Our terrier Libby has a beloved pastime, and she could do it all day, if I let her. Trouble is, I wouldn’t get anything done. It’s hard to relax when she’s performing this ritual, so only a few times a day is she given free rein, so to speak….
Libby loves sitting on our backdoor stoop.
At least to the naked eye, she’s just sitting. But I know, our fluffy little lapdog’s really taking in information. Like watching the news, Libby is sniffing the breeze, listening for the tiniest sounds from the woods, and really seeing her world—no matter the time, season, or weather. She’ll sit, her head constantly moving, tuning in to everything.
Our backyard is Libby’s personal Netflix, a live stream that never ends. She can’t wait to see the latest episode of, “The Chipmunk Chronicles.” Can those little rodents stop squabbling long enough to move into their new hole in the stone wall? What will happen next on Robin Family Reunion? How is Mom coping with that empty nest? And there’s always the fun-filled, “Squirrels Gone Mad!” Is there no end to their bushy-tailed capers?
Libby could sit for hours and although she’s on a leash and can’t go far, I stay vigilant.
Coyotes and bobcats live in our woods. Local news always has stories of beloved cats or dogs being dragged off by predators. Many times, when she’s out there, I sit in our den doing my work, close by. That way Libby is within earshot, and I can get to her if any problem arises.
The other day, she started barking and growling at something that only she could discern in the woods. It could be deer, or a rabbit. It could be a bear. After barking, she seemed more than happy to come inside. And I was more than happy to let her.
A few times—especially during coyote mating season—she’ll start to go out the back door and abruptly stop. I’m good, she seems to say, as she turns and heads back. Think I’ll stay inside. Something is out there she doesn’t want to mess with. Come to think of it, I don’t want to mess with whatever’s-out-there either.
One of many things I love about having a pet is how Libby connects me more to the natural world. She lives in a constant primal, sensory state, maybe the way we humans did in our earliest existence. Now as we seem to be getting further from that realm, it’s nice to have a family member who routinely “checks in” with that bigger, even spiritual, side of life.
Phew. I thought kids were hard to babysit. Now I have a 13-pound Yorkie who constantly tests my patience (she wants to sit outside again?) and even my bravery. Letting my fragile little “daug-ter” out into this wild, sometimes cruel world—even on a leash—can feel dicey. I must always watch out for her.
Still, how can I say no? After all, all girls need their “me-time.”
Do you have pets who like to hang outside, much to your worry? Comments are always welcome and if you’d like to receive posts by email, just press here. Thank you!
