The Cardinals and Sassy Sue

Sassy is staring me down, knowing I will drink some pour-over coffee before I take her out for a walk. Sometimes the look is triumphant, grinning "I know you will go outside soon." The afternoon look starts at 3 PM, which is prime time for Ranger Bob to be around. Then she lifts her head and lets go with piercing, heart-breaking howls. 

"What's wrong with Sassy?" Mrs. Ichabod asks.

"It's Bob time, 3 PM." I answer. The scramble to the front door is inspiring.

Alaska has become a regular. He escapes routinely and often waits at our door for an escort back home. Sassy and Alaska played tag a little at Bob's, and Alaska was glad to go back home, across the street from Bob's. I called through their semi-open front door, "Does anyone want a large, black puppy?" 

Some evolutionists should study how dogs of all breeds and various locations play the tag game. It starts with a duck down and then a jump to the left or right. That is repeated for "Let's play tag." Sassy played the more advanced version, the "Kill Game," with her two mates at home. One dog would play victim, the other a killer attacking up and down the victim's body - no harm done. Then they would switch and do the same, making lots of noise and racing in and out the doggie door. In South Bend, far from home, Sassy played the whole game with new dogs. If humans look or pay attention, the game stops.

The Cardinal Is Married!

Squirrels will come up to the kitchen window and wonder - with their sad, orphaned eyes - when the next meal is coming. All the animals can tell if food is on the barrels and window ledges. Recently a female cardinal stopped on one barrel to search in obvious, beseeching ways, for food. She paced around, looking for food that was not there.

That must be the cardinal version for "Get some fresh snacks at the store. I'm hungry." Typical male. So she goes out, looks, and solicits. Bob says, "Indians consider cardinals good luck, so it is special if you always have them in your yard." 

To win and keep their approval, I have

• Five feeding areas in the backyard
• Two baths in the front and two in the backyard
• Berry plants, bushes, and Poke weeds
• Wild strawberries on the ground
• Rough areas where many creatures meet, greet, and procreate.

Sassy set up a defense perimeter when the Moline 66 ladies had lunch and Mrs. Ichabod attended. Sassy celebrates her great moments by barking happily.