I just do not get the deal with squirrels.
They are the equivalent of furry terrorists, they invade my space, eat all the scrap food in the area, scare off other dog friendly animals like birds, and they smell bad. So...why would you want them around?
Naturally, I see it as my job - no my duty - to keep the yard and a de-squirrelled zone of about 200 feet beyond clear of squirrels. I know what needs to be done. I'm a terrier. The genes are just there to do this. Each morning, midday break, afternoon walk and...ok, anytime I go outside..I take a running start, lunge off the deck in the direction of the squirrel feeder barking as loud as I can. It takes all squirrels in the yard milliseconds to scramble through the fence into the safety of the trees on the other side. Very effective I would say. Now, that is the first step. The next is to continue barking while looking up into the trees to send the message that: "I know you are still there and I won't stop until I don't smell you anymore. Eventually, they leave for some peace of mind and I know one day they will not return having found a backyard that is undefended.
Oh, did I say squirrel feeder! Oh yes, daddy has built one IN the backyard...yeah. Now I know he dislikes the critters as much as me so what is the deal? He laughs when the squirrels scatter. I even hear a "good girl" once in a while. Well, nice, but you could make my job easier - tear down the feeder! Oh, no, if I need to bark for more than two minutes, it is no more "good girl" but: "That's enough, Lola." Or, if I continue: "I said enough!" And, if I continue to continue: "Lola!!" loud enough that not only the squirrels but all wildlife for 500 feet around clear the area.
So what does he want me to do? Bark a couple of times and, if the squirrels are still hanging around, say: "Now, guys, I really mean it - you got to get out of those trees. Yeah, the ones your sitting in now. The next one, no that one is not yours either. Over there? Well, if you promise not to come to the feeder to eat any more corn, I guess it is alright."
At times, I think he wants to turn me into a "talking terrier." He's the talker.
I'm the Terrible Terrier.
If anyone can help me understand how he thinks, please, let me know.
bww
2 comments:
Hey, Lola.
This is Duffee. I know just what you mean about those darned squirrels. As soon as I'm in the house, they come right up to the front door and laugh at me because my Mom and Dad won't let me patrol the yard all the time. It's SO FRUSTRATING! They just don't get it. If I don't patrol all the time (except when I'm taking naps, of course), then they think they own the place and set up nests in my trees and yell at me from those nests. You've got to be pro-active and attack first, I say, to let them know who's boss.
And the barking... well, our neighbor threatened to have us arrested if we barked anymore, so my folks yell at us at the first "woof". Now how can I maintain my territory with those darned squirrels and be taken seriously when I can't even bark?!?
It's just more than I can bear. I'm going to take a nap now. Everything will look better after a little snooze.
Your friend.
Duffee
Oooh, I HATE them squirrels! Wascally wabbits, too! And chipmunks, oh don't even get me started. Them are the little so-and-so's that come right up onto our deck and make faces at me through the sliding glass door. If I ever get my paws on one of them, it'll be good-bye Chip and Dale, fer sure.
Thanks for letting me vent!
Your pal, Chewie
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