Friday, March 30, 2007

Sled Dog Grouse Predator

There was a little bit of excitement in the backyard yesterday as our furry friend ate a grouse! We saw our recreational sled-puller carrying a large brown bird around in her mouth, but figured she'd probably injured it too much to bother rescuing it. Besides, as soon as we went outside, she ran into the bushes to munch on her meal in seclusion. Later we went to check on her; there were only a few feathers left.
The question is, who actually caught the bird? We had a chocolate labrador retriever over for a visit with our very social Malamute-Husky and I think it was a team effort. The lab (being a good bird dog by nature) probably caught the bird, and our dog took it from him and ate it. Simply by size, our dog tends to be the dominant dog in the yard. Of course, I don't bother to grow any plants in the backyard with the dog. Digging is probably their second most favourite team effort. It's mostly bedrock back there anyways, with wild blueberries growing in the crevices.
The second picture is of our furry friend and another buddy: a miniature Daschund that we dog-sat for a day earlier this month. Our dog wanted to play with him and tried to gently nudge him into action but I think the cold of the snow on his sagging obese belly put him off outdoor activities.

4 comments:

kate said...

I have a hunch the lab probably got the bird... what a beautiful dog you have. The dachshund did not look as if it wanted to move at all!

Today is warmer here...

Gardenista said...

Yes, I've never hear about the husky or malamute as a "good hunting dog". The lab, on the other hand, was hopeles at pulling a sled. We did try attaching the two dogs to a sled and the lab "retrieved" his own line and attempted to pull the sled in the opposite direction.

Kandace said...

Make sure Puppy doesn't eat the weiner dog next!! That's hilarious! Talk about team work.

Unknown said...

Speaking of Malamutes and Dachshunds getting together. We just adopted a cute fellow that is just that a mix of Malamute and Dachshund. How? Why? I guess nature finds a way. He is now 7 months and 25 lbs.