His name is Cato (I think) or maybe Curtiss, or Calvin...something that starts with a "C".
The town of Black Mountain hired him to chase the geese and ducks away...to keep the grass clean of their droppings. And perhaps to keep them from being fed by children and parents who don't pay any attention to the signs saying "Don't feed the water fowl, they will get sick."
Anyway, my friend and I met to walk at the lake the other morning. And I said, "Look, a dog is chasing the geese off the island, and is even swimming after them in the water." She agreed, and then we saw the dog climb out of the lake and walk along with a woman, not on a leash.
We eventually walked over that far, and I took Cato's photo, and we learned about his job of chasing the ducks and geese. Originally I had felt bad about the geese and ducks being chased. Then we felt bad that the dog had been in pretty cold water. But he has a setter's tail, so is probably is used to swimming anywhere he wants.
It has been raining and cold the rest of the week, so this is all I can share today.
Today's quote:
“If I wait until I become perfect before I love myself, I will waste my whole life. I am already perfect right here and right now. I am perfect exactly as I am.” -Louise L. Hay
Hello,
ReplyDeleteI would not want to be that dog in the winter, the water is too cold. He is a cutie! The last photo is gorgeous, lovely view! Have a happy day!
Good morning Eileen...yes, I'm sure he got out as soon as his "handler" called, and gave a good shake. Thanks for commenting each time you do!
DeleteI have heard that before. Many years ago in Columbia MD where I lived the Columbia Association (in charge of open spaces) had a dog chase the geese away near the lakefront. The dog did well but I'm not sure why they didn't continue the practice. When we last lived in downtown Columbia before moving here, walking around the lake downtown could be treacherous for the goose poop.
ReplyDeleteOh so a good idea may have been passed along to some, but not to others! Very good. We had a dog doing this a few years ago, and then he was gone, so this is the second edition of goose dog here.
DeleteWell, that's a unique solution. Our town has put big hedges between the river and the park. I hate this solution.
ReplyDeleteOh dear, that keeps people from having any view, or access. We've got lots of folks who like to sit in a chair fishing for hours at this little lake, and the town even stocked it with trout after the repair works.
DeleteWhat a sweet looking pup! His job is a new one on me! It must be some sort of doggie heaven to have your job be what you love doing naturally.
ReplyDeleteMy Winterpup loves chasing the wild turkeys that come into the yard. She also loves rolling in their poop.
Love your morning walks, thank you for keeping posting them.
Oh my goodness, Winterpup is sure doing more than needed...and then will need a bath herself. Glad she enjoys chasing turkeys...but then again, maybe you wanted to keep one around for dinner.
Delete...controlling geese is a BIG job!
ReplyDeleteYes, and when she/he goes home, guess who's back. They will be mating soon, and wanting to nest on the island. Wonder if he'll drive them away.
DeleteI like that they don't want people feeding the ducks and geese. I just wish they would control the people from doing that instead of not letting the critters roam around on land. I hope the weather is clearing up there.
ReplyDeleteToday, Sat, the 20 Feb, is still bitterly cold and some windy, but the sun is shining, so I find I want to be outside. Whew, I just came in from a short cold walk. Controlling people is best attempted in fighting Covid, and I'll let them feed the ducks.
DeleteThat's a great job for a dog--doing something they love. He looks like an Australian shepherd to me.
ReplyDeleteHe very well may be. I don't know dogs all that well, being a cat person. But he was sure happy to chase the geese.
DeleteWhat a great job!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure he got some treats from his "handler" and a few "good boy"s as well.
DeleteInteresting job for the dog. :) I think it is quite a food one.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
Yes, and if he walks around scaring off the geese, say a couple of times a day, then there's that much less poop for little kids to step in. The usual dog walkers are provided little bags for their dogs' leavings. So the waters are only polluted by dog pee, and fish stuff of course.
DeleteBeautiful looking dog. He's got a job that he is perfect for.
ReplyDeleteI think he was very happy doing what he's trained to do.
DeleteHe takes his job seriously.
ReplyDeleteWell, I've got to admit I've never seen a dog laughing...but there might be happy dogs who wag their tails. I think this fellow did a bit with his tail.
DeleteYour landscape looks so much like mine, Barbara. We are fortunate to live in such beautiful places. The geese can be a problem here, also. They used to fly south for winter but now they hang around year round and sometimes block roads and tussle with other wildlife. I guess our community should look into a dog like this one to chase them.
ReplyDeleteIt seems to be one answer to problems with geese. I kind of like them actually, but I guess those in charge want to make the banks of the lake safe for little people.
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