The population of cottontail and jack rabbits here goes through boom and bust cycles I’ve never tried to explain. Some say plague, some say predators. I say it just happens. During 2021 we were going through a marked rabbit drought, so they weren’t much of a factor in raising Puppy Tobie.
That has changed. At least the jackrabbits are coming back in a big way, and Tobie has noticed. In another year or so this hopefully won’t be a problem: He’s perfectly welcome to chase rabbits as long as he’s mature enough to come straight back after he’s had his fun. (This is a test Little Bear never passed, and he never got off the leash.) Right now, Tobie may have achieved his full size but he’s definitely not mature. And there’s just something about a rabbit that makes a young dog forget all about the business at hand.
This morning we went out for the early walkie, a utilitarian matter of dealing with physical requirements in as quick and businesslike a manner as possible so that Uncle Joel can have his morning coffee. But halfway up the slope, Tobie caught sight of a young jackrabbit.
Being only half awake, I wasn’t paying attention but since we were literally tied together I didn’t believe it mattered all that much: Tobie would hit the end of the leash and that would remind him to get back to business. Tobie had an entirely different approach in mind: Uncle Joel is welcome to come along but I’m chasing that rabbit.
We had words. Uncle Joel does not tolerate side quests when coffee is at stake.
I am surprised he did not drag you along in the dirt. Seems quite capable of doing that already. Be cautious on what is in your potential fall path from here on out.
Reminds me of when we were walking down a paved bike path through the woods with our dogs. Suddenly a rabbit burst out of the woods, counted coup on both dogs, (I assume that’s what bouncing like a pinball off each dog was) and disappeared. By the time our great hunters figured out what happened, they didn’t know which way to chase.
thermos?
🙂 If Little Bear couldn’t tow me, Tobie – the lightweight – doesn’t have a chance. He did try, though.
my morning laugh/ go tobie!!!
Harmless, soft, edible critters that lead you on a merry chase, just fast enough that you might catch the occasional one. What wonderful things rabbits must be in the eyes of a dog.
Coffee in a somewhat-spillproof travel mug? Ooh, ooh, I know! A hydration pac with a hose and bite valve!