Saturday, August 23, 2014

The Todd Hunter


I may have my fears, but Todd has none. Scottie's are nicknamed "the Diehard" in reference to their rugged character that is tough, determined and ready for action. Todd is fearless and feisty. He is also a hunter. Unfortunately.  Nothing in our yard gets past him.  Sadly the rabbits that built a nest right next to our fence didn't know that (and I didn't realize they were there) and two family members were lost last week, when Todd dug a hole under the fence to get to the little ones. The rest of the family remains safe as that area is now cornered off.
Turning his attention to something else, for the past several days Todd has been curiously and obsessively looking at something by our barn. I thought (and hoped) it was probably a mouse. Yesterday he began barking wildly and hysterically. It was a high-pitched bark as he ran back and forth along the side of the barn. I gathered my courage and went to see what he was barking at.  I saw nothing other than the hole he had dug by the fence. I asked him to come inside, which he reluctantly did.  A few hours later, thinking whatever was there was probably gone, I let Todd out again.  All was quiet for a few moments, then the frenzy and excitement began all over again.  Taking a deep breath, and saying a silent prayer for my bravery, I went to see what it was, and it was then that I saw it.

A box turtle, that was digging its way into the yard.  I breathed a big sigh of relief.  
I took it outside the fence, where Sheba, being a Golden Retriever, tried the more diplomatic approach to make friends. But the turtle would have none of that and it turned to leave.  
Then it changed its mind and turned back towards the fence for another encore from Todd, who gave him one.
I think I saw it take a bow as it  turned around and went back towards the woods. 
 Hopefully to never be seen again... 

24 comments:

  1. Aw...Such sweet faces. Even on the turtle @;)

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  2. Todd is protecting his territory from all the critters.. Poor bunnies, I had that happen years ago.. I am glad the turtle changed direction and went back into the woods, for his own safety.. I love the cute doggies, turtle and your photos. Have a happy weekend!

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  3. Awwww, looks like you've food a new friend!

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  4. oh, that todd! so cute, though. i love the pretty box turtles, too. here, it would have been picked up and carried around and maybe gnawed on, too.

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  5. You captured some photos of Todd that are perfect for describing terriers. It's too bad cute little critters have no clue about big bad hunters until it's too late.

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  6. Give Todd a break. That thing with good hiding places on its back could have been a squirrel in disguise who was infiltrating Golden Pines for nefarious purposes.

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  7. OMD…. U found Boxy! Dat turtle sure gets around. When I found Boxy…. I thought he was a ball and tried rolling him around. I have dat same high-pitch barky when I find something good (like a bunny). Good job Todd at policing your yard.
    Wags,
    Ranger

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  8. Love turtles! He's great! But sorry about your bunnies... :(

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  9. Love the pictures with Todd looking so determinedly at the intruder.

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  10. OMD! A ball with legs!! I want one!

    Otto

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  11. We've lived here 15 years and every single spring and fall a large turtle crosses the yard. I don't know where he's going but he follows the same path every year. The Porties gather in a circle around him to inspect him but don't touch. Monty was afraid and would hide behind me. Tsar and Morgan both picked him up and brought him to me and this year Sydney barked and ran in circles around him. Either Rob or I pick him up and place him outside the fence to help him on his journey.

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  12. Todd is a good watch-dog, even if it is a turtle. You were so brave to look and find out what was there, fearing the worst maybe. A lovely story with a happy ending, the best of all. Cheers,Jean.

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  13. Oh, that turtle was just too cute! Sorry about the bunnies. I have several killers in the house. My cats woke me with little screaming noises yesterday, they had just killed a vole after playing with it in the kitchen, oh dear!

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  14. Harlow will gladly head over and help you keep that turtle out of the yard...

    Monty and Harlow

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  15. As you know, our Hailey is the same. She wants to get everything. We hope the turtle doesn't bother you again!

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  16. Goldens Neeli & Elle will be glad to help with bunnies if Todd needs assistance!

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  17. Most dogs become totally obsessed with turtles. That was the one thing that my dad's dog would false point.

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  18. Wonderful post, Kim. Glad to hear it was only a turtle. :-)
    Have a blessed Sunday. ♥

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  19. WTG, Todd! You surely live up to the Diehard name...

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  20. I bet your heart sometimes goes into a sinking motion when the dogs start frantically barking at something,, because you know its always some kind of animal. Todd is just doing his insticts-- even though its sad about the bunnies- its not your fault.
    The little turtle is sooo pretty!
    Another day of facing your fears.
    love
    tweedles

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  21. Can you imagine being in that shell and hearing all that racket????? LOL!...:)JP

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  22. our paws are crossed for a good outcome with CarrieAnne - you guys are always in our thoughts

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  23. oh I can hear that shrill, Scottie alert! I don't believe that Edgar has ever caught anything, but he's frequently out on a leash and is stopped before he gets too close.

    Edgar and his mum

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Speak--I really enjoy your comments! Thanks for stopping by today!!