Sunset on the Goose Season

The other day, the Parks and Rec Supervisor passed along the news that the Goose Chasing season had come to an end for this year. With the influx of human beings into the parks and golf courses, the Canadas are wary of hanging around. It has been a wonderful experience. To take two dogs who had no experience at herding Geese and to watch them develop their tactics over the spring has been a treat. Just when they were getting some expertise, the season finished. Their last trip out was a tour de force. Wagster, the old gal, finally hit the water and took on the herding work with seriousness. Bridget, the youngster, was not falling for the old tricks that had her chasing her tail in the middle of the pond, or worse, endangering herself.

Now, the Geese that are on the water have their broods, they will not leave the place, regardless of provocation. But the dogs haven't yet gotten the message. Any trip in the car has to be a goose chase. They take off on the job, even when they are walking where there are no geese! At least they have the memory and will be hot stuff next spring.

Milestones from the spring chase: Bridget had her first run in with a swan. (one of the tricks she fell for) Geese are scared, swans are not. They confront. I got her out of the water just before the old swan was ready to clobber her. The dogs quickly adjusted to their quarry shortly after that swan run in. They don't even mess with the ducks. That big old blue heron that haunts the pond is of no interest to them whatsoever. Even the sandhill cranes, as dramatic as they are, got nothing more than a passing note from the dogs.

So that was the season past. It was a lot of fun. Meanwhile, I need to find a way to keep the fat off of them. Mutton, anyone?