A Dog in Forest and Field

The dog’s name is Trudi; although she vaguely resembles a small German Shepard, that's not what she is – she’s pure dog of undetermined ancestry. She was a shelter dog twice over, adopted once and returned until she was adopted by our son and his family. Trudi doesn’t like strangers, especially men, and really does not like other dogs. Perhaps that’s why she made two trips through the shelter. But with her family, including her “grandparents” she’s calm and apparently loving.

Each year, for a week or so, Trudi comes to stay with us and she and I spend time wandering in forest and field, and especially the Big Woods. There she hunts chipmunks, mice and voles with enthusiasm but very little success. If those small rodents had a choice about the predator by which to be hunted, they’d be foolish not to pick Trudi as their pursuer. But she enjoys the chase and puts a lot of effort into the quest.

Thanks to our son’s training Trudi won’t chase deer and will sit when I spend a bit of time photographing plants or other interesting features. While she sits she’s always alert and looking.

Trudi’s a bit over nine years old now and starting to get gray in the muzzle. She gets tired sooner than she did in her younger days (don’t we all?).

And after a good romp in forest or field takes a long nap –

Come to think of it, that’s not a bad idea.