For the past two mornings, Mr. PJ has been a bit reluctant to do his morning business far down the hill. We usually take a hike along the marsh edge until he comes to his favorite spot. He then exits the path in a small clearing and does his thing. Yesterday and today, however, he has stubbornly tried to go back to the Little Bayou House long before we get to the clearing. He swerves, goes around me and tries to retrace his steps. He just plain does not want to go down the path. Later in the day, he has no problem with following the same route. Now I am wondering what he senses just beyond the next curve. Our hikes are early morn and darkness still lingers beneath the heavy oaks. The path is lined with underbrush and vision is often obscured by both shadows and trees. Is there something lurking there? Is something just waiting for us to haphazardly walk into range? I have no idea. Both days, I have given in to his better judgment and we have returned to the house.
This morning's hike did have me a bit antsy even before we reached the "dreaded" spot. I kept having the feeling that I was being watched. My uneasiness coupled with that of the old dog, was enough to make me start really looking for the "culprit". After a few moments, I found my "staring eyes". A great blue heron was looking down upon us from a tall pine. I figured it was his stare that sent chills up my spine but this was far from where PJ has his senses alerted to something unseen. The heron was not the cause of the old dog's wariness. Something else was just down the path!
For now, I am thinking that the dog and I should wait until the sun rises over the pines before we venture too far into the dark path. There must be a good reason for him to be hesitant. Mr. PJ is old and not as steady as he once was. While I know he would try his best to defend me from whatever "evil" lurks in the shadows, there is no need for him to be stressed. Whether this unseen foe is a coyote, bobcat or some other "predator", tempting fate is not a good thing. Mr. PJ will just get to sleep a bit longer on these upcoming colder mornings. I am thankful for his alertness and for his stubbornness! Good job, Old Boy!
Ever since her first appearance on the Bayou, Ms. Nycto has been dubbed the "Bayou Princess". Granted, when she first came, there already was a queen, Ms. Put but this cat did not seem to be anything other than a princess. Now that the Queen has passed on to Cat Heaven, one would think that the Princess would step into the vacated position. She has not. She will not. This cat will always be THE Princess. There will be no coronation proclaiming her to be queen. She is just not. However! She is definitely a princess! And...should be treated as such. She requires constant reminding of her beauty and her elegance. And...she shall NOT be expected to fulfill any menial tasks that ordinary cats are expected to do. While she may bat at an occasional butterfly, catching a rat or mouse is beneath her dignity so don't expect her to even give chase. It ain't happenin', folks. This princess is not going to lower herself to menial tasks.
Recently, however, Ms, Nycto has taken it upon herself to be official "Watcher" of the old dog. Mr. PJ's every move is duly noticed and great care is taken to follow his every step. She stays a good ten feet behind the old dog but traipses along after him as he walks. Inside, she perches herself on the dining room chair so she can watch him sleep. The old dog never notices but I do. I often wonder why she is so dutifully watching him. It never ceases lately. She watches his every move.
Is there some instinct that tells her he may need help, at some point? He has fallen a good bit lately as athritis is setting in the hind legs so maybe she is there to help? I hope so. Otherwise, it is downright creepy having a stalker in our midst! That said, I am glad it is the dog she is following and not me! There is something about eyes being on you at all times that is a bit unnerving!
