abby, a yellow lab, and Buddy, a black lab mix, went just plain nuts. I let them out and the truck backed out and left. I called the cops in the morning from work and he told me two things. "Your biggest deterrant was the dogs" and, "It's better to be tried by 12, than carried by 6." These are troubling times, my friend, it's good to have dogs. I have three.
ReplyDeleteThanks Stephen. Just felt like we needed a little humor to start the day...The quail were released to the wild. Waterboarding was not needed!
ReplyDeleteSharon and Duke--I agree. Even small ankle-bitters can make enough noise to scare off intruders. Thanks for the comments.
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