Following in the Fox's footprints.

I love that my dogs are not prey driven or go nuts at the sign of other living things in the yard (with the exception of Grammy and Grampy and other favorite human visitors...nuts does not begin to describe it, LOL!). They do, however, serve as a great alert system when there is something of interest out there I might love to see.

Take, for example, the scenic dog couch. Strategically placed for comfortable observation of the great outdoors. (Thanks boys for the great pose to show the folks out there!)

Bernard was sitting up there yesterday afternoon, perusing his kingdom. As I watched him I noticed a very slight change in his demeanor....the ears went up a little and he was no longer just looking, he was intently watching something specific. He didn't make a noise or move really...but I knew there was something! So I trot over to take a look. (with Boo and Marly right behind me, because they could tell by MY reaction there just might be something good out there!)

Lo and behold we had a visitor! One of our local coyote was out scrounging around. Recognize the green fencing on the ground? Yup...following the same basic route as our little foxy friend a few days ago.

She poked around outside for a few minutes then ambled off down my long driveway. I didn't like that she was heading toward the more populated area during the day...you know how people are..."Oh my god it's rabid, it's out during the day..."etc, etc! (They are SO misunderstood and persecuted!) But a few minutes after she disappeared I walked down to check on things and I noticed her tracks veered off into the woods before going down near the other houses.

She looked great and there is no reason to suspect any problems, and she was definitely smart enough to avoid the populated area.

They are out there during the day folks, they have just adjusted their wandering habits around people to the dark (usually), when their biggest enemy can't see them! Perhaps our girl here was pulling double duty to find more food because she's eating for 3, or 4 or 5 now?! Oh I would love to get a glimpse of some pups this spring!

All I know, what a pleasure it was to have the opportunity to observe her! It beats the pics on the cooncams I have out there for sure! And..... at least it was at a decent hour, instead of at 3am when they wake me yipping outside my window and it's too dark to see anything anyway!

Belle & Ringer

OK...here she is, the happy mom, Belle. It's tough getting good pics. She is inside and the camera has trouble focusing in the low light. Here she puts herself between me and babies.


Finally she opens up a little and gives me a peek! Two squirming little bodies under there although it's hard to tell!

You can just kind of make out the little tail and feet sticking out under her leg and chin! What a beautiful sight!

Here is her sister, Ringer coming for her daily visit from across the water...taking caution to avoid the Canadian geese in the area I might add. She's just a little girl like her sister and no match for the geese. Ringer is like my Red from my first release a couple years ago....she's the affectionate one from that group that loves to visit and play with mom.

Finally at the feeding station getting some treats and saying Hi Mom! She loves avocado and I would always bring her some for our regular daytime visits last year too. Looks like I'll have to stock up again. Isn't she a beauty!