He's Not Doing His Job

  Mr. PJ, the old dog that we are fostering for our son and daughter-in-law has made it clear that he is NOT a working dog.  He merely wants to lounge on his bed, be fed and be doted on for his every whim.  He does not want to help out around the place.  This bit of laziness comes from not being raised on the Bayou.  Here, it is understood that everyone pulls their own weight in one way or another.  This has always applied to even the animal residents so I am not used to the apathy shown by the dog.  Cats have always had the chore of keeping the gardens and Little Bayou House free of rats and mice.  Dogs were to protect the fruit trees and gardens from marauding critters and, of course, they had full charge of protecting the Little Bayou House from intruders. Ms. Ez would even help out by bringing us tools on command, guarding the bird feeders and tending to any of the other animals that were ill.  It was second nature to her to be helpful.  She was a working member of the family.  Mr. PJ seems to be in full charge of....sleep.  That's it.  He does nothing else.  The only time the dog moves fast at all is when food is involved. Then, suddenly he comes to life and is full of vim and vigor until the food bowl is empty.  After which, he falls back on his bed for a nap. Granted, he is old but still....a little effort on his part would be appreciated.

  For the past week or so, the bird feeder has been positioned just outside of the front doors,  This was done to discourage the hawk from making a daily meal out of one of the fatter birds each day.  So far, that has worked but it has not deterred the squirrels from trying to raid the feeder.  Each day, six or more squirrels try their best to figure out how to obtain the sunflower seeds that are just out of their reach.  The feeder dangles precariously from a shepherd's hook that has a nicely greased pole.  The squirrels try to climb the skinny, slippery pole but slide back to the ground.  It works rather well but the squirrels are diligent in their efforts.  They have taken to climbing the screen doors in search of a way into the feeder.  

  All of this is taking place just inches away from Mr. PJ and his nice, comfy bed.  Not once has he tried to guard the feeder.  Not once has he even noticed the squirrels.  Not a growl, bark or even a whimper.  He sleeps.  Ms. Ez, on the other hand, would have had conniption fits at the very sight of a squirrel!  She knew that it was one of her jobs to chase the squirrels from the yard.  It was the highlight of her day.  Mr. PJ's highlight is a nap.  He is slacking on the job and the squirrels have already figured out that he is not a threat.  Even when he goes out the door, the squirrels just step to the side and let him pass.  Slacker!!!