Topaz and the locals

Topaz is of the opinion that most of the local wildlife are friends, except for birds and rodents.

Living in a place that is completely surrounded by fields and wooded areas means that we often have encounters with the "locals".

We have the herd of deer that is outside at dawn and dusk at least 3-4 times a week. Most of the deer are quite young and there is even a yearling that is still quite playful and has not learned to recognize danger in the way that the others have. Usually I go out to watch and attempt to photograph the herd grazing and frolicking  in the field without Topaz. However, there have been a few times in which I walked her and the herd was outside. This of course resulted in whole body wags and her talking to the deer. She never understands why when she talks to the deer they all run away. She just cocks her head to the side and then looks at me with sad, pitiful eyes because her friends ran away instead of coming to say hi.

We also have many types of birds that are constantly hanging out in our yard. Most of the birds show complete respect for Topaz and promptly take to the trees and electric wires. However, the mockingbirds have a different opinion. They believe it is their yard and she should be honored that they are willing to share it with her rather than the other way around. One particular mockingbird even believes that the van is it personal perch. Yes, I parked it in that exact spot just for that bird to use as a perch. If Topaz pees to close to the van then the bird flies around Topaz's head chatting away. It is quite amusing to watch this little bird (in comparison to the 55 lb dog) as it gives Topaz a scolding for peeing to close to it's perch. Despite her dislike for birds, Topaz handles the scolding well. She wears an unamused look on her face, however, she has never attempted to catch the bird.

We do have rabbits, however, Topaz has never noticed them. It is a good thing they hide well, mostly for my arm rather than their safety. She is convinced the raccoon that has visited on several occasions is an odd dog and never understands why Mommy refuses to allow her to meet it. She has taken no notice to the bats. The resident carpenter bee that constantly guards our front porch and we affectionately call Mr. Bumbles and her do not always get along. Mr. Bumbles likes to buzz in her face in attempt to push her away from the porch to which she responds by snapping at it. Mr. Bumbles does not try to keep her away from the porch to often now. However, it is constantly chasing off birds, other bees, wasps and other insects. The most recent local visitors have been either small frogs or toads hanging out in the shade by the side of the house by day and then becoming active by night. Topaz has yet to have an encounter with one though.