Birdy Birdy Birdy Birdy

Aside from being the call of a Cardinal; "birdy-birdy-birdy-birdy-bird" was also the only thing running through Dale's mind this morning at the dog park. Well, that and "Rrrrrrrrruuuuuuunnnn-nn-nn-nn-nn-nn." That dog went crazy over the birds! Even though he knew I had liver treats in my pocket, and he heard my calling him...he wasn't having anything to do with anything except chasing those birds. It is a known issue with bird dogs. Hunters call it "going birdy." The dog forgets everything it's ever learned except for "ohmygosh a bird! gotta get it. Got To Get IT!!!!!"

Eventually though, I walked in a different direction and he found himself somewhat alone with me on the horizon, so he ran back to me. Where he discovered the other dogs. There was much chasing and exchanging of canine gossip. After finding that Dale had become like fresh meat at the prison to the other, more dominant dogs, we left the group play area and walked on.

Over the hill and around the bend was the climax of Dale's morning, and the bane of mine.

There, by the culvert, nestled in a tiny valley between two hills, was Heaven. Thick, lucious, goopy, slimy, black mud. Well churned by previous canine explorers, it was the "perfect" consistency. Not too dry and claylike, but not an extra skimming of water in sight. Before the sight actually registered in my mind as to what it was, Dale was like a celebrity in a spa...covered with mud from his nose to his tail. The only spot on him that wasn't muddy was right behind the ears. He was dancing, and digging and snuffling around. Rolling and barking and having the time of his life. Heaven! In a short 30 seconds, I went from having an adorable white dog with black spots to having a black dog with white spots.

I actually encouraged him to jump into the creek after that, hoping that the creek would at least wash SOME of the mud off of him.

No such luck.

Upon arriving home he got the hose turned on him...and then dumped into the bath.

He's sleeping now, so angelic, so cute, so innocent. His favorite rope chewy in his mouth like a baby's pacifier, his little paws twitching and the faintest sounds of whimpers. He's chasing something in his dreams...

"Oooooooh Boy! Birdy-birdy-birdy-birdy-birdy-birdy-bird"