Small miracles--daily

I just couldn't wait to share these photos! Dave told me he had seen a doe and her twin fawns cross in front of his motorcycle on the way to work one morning. They were headed into the wooded area where I walk and today I practically stepped on one of the fawns--still with spots, no less. I know that some folks have deer visitors who can be a nuisance but I have never been lucky enough to see them up close so this absolutely made my day!

Eat your greens!

I couldn't believe what I was seeing one day as I walked around Island Lake. Something was moving swiftly across the water and it looked like a dandelion plant. I knew they were a hardy weed, but. . . .at closer inspection I saw a head attached to it with a small leathery tail bringing up the rear. This little muskrat had totally unearthed the plant, roots and all, and was transporting it across the lake to Chez Slimy Shore to dine. I felt really lucky to have witnessed this ambitious and clever fellow--a creature who truly works for its supper.

To see more animal photos, visit Misty Dawn at Camera Critters. After you see all the variety you'll want to join in too.

Favorite Things Thursday

At the very top of my list of oh-so-many favorite things is DOGS--Canis lupus familiaris--definitely domesticated wolves. I am in awe of their four powerful legs, the scratchy pads on their feet, a tail that lives a total life of its own, ears with pariscopic properties, luxurious fur coats, wet noses and tongues, with those soulful, profoundly knowing eyes.

typical Minnesota scene--always a Lab in the pack

I have been fortunate to have had a dog most of my life starting with my first pal Penny, a Golden Cocker Spaniel, then two black Cockers--Stormy and Rocky, some farm dogs, Angelo the collie-cocker mix Dave got for me for our first Christmas together in Massachusetts, Patches the beagle while the girls were little and the dear kindred-spirited Pashka, the black and white Siberian Husky we had for 16 years who 'crossed the bridge' in March--one brown eye, one blue eye, gentle, happy snow-eater.

Favorite Things Thursday is a new Meme sponsored by my fellow blue afficionado, Blue at Behind Kyanite's Door. To join up for this personal glimpse into what makes us tick, stop by!

Two peas in a pod? read the caption

A Labrador named Ben swam Monday with his friend Duggie the dolphin off Tory Island in northwest Ireland. The Irish Independent reported that the two have formed a friendship in recent months with the normally land-loving Ben pacing the pier and jumping into the water as soon as he sees Duggie. Ben's owner, Pat Doohan, said Ben and Duggie spend up to three hours at a time playing. And now two collies are starting to join in. Doohan said Duggie came to the island in 2006 as the body of another dolphin being washed ashore. "People think it was probably her partner and...that is why she stayed behind.

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I saw this small article and photo in today's newspaper. And in an effort to distract myself from my incessant weather reporting on my blog, I thought I'd share this bit of fun, frolic and endearing animal behavior.

Now collies are getting in the act? These four-legged and, umm, two flippered creatures have it all figured out as far as I'm concerned. See, we can get along! Looking different isn't important in the larger scheme, its all about playing together in the water until you're too tired to play anymore.

The Irish Independent ran the first article about Duggie last year. Its really worth reading because you'll get tips on how a dolphin can outsmart a dog. Could be useful.

What is a friend? A single soul dwelling in two bodies. Aristotle