My husband and I walk our dog Pepper in the neighborhood every day in the Time of Corona. This is new for us.
In the last several weeks we’ve encountered ducks, geese, a wild turkey, a dog on the lam, walkers, runners, and moms and dads with their wild offspring in the yard. We’ve seen a venomous snake in a creek where a grandfather and his grandkids had been playing the day before. That’s probably the scariest thing we’ve seen.
But Pepper and I had a lot to discuss after today’s walk, for she – today – was the scary one…
* * *
Back in our own yard, Pepper and I settled in to watch the birds.
“Pepper, you really scared Hunter today,” I began – tentatively – not knowing how she would respond. Sometimes she can be a little prickly, like a teenager.
“I didn’t do anything!” she exclaimed. “What was wrong with him?”
We had been walking by his yard, like we always do, and Pepper had reared up on her hind legs, on the leash, like she always does. Normally he runs along the border of his yard – along the invisible fence line – barking confidently. He’s got to be at least 20 pounds heavier than her. Like her, he appears to be the product of a love affair rather than organized breeding.
Today, he retreated – whining, running in circles. Whine-shrieking really. It was hard for us to avert our eyes.
His mom, in the yard, on her phone, looked at us balefully. “It’s ok, Hunter,” she assured him, but not very assuringly, because she was on her phone.
“What do you think was wrong with Hunter?” Pepper asked me again, more quietly.
“I’m not sure,” I answered. “We’ve never seen him freak out like that before.”
“I didn’t mean to make him sad,” she admitted. “I was just playing and bossing like I always do.”
“I know, Pep,” I said, “but everything is a little different right now. And everyone. And people and dogs might freak out a little bit because of all the things people are worrying about. Maybe you should be extra-careful and extra-gentle with Hunter right now.”
“Maybe I shouldn’t try to boss him around from outside his own yard,” she considered.
“Maybe you could just boss the squirrels in our own yard for right now,” I suggested.
“And the chipmunks!” she added, sprinting towards one cheeky fellow who had come out to eat the safflower seeds we’d scattered for the cardinals and finches.
(And in the meanwhile, I thought, I’ll try to be the boss of myself.)
May 8, 2020 at 5:46 am
❤️
May 8, 2020 at 10:05 am
xoxo
May 8, 2020 at 5:51 am
Perfect from start to finish. I didn’t think I could love Pepper anymore, and then I saw the picture of her with Cow.
May 8, 2020 at 8:40 am
Totally agree. That cow pic is adorable!
May 8, 2020 at 10:06 am
Thank you dear Mary!! xoxo
May 8, 2020 at 8:14 am
How I’ve missed sweet Pepper!
May 8, 2020 at 10:06 am
She finally started talking to me again… sending very warmest wishes to you & yours, Whitney!! xoxo
May 8, 2020 at 9:48 am
What a lovely reminder to be extra gentle with everyone. Sweet Hunter and sweet Pepper! Jennifer, thank you for this.
May 8, 2020 at 10:08 am
(I’ve been Hunter & I’ve been Pepper, you?) xoxo
May 8, 2020 at 10:08 am
I love your conversations with Pepper. I wish she could meet Carly (our yellow Lab) and Pippin (our Miniature Schnauzer).
May 8, 2020 at 10:10 am
I wish she could too, Jack! So much! They would be fast friends, maybe. Depending on how rude Pepper was!! xoxo
May 8, 2020 at 11:16 am
I’m so happy to hear from Pepper again! The picture of her with cow is adorable ❤️.
May 8, 2020 at 12:15 pm
Thank you, dear friend! Cow has lasted a really long time around here! A shockingly long time. Hopefully she’s in it for the long run. Hope all’s well with you today ~ xoxo
May 8, 2020 at 11:59 am
!!!
May 8, 2020 at 12:16 pm
xoxo
May 8, 2020 at 12:53 pm
Have the cries today! Now I am gushing! Love you guys
May 8, 2020 at 1:02 pm
I get those sometimes too, Cindi. I am keeping you in my heart today… Hang in there… xoxo
May 9, 2020 at 8:05 am
Welcome back, Pepper! We’ve all missed your musings. (and love your bovine buddy!)
May 9, 2020 at 9:02 am
xoxo!!
May 9, 2020 at 2:50 pm
Love this, dear Jennifer! Needed this sweetness and gentle perspective this morning.