Marley Demonstrates Her Lesson Learned
I just returned from taking Marley out to go potty. If there is a moon right now, I can't see it due to the cloud cover, so it is pitch black out in the orchards. As we headed out to Marley's favorite spot, she stopped, stared hard into the orchard, and then did something I've never heard Marley do before... She barked. Her ears went back, and her lips curled. At first she tucked her tail and headed back to the house, but then she changed her mind and started gently tugging on the leash while barking. Since Marley has an outstanding sense of smell and can probably see better than I can in that orchard, I opted to trust her instincts and headed back to the house to get my newly-purchased pepper spray. Marley kept following me a few steps and then turning back to bark and guard me. She did this all the way to the door. Once inside, she greeted Anubis as though nothing were wrong. I got my pepper spray, collected Marley once again, and directed her to a different place to relieve herself, and we had no conflict.
I don't know what was in the orchard. I didn't hear a sound or see anything, so I strongly suspect it was either another stray dog or, more likely, a coyote, which would really be no threat to us, but Marley's response was absolutely perfect for a family dog. She was willing to mind and perfectly controllable, but she was determined to stand guard until she knew we were both safe.
I don't know how that girl could endear herself to me any more.
I don't know what was in the orchard. I didn't hear a sound or see anything, so I strongly suspect it was either another stray dog or, more likely, a coyote, which would really be no threat to us, but Marley's response was absolutely perfect for a family dog. She was willing to mind and perfectly controllable, but she was determined to stand guard until she knew we were both safe.
I don't know how that girl could endear herself to me any more.