The Chipmunks Are Over There

      In my posting of Nov. 25 the chase was on for the elusive squirrel. It seems appropriate to follow that up with the chase for the speedy chipmunk. The chipmunk may torment our four-leggers even more than the squirrel. Their smaller size makes it easier for them to scurry into the smallest of hiding places. 

     To our Whitney and neighbor dog Stanley, it seems the smaller the animal the more determined they are to catch it. Sensing no danger in the chase, both of these four-leggers will follow a chipmunk wherever it leads them. Being that they are constant companions, the duo has developed their own strategy of double teaming while on the chase. At times their strategy has taken them on a dangerous route.

     Stanley’s Grandpa Ron lives across a busy highway from where we live, and his yard is host to many chipmunks. Unbeknownst to any of us, if Stanley was loose and bored he would dart across the highway on a chipmunk hunt. It’s not that his mission was dangerous, but the journey to his hunting spot was where the danger lay.

     Most dogs enjoy the thrill of a ride in their owner’s vehicle. In their innocent minds they sense no danger from a moving vehicle, because to them, cars are fun. How do we get them to understand that these fast moving machines of the road can cause grave harm if they innocently cross paths with one?

     With a considerable amount of training, we all assumed Stanley was finally cured of his ‘across the highway adventures’―that is until one day last spring. On that day, Stanley and Whitney escaped from our yard. After a considerable amount of time calling and whistling for the two, Whitney reappeared―without her cohort. Later that evening we were told that the duo was seen chasing Grandpa Ron’s chipmunks.

     After my anger passed, I envisioned the conversation that transpired between the duo as they set out on their mission:

     Stanley: “My Grandpa lives across that road and he has a lot of chipmunks.”

     Whitney: “But we aren’t supposed to go that way.”

     Stanley: “We run fast and no one will know. Just follow me, Whitney.”

     Whitney: “Okay, pal, I’m right behind you.”

     A couple of weeks went by before the duo escaped on another mission to Grandpa’s. It took some time, but we finally were able to catch the pair and bring them safely home. It was obvious more training was in store for the pair.

     After a mission free week passed by, Whitney suddenly disappeared from the yard. A few shouts and whistles she was spotted running from Grandpa Ron’s. This mission she had done alone, without the urging from Stanley.

     The latch was fixed on the gate and the pair no longer has a means of escape from the yard. Under careful watch, the pair is given time each day to have their ‘freedom run’. During this time they are now content to stay on our side of the highway and hunt for gophers and mice.

     Listen up, you two, if you get the urge to cross that highway, remember that the road is a dangerous place―no matter how fast you run.

     So long, I’ll see you soon!