Ever since Kermit ate one of the Brhamas, http://www.backyardchickens.com/products/brahma we’ve been keeping the dogs and the chickens segregated by only letting the dogs out when the chickens are in their coop.
But, the nature of Steve’s progressive dementia is that he doesn’t always remember details, or realize the consequences of a lapse. And the nature of ADHD is that I am considerably more distractible than the average person. I take all responsibility here, in large part because Steve can’t do anything about his condition, and I can spend more spoons to try to keep shit from happening (and am generally successful) Also, just in case Kermit slips out, he wears a soft muzzle when the chickens are out. This has saved the birds once already. But it kind of breaks my heart so I give him extra hugs and treats while he’s wearing it.
Anyhow, today when Steve left for his walk, he did not notice that Mallorn had slipped outside with him. Drew was working at the mobile home, so I was alone here getting ready to do some errands.
I went into the garage (my bedroom, these days) to get some clothes and I heard Mallorn whining at the OUTSIDE of the back door. “OH FUCK!!!!” Panic Time! Mallorn is outside - WITH THE CHICKENS OUT OF THE COOP!
So, of course, I let Mallie in right away. Then, while totally freaking out I looked for Kermit in the house. He was being good, taking a nap in Steve’s bedroom. I gave both dogs a treat, threw on my clothes, and, still freaking out, went to count the chickens.
There they were, all twelve of them, blissfully pecking around under the living room window. TOTALLY untraumatized. Mallorn was outside for maybe 20 minutes ALONE and unmuzzled and she ONLY wanted back in to her comfy mattress.
Woohoo, good girl indeed! Kermie's always been more of an Excitable Boy, and hey... everybody likes chicken, right? Glad all of yours are fine! They look very cute out in the yard.
But, the nature of Steve’s progressive dementia is that he doesn’t always remember details, or realize the consequences of a lapse. And the nature of ADHD is that I am considerably more distractible than the average person. I take all responsibility here, in large part because Steve can’t do anything about his condition, and I can spend more spoons to try to keep shit from happening (and am generally successful) Also, just in case Kermit slips out, he wears a soft muzzle when the chickens are out. This has saved the birds once already. But it kind of breaks my heart so I give him extra hugs and treats while he’s wearing it.
Anyhow, today when Steve left for his walk, he did not notice that Mallorn had slipped outside with him. Drew was working at the mobile home, so I was alone here getting ready to do some errands.
I went into the garage (my bedroom, these days) to get some clothes and I heard Mallorn whining at the OUTSIDE of the back door.
“OH FUCK!!!!” Panic Time! Mallorn is outside - WITH THE CHICKENS OUT OF THE COOP!
So, of course, I let Mallie in right away. Then, while totally freaking out I looked for Kermit in the house. He was being good, taking a nap in Steve’s bedroom. I gave both dogs a treat, threw on my clothes, and, still freaking out, went to count the chickens.
There they were, all twelve of them, blissfully pecking around under the living room window. TOTALLY untraumatized.
Mallorn was outside for maybe 20 minutes ALONE and unmuzzled and she ONLY wanted back in to her comfy mattress.
PHEW! What a good girlie. ☺
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