11.15.2011

November 15, 2011

White Dog and the rest of the White Dog Army spent most of the day resting quietly, recuperating from Nuka's Gotcha Day celebration, and continuing to send positive energy out to those in need. It was a calm and tranquil day of giving pets and cuddling and just being together.

Our serenity exploded into the flurry of charging White Dogs barking a "RED ALERT!" intruder warning late in the afternoon. All followed White Dog through the dog door into the yard. Their vocal attack was fierce as they growled and yipped and howled and snarled.

A short while later, I saw the neighbor's cat skeedaddle over the wall outside my office window. The WDA came in breathless and unsettled. They spent much of the rest of the afternoon patrolling the perimeter and pacing.

When Michael came home and went out to complete his yard cleanup chores, their distress became apparent. Michael came in and asked how he should best deal with a big dead bird in the yard. He said, "It isn't pretty and I don't want the dogs to see this." I explained that they were already aware of the bird bloodbath and told him how to clean up the remains safely and efficiently. All five of the White Ones followed him out to watch.

After, he stood waiting for me to look up from the keyboard. I stopped. WD, Quinn, and Puffy looked up at me. "I hope the poor bird did not suffer," he said. "I hate that cat." The dogs grumphed in agreement.

"You cannot hate a cat for being a cat," I said. "The cycle of life is sometimes harsh. Instead let's take a minute to honor the bird's spirit and say a prayer that he flew straight to heaven." "Can we light a candle?" Michael asked. "Let's go out on the deck and do it now; the White Ones can join us."

"May he rest in peace," Michael said.

14 comments:

Suka said...

hey White Dog Army,

You mom has much wisdom. Nature can be cruel (although that is a human judgment - Nature just is), and prey and predator exist in all of Nature. It can be very difficult and heart-wrenching to witness, as you pups unfortunately found out today, but it is a lesson in life we must all learn.

Kudos to Michael for being so sensitive and loving about the situation. What a wonderful expression of respect to the bird to bless it and honor it.

Now, time to set up a 24-hour patrol around your territory to keep those kitty-cats out! :->

Suka

Bailey Be Good! said...

OOOH those mean kitties! Our neighbor brings home homeless kitties all the time, and it's her fault that they live in everyone's yard. It's also her fault that those kitties are killing all the baby birdies. An occasional kitty passing by wouldn't be so bad, but when there's a gang around all the time... there really isn't any chance. It's really so sad.

And they make me go crazy when they pass right by my window! I just wanna GRRRR!

Woofs & hugs! <3

~Bailey (Yep, I'm a girl!)

bichonpawz said...

We totally understand! This very same thing happened out in our yard this weekend! Sometimes...it just makes us want to BARK!!!

Glad that you got it all cleaned up and taken care of...
xoxo Chloe and LadyBug

STELLA and RORY from Down Under said...

Hi Everybuddy, I hate to say it, but I (Stella)actually caught a bird the other day. Sorry. I just did and mum doesn't know how. But it was dead and mum didn't let me keep it. Sorry. No worries, and love, Stella and Rory

How Sam Sees It said...

Very wise outlook!

Sam

The Daily Pip said...

That's a lovely way to look at things and you are right, life is a cycle and we all have our roles. My bunny sister Lulu is still afraid of me because her instincts tell her that I may be a predator and she prey. Of course, nothing could be further from the truth, but it is hard to get past nature.

Your pal, Pip

Brian's Home Blog said...

Y'all are always so WD Wise!!!

Remington said...

You have the right way of looking at things....

Dachshund Nola said...

What a good way to look at life
Kisses and Tail Wags
Dachshund Nola

Angel Ginger Jasper said...

You have a wise way of looking at things and it is life but mum is always glad that I make too much noise and dont catch the birds that land to feed in next doors yard. Hugs GJ xx

KB said...

I like your outlook on life and how you're teaching Michael about it.

I'm glad that the WDA is keeping such good track of their territory!

Tweedles -- that's me said...

Fly away- little bird-- let your spirit fly over the rainbow
love
tweedles

Teddy Bear said...

Happy Belated Gotcha Day to Nuka!!! Those kitties...they are everywhere. Poor birdies.:(

Love,
Teddy Bear & Sierra

Sagira said...

RIP to the bird. Good thing Michael got is all cleaned up safely.