Post by Paul on Dec 23, 2004 12:10:00 GMT 9.5
RED AND BLUE
Application for Registration of Red
as Rabbit-catcher-in chief to Tia Taka Farm.
I am a very dignified bitch of uncertain but venerable age. The humans for whom I am responsible tell me I am a Blue Heeler cross but they are not sure what the 'cross" is, possible a Dachshund if my legs are a clue. My humans keep me in comfort, and in exchange I endeavor to reduce the numbers of rats, mice and rabbits on our small property in the Adelaide Hills.
Unfortunately my hearing and sight have recently deteriorated so that I find it increasingly difficult to catch the sneaky little beasts. However I was very relieved two weeks ago when my humans came to a very sensible decision - they brought home an assistant rabbit catcher for me. I immediately recognised his potential and as soon as we had completed our greeting ceremony I took him to the main scene of operations, a stack of corrugated iron sheeting left over when a shed was demolished.
I instructed the youngster (known as Red, which maybe significant as my name is Blue) to wait at one end of the heap of iron. He sat there with puzzled expression which changed to eager excitement when, as a result of my energetic leaping up and down on the other end of the metal sheets which makes a very satisfying crashing noise, two young rabbits suddenly erupted from the underneath and dashed past his astonished face. Of course I had to chase them as the young fellow had no idea what to do, but he followed me enthusiastically. After the first kill I allowed him to crunch on one of the legs although normally I would eat the whole beast. This encouragement worked well, from then on he knew what was required and we became an efficient team.
Red soon showed great aptitude in hunting and guarding and has recently taken over all my duties. Now, thankfully, I am enjoying a well earned retirement on my velvet cushion beside the fire.
I have only had to reprimand Red once; during the course of last Sunday's barbeque party he appeared proudly in front of the guests with the bloodied remains of his latest kill dangling from his jaws. The human shrieks penetrated even my poor ears, and thereupon I suggested rather sharply that he bury what he cannot eat rather than upset his humans. He was very apologetic about this social gaffe and I'm sure in future he will be a credit to my careful training.
As soon as Red had learned all duties, Blue retired and lived for another year or two, but never chased another rabbit.
©Lorna Prewett. Scott Creek, SA.
Application for Registration of Red
as Rabbit-catcher-in chief to Tia Taka Farm.
I am a very dignified bitch of uncertain but venerable age. The humans for whom I am responsible tell me I am a Blue Heeler cross but they are not sure what the 'cross" is, possible a Dachshund if my legs are a clue. My humans keep me in comfort, and in exchange I endeavor to reduce the numbers of rats, mice and rabbits on our small property in the Adelaide Hills.
Unfortunately my hearing and sight have recently deteriorated so that I find it increasingly difficult to catch the sneaky little beasts. However I was very relieved two weeks ago when my humans came to a very sensible decision - they brought home an assistant rabbit catcher for me. I immediately recognised his potential and as soon as we had completed our greeting ceremony I took him to the main scene of operations, a stack of corrugated iron sheeting left over when a shed was demolished.
I instructed the youngster (known as Red, which maybe significant as my name is Blue) to wait at one end of the heap of iron. He sat there with puzzled expression which changed to eager excitement when, as a result of my energetic leaping up and down on the other end of the metal sheets which makes a very satisfying crashing noise, two young rabbits suddenly erupted from the underneath and dashed past his astonished face. Of course I had to chase them as the young fellow had no idea what to do, but he followed me enthusiastically. After the first kill I allowed him to crunch on one of the legs although normally I would eat the whole beast. This encouragement worked well, from then on he knew what was required and we became an efficient team.
Red soon showed great aptitude in hunting and guarding and has recently taken over all my duties. Now, thankfully, I am enjoying a well earned retirement on my velvet cushion beside the fire.
I have only had to reprimand Red once; during the course of last Sunday's barbeque party he appeared proudly in front of the guests with the bloodied remains of his latest kill dangling from his jaws. The human shrieks penetrated even my poor ears, and thereupon I suggested rather sharply that he bury what he cannot eat rather than upset his humans. He was very apologetic about this social gaffe and I'm sure in future he will be a credit to my careful training.
As soon as Red had learned all duties, Blue retired and lived for another year or two, but never chased another rabbit.
©Lorna Prewett. Scott Creek, SA.
