By 8:42 am on Tuesday and I was already worn out from trying to keep everybody safe in my yard. Spring has presented itself with new challenges and responsibilities all because of a Red-tailed Hawk or as Doc calls it “that chicken hawk” that sits on the fence waiting to find a tasty meal. The problem is I don’t want him dining on the little woodland creatures from our yard. No sir, I am not going to let him, not on my watch. I have become attached to them and feel it’s my duty to protect them.
When I see him eyeing a little critter, I charge toward him growling and barking with my chest puffed out and he gets scared and flies away. No one is happier than me that he’s intimidated by me because that is a big bird with sharp talon’s. I guess he figures I am too much trouble at 84 pounds to mess with. Now I get it, everyone needs to eat, but he should to be smart enough to strike up a relationship with a human that will feed him. That’s what I’ve done and it’s much easier that hunting for your food every day.
Of all the creatures in the yard I worry about Miss Bunny the most. She comes in the yard to eat at dawn and dusk. In the early morning when Doc lets me out, she is usually there and feels safe enough around me to stay in the yard if I keep my distance. Two years ago she trusted us enough to have 6 little baby bunnies in our yard. I think she is in the family way again because Doc found a hole in the ground that looks like she has prepared a nest. Those baby bunnies are cute but both Doc and I were nervous wrecks trying to keep them safe from the hawk last time and I don’t know if I can stand the pressure of being a step dad again.
Doc knows I have been working hard lately and feeling a little stressed, so she scheduled me a spa day at the Vet’s office this morning. I will get a bath, blow out, massage, mani-pedi and then get some time to play with the nice staff that takes care of me there. Even therapy dogs need some me time.
So what’s the point of this whole story? Although it’s important to protect and take care of those you love, it is equally important that you take care of yourself. I am always surprised that many of you think it is ok to put yourself last. Like Doc always says, if you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t have the energy to take care of anybody else.
Grover, I can just see you out in the yard, guarding the bunnies, chip monks, and other furry creatures and I smile. You are not alone in the way you take care of the smallest of critters because I do to ! It is my job to make sure that animals, children, older people always get a chance to shine , you are the best
I think it is important that we all watch out for each other. Keep up the good work!
Grover