The Art of Digging

      It’s probably safe to say that at one time or another each of us has been the proud owner of a four-legged dirt digger. Even the daintiest of dogs, at times, can’t resist that urge to dig their paws into the ground. So what is it about digging that fascinates them so? What are their reasons for tossing some dirt in the air?

     I’m sure each four-legger has a distinct purpose for every hole they dig. That purpose may be a hunt, their own buried treasure, a need to get to the other side of a fence, or just plain boredom. Whatever their reason, when a digger is on a mission there is no stopping them. If you are able to distract the digger, it will prove to be a very brief halt. The first chance they get they’ll be right back at it

     I have known some diggers throughout my lifetime, and each did have their reasons for the dirt they threw.

     When we adopted our dog Missy, she had a tendency to roam. While my dad worked on fencing in our back yard, we would tie her to a post. It was at this time that her talent for digging surfaced. Her first hole was deep enough for her to lie in and rest her head on the rim.

     Her dirt digging days did not end with the completion of the fence. Apparently she yearned for more space to roam than her huge yard offered. When her urge to roam kicked in, the dirt would fly and under the fence she would go. I believe the reason for her digging was freedom.

     My pal, Chewy, would dig her holes along her fenced in yard. Never were her holes deep enough to escape through. When she seemed satisfied with one hole, she would move along and start another. I sensed her reason was the pure enjoyment of the task.

     Our current dog, Whitney, does her digging only when she is on the scent of some underground rodent. When she is in this mind set it is impossible to make her stop. If she happens to pop her head out from the hole, I look into her eyes and hear, “You’re crazy if you think I’m stopping now.” Her reason to dig is simply the hunt.

     Neighbor dog, Stanley, had multiple digging issues. I say ‘had’ because as he has aged his digging has toned down. In the prime of his digging days he would start a hole and from there he would dig at least one off-shoot tunnel. Other times he seemed to dig only to watch the dirt fly, or in winter to watch the snow fly. Currently he digs only when he is on a gopher or mouse hunt. His multiple issues cover boredom, enjoyment, and the thrill of the hunt.

     There is one thing that all diggers have in common; when the digging is done they are always dirty. Just relax, two-leggers, the dirt will wash off.

     So long, I’ll see you soon!