esrosedotblog

HUNTER

The Airedale breed supplies many hunters with a good bird dog. They can also be trained to hunt varmints; rats, squirrels, and other pests.

Since we do not hunt, we have no such aspirations for our Franklin.

But he hunts without our participation. He chases then stands and points (paw up and folded). This goes for rabbits, squirrels and, especially, kitty cats.

He is cursed with humans who don't get it. We do not act on his initiative.

On the other hand, we have found some common ground. Franklin also loves to hunt bugs; mostly flies.

We are willing partners.

Armed with a fly swatter, we are happy to 'gun down' any flies that he cannot catch himself.

This turns out to be a minority of those found as Franklin is a very fast fly-catcher.

But we stand by, swatter in hand, ready to hit the fly that lights where he cannot reach.

Wham!

He moves in for the kill and then eats the fly!

Of course that is not really the way that it is supposed to go. Since we do not want to eat the fly ourselves, no need to train him to fetch and bring the body back to us, dropping it at our feet.