Thursday, February 4, 2010

Something Scary Out There

For most of the last 48 hours, Cocoa (our anxiety-attack dog)has been very agitated. Running to the edge of the woods, barking relentlessly. But not joyously running into the woods as she does to chase rabbits or squirrels. She is sleepless and pacing all night, breaking into barking frequently enough to keep us awake all night too. Eventually we get out of bed, put on our robes and glasses, go downstairs to peer outside but see nothing, baffled about what has her so concerned.

Finally, this morning as I was doing the chores, I got a clue to what the trouble might be --I heard coyotes yipping out in the woods. Then, tonight when Sara left for her class, she called from her cell to tell us she had just seen the silhouette of a dog-like shape run quickly along the outside of the barn and into the woods - a coyote? So now we are a bit less annoyed by Cocoa's behavior--she is doing her job -- and we are a bit more worried about the safety of our poultry.

Tonight after the possible coyote sighting I went back out to double-check that the chicken coop and barn were securely shut. Yep, they were. Hopefully the coyotes are just passing through and won't settle in and drive Cocoa totally bonkers.

4 comments:

Marie said...

they are nasty varmits....and since their turf is being invaded they are moving into ours....they love the taste of chix .... they play with the watermelons....
ugh

Anonymous said...

After two coyotes killed a 19 year old girl on a hiking trail in Cape Breton, I'm much more wary of them than I might have been before. I hope all your critters stay safe...and kudos to your pooch!

katiegirl said...

Good girl, Cocoa!

Linda said...

Sounds like Cocoa was working hard while you were trying to sleep. Now, apologize to her and see what you can do to send those pesky coyotes on their way. Good dog Cocoa.