Jack and the Birds Who Love to Torment Him

As you probably know by now, Jack is a Labrador Retriever. Labs are, by nature and design, hunting and bird dogs. Jack, however, is neither. A majority of the time, Jack thinks he’s human; sometimes, he thinks he’s a cat. He’s pretty convinced he’s the boss all the time.


Behind our yard, we have a retention pond. It has been seeded with “natural” grasses, and after 6 years, it’s finally starting to look cool in the summer. Cattails, reeds, croaking frogs, and birds…lots of birds. The HOA planted several trees throughout the retention area, and there are several along our and our neighbors’ fences. Lately, the birds have taken to teasing Jack; as soon as he’s outside, they swoop over our yard, flying from tree to tree, making sure to pass near enough to Jack to make him think he has a chance at catching them. Then, the birds land on the 10’ tall trees on the opposite side of our fence. I’m pretty sure the chattering, chirpy sounds they make once they land is equivalent to bird laughter at Jack’s frenzied barking. He’s such a dope!

*On a side note: your computer is not playing tricks on you - his feet are pink. He chewed up one of the kids' stuffed animals, and was caught, pink-pawed.