
For his part, Kaz takes it all in stride. He is a good natured homebody who loves to lounge on the cool floor on a hot Florida day, but in the early morning when it's cool or late at night, he enjoys a brisk run in our large yard with Molly is at his side. They operate as a two dog security patrol, making sure that only those things that should be on the farm are here. All strangers and critters of the night beware.
And this brings me to "The Chase". Whenever it is dark or nearly dark, these two love to check out the garage and the horse barn to make sure everything is in order. Or at least that's what they want me to think. In reality, they are out on their daily possum and raccoon patrols.
While I am sitting at my computer and writing one of my many stories just before dark, first Molly (Mutt) and then Jeff (Kaz) come into my office and notify me that it's time to run. Molly puts her front paws up on my knee and licks me until I pay attention and shoo her off. Then Kaz walks in and puts his large and drooling "mush" in my lap, something that can't be ignored, and I finally respond with the question, "Do you want to go out?" Once said, Molly starts whining and Kaz bellows and we three head to the door. And they're off, checking the storage shed and under the tractor, all corners of the barn, and the garage.
When they find a "visitor", Kaz then gets bored while a determined Molly tries to figure out a way to get to the critter, but invariably they find an eave or a rafter to occupy while safely waiting her out. Once I call them back to the porch I watch as the "visitor" quickly exits over the fence into the woods, not to come back until it knows that these two are back inside asleep.
Some people ask why I don't trap the varmints but I always say it's much more fun watching the game than TV. By leaving just a little bit of cat food in a place for them, they never destroy anything being stored. They are just looking for a bite to eat and as long as my animals have their proper inoculations, there is no worry. Besides, what would these two loving dogs do without their sport? It's what they love to do and it gives them good exercise.
Read more about Kaz and Molly in my new book, Honey, We Shoulda' Bought the Ark, coming out this fall. Animals, truly a gift from God to make life more interesting and full. Praise Him on High.
Have a great day.