Since I've always considered Barkley a member of the family, I figured I'd share his latest adventure. For the past few years, there has been a serious overpopulation of rabbits in our neighborhood. I used to get annoyed with the holes they'd dig in the backyard and around the fence line - actually I still do, but I've got bigger things to focus on these days... :) Now as some of you may remember, last summer one silly rabbit decided to build her nest and have a litter of bunnies in our backyard. Barkley discovered that nest but luckily no babies were harmed and we spent the next 2-3 weeks taking him out on leash, not mowing the backyard and in general, being very protective of the rabbits. Eventually they "moved out" and that was that. They were fluffy and cute when they finally left and we were happy that we were able to keep the dog away from them for so long. When we saw signs again earlier this summer that rabbits were hanging out in the backyard, I told Paul we just don't have the time to watch out again this year for bunnies, that they have to learn that a fenced yard where an 80lb dog lives is not the place for them. Oh, if only they would have listened... I took Barkley for a walk on Friday evening and he was still pretty hyper when we got home so I put him out in the backyard to burn off a little more energy. When he didn't come back after about 10 minutes, I called to him. Nothing... I walked out on the deck and saw him nosing around in the yard. He looked at me, I called for him again and again, no response. So, I got my shoes on and went out to see what he was doing. You know where this is going don't you??? I found lots of grass clippings and fluffy fur clumps (the nest materials) laying all around. It was getting dark so I took Barkley back in the house and Paul got the flashlight. Sure enough, he found another nest. Unfortunately, one little bunny didn't make it. :( Paul's theory is that Barkley started digging pretty hard in the nest and probably got the little guy with his paws (since the rabbit was a good foot or two away from the actual nest). I feel so bad and hope that the rest of the litter managed to get away and find their mommy. I know Barkley didn't intend to hurt it, he was just curious and being playful. I mean seriously, look at this face....
On the up-side, it is 1 less rabbit to roam the neighborhood.....
1 comment:
Mason found a birds nest in the grass once...That was not pretty!
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